What are some good freeware games?

[Kelthaz]

In the past few years I've noticed that most of my favourite games tend to be of the indie/freeware variety. I've probably played most of the good ones, but I'm sure I'm missing a few gems. If anyone knows some good games that aren't the online variety let me know. These are the freeware games I've played and loved.

A Game With a Kitty (1 and 2)
Cave Story
Eternal Daughter
I Wanna Be The Guy
Jumper 2
Lyle In Cube Sector
Spirit Engine, The
Warning Forever

I'm mainly looking for platformers or shmups, but I'll try pretty much anything if it's good.

 

[DiSiLLUSiON]

I have searched but never found any freeware games that were actually good; most are lacking in either graphics, gameplay, longevity or problem support, so I can't help you there.

But if it's the money that's the problem, you can pick up a lot of games from a few years old in the sale bins for € 5,-.

 

[Lindley]

Not sure about freeware, but anything from Ambrosia is going to be great shareware.

And most of their newer stuff has Windows versions, too. It's not just a Mac company anymore.

 

[Kelthaz]

But if it's the money that's the problem, you can pick up a lot of games from a few years old in the sale bins for € 5,-.

Money is a factor, but that's not the reason. Freeware/Indie games tend to be more innovative, challenging, and fun. I'm not saying modern gaming sucks, but we're not exactly in my favourite generation. Indie games feel like old school 8 or 16-BIT games that, to me, was the golden age of gaming. For example Fez is a game that I am really looking forward to.

Not sure about freeware, but anything from Ambrosia is going to be great shareware.

And most of their newer stuff has Windows versions, too. It's not just a Mac company anymore.

I've never heard of Ambrosia before, but I have heard of Aquaria and Defcon. I tried the trial for Defcon, but the game didn't exactly interest me. I'll give the Aquaria and Multiwinia trials a shot.

 

[Lindley]

I haven't actually played Multiwinia yet, but Darwinia was a lot of fun once they fixed the framerate issues.

I'd also suggest EV Nova. The game may be the better part of a decade old, but there's a reason why the Escape Velocity series is a classic.

 

[B.J.]

Warning Forever

Battleships Forever was very much inspired by Warning Forever. Not only is the game itself fun, but you can go nuts with the ShipMaker and sandbox modes!

 

[clint g]

Well, theres The Elder Scrolls I and II

 

[donners22]

Commercial games released for free:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercial_video_games_released_as_freeware

I'd recommend Championship Manager.

Eastside Hockey Manager was a great freeware game - so good that it was picked up be a major software company.