Originally planned to be an add-on to the Return to Castle Wolfenstein online game, Enemy Territory evolved into its own multiplayer-only game. And, best of all, it is free. This game has best graphics of all of the game described here, which is why it is one of the favorites among free LAN game players.
With different game modes as well as the option to play online, this is a must-play for any serious LAN gamer. It has a Call of Duty type feel to it, although I must admit that the graphics aren’t THAT great. Its maps center around North Africa and Central Europe, which provides an interesting change of scenery.
Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory is accessible at www.planetwolfenstein.com/enemyterritory
This first person, multiplayer shooting game runs off the Quake engine, but has a very unusual quality to it. The characters, more than anything, have a cartoon look to them, which honestly in a nice change. I didn’t know how I would like it at first, but it was a lot of fun. The people at my LAN party enjoyed it as well.
The game plays well and has great features like the differentiation in ammo packs for each weapon. Every gun comes with a weak ammo pack, but there are strong ammunition out there that can be used as well. You just have to find it!
Warsow works with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, and is available at www.warsow.net
These four games will get you off to a great start when playing with anyone over a network. And, when your friends go home, you can always hook up with someone online for free and play with them as well. All four of these games have been hits at my LAN parties. Be sure and test them out before you have your pals over to make sure they're the kind of games that you think they would like. Each one of these four is distinct, and I'm sure that you'll fall in love with at least one of them. Best of all, they are free!