Games

Because we all need a break and when we can't go paddling, we need something else to do instead. Here are a load of free Indie games to download and distract you from working.

All of the games are as ZIP archives and were featured on the PC Gamer February 2008 DVD, where the screenshots and the majority of the game descriptions come from.

Enjoy.

Black Shades by Wolfire Software (1.27 MB)

An indie first person shooter where you need to protect the man-in-white from larger and larger numbers of would-be assassins. It gets harder as the game starts limiting the weapons you can use per level, and then there's the zombie-level.

Download

Drivey by Unknown (277 KB)

A beautiful, serene, moody driving game. It's not a race, there are no other cars unless you want there to be, and by default you even have an AI driver keeping your car on the right track when you drive off it. Hit F1 to see the full list of commands.

Download

LineRider by *fsk (916 KB)

It's simple. You draw lines as in a paint package, and a tiny physics-enabled man on a sled rides down them. It's more of a toy than a game, but that hasn't stopped people challenging themselves to make the most wonderous of courses.

Download

N by Metanet (1.26 MB)

N is the free physics-driven platformer with a vast cult following. This ace new version takes advantage of that - fifty of the five-hundred levels (two-hundred of which are new this version) are made by fans and hand-picked by the game's creators to form a chapter.

Download

Ragdoll Matrix Reloaded by Artturi Piipponen (2.98 MB)

Strictly unofficial, this wonderful physics-driven game sees you freely controlling a ragdoll Agent Smith to dodge incoming bullets, all in slow-motion. Incredibly, it's every bit as cool as it sounds.

Download

Soldat by Unknown (11.3 MB)

Brilliant little side-scrolling deathmatch game, playing something like Counter-Strike with jetpacks. It's playable both online and against AI bots, and it's remarkable how closely it matches the feel of a great multiplayer shooter when the perspective is so different.

Download