Web Apps
Sometimes it’s necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your employer probably won’t allow you to install a desktop game on your computer but fret not, there are plenty of browser-based games to keep you entertained.
We’ve pulled together ten great browser-based games you should definitely check out.
Update: We’ve added a couple reader submitted game sites! You can submit your favorites too.
Prerequisites
Many of these games attempt to duplicate (to a lesser degree) desktop games, which require significantly higher computer hardware capabilities. The specifics on minimum requirements for hardware can be difficult to say (especially for browser-based games), so in general you’ll need a relatively capable computer and updated browser. Of course, another common requirement will be broadband internet. I’ve tried to list the main requirements for each game but your system may vary.
Quake Live
Quake Live
If you’ve played any of the desktop versions of Quake, you’ll already be familiar with the browser-based version as it’s quite similar. Quake is a fast paced first-person shooter, focused on multiplayer. The game is currently in beta but having played it a bit, it seems to work really well and is tons of fun.
- Requirements: IE 7 or higher, FireFox 2.0 or higher (I played in Safari without issues)
- Developer: Id Software LLC.
RuneScape
RuneScape
RuneScape is Java powered and offers a certain level of 3D rendering. It is a fantasy MMORPG that allows players to travel through different kingdoms, cities, etc. using magic, spells and other fantasy themed gameplay activities.
- Requirements: Java
- Developer: Jagex Ltd
Fallen Empire: Legions
Fallen Empire: Legions
Fallen Empire: Legions is a first-person shooter where players can fly around using a jetpack, dodging enemy fire and shooting enemies in deathmatch mode. You’ll be able to play with up to 32 players, live. The game has some pretty good 3D graphics, especially for a browser-based game.
- Requirements: IE6+, Firefox or Safari
- Developer: InstantAction
Power Soccer
Power Soccer
Power Soccer gives players live control of a soccer team in real-time 3D. You’ll be able to challenge other teams, play thousands of other players, get involved in online leagues, connect with other soccer fans and much more.
- Requirements: Flash 9.0+, Browser supporting Java 1.1+
- Developer: Power Challenge
ORANGEfps
ORANGEfps
ORANGEfps is a first-person shooter with decent 3D graphics for a browser-based game that allows players to play in multi or single player modes. The system requirements are a little unclear and it looks like it only supports Windows right now, but from what I can tell — it looks like a lot of fun.
- Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or 7
- Developer: ORANGEfps
Earth Eternal
Earth Eternal
Earth Eternal is a cartoonish-themed MMO where players have access to 22 character types, ranging from bear-like creatures to rabbit-like creatures. Characters can be customized and players are able to roam through lots of different 3D landscape types while combating other players.
- Requirements: Not listed
- Developer: Sparkplay Media
Phosphor
Phosphor
Phosphor is a first-person shooter currently in its second beta. It runs on Shockwave and the 3D graphics aren’t anything you’ll gawk over but it can be a pretty fun online multiplayer game.
- Requirements: Adobe Shockwave 11.5.1
- Developer: Rasterwerks
Battlefield Heroes
Battlefield Heroes
Battlefield Heros is another cartoonish-themed 3D shooter, which is being developed by EA (a pretty big name in the gaming industry). The graphics look pretty great and players are able to customize their characters while ranking up as they play.
- Requirements: Windows XP or Vista
- Developer: EA Digital Illusions CE AB
Gilfor’s Tales
Gilfor's Tales
Gilfor’s Tales is another fantasy-themed game with some pretty decent 2D/2.5D graphics and 3D characters, although Flash rendered. The characters are supposedly rendered in real-time, giving it a more immersive experience. Players create a team, explores and battles through the different landscapes, creatures and characters.
- Requirements: Flash 9
- Developer: Sodigital
Imperion
Imperion
Imperion is a space-themed game based in the year 2137 where three species fight to dominate the universe. Players develop new technologies, space ships, buildings, etc. It seems to have some pretty good graphics and fun gameplay but was released in mid-2009, so it’s still a very new game.
- Requirements: Not listed
- Developer: Travian Games GmbH
Reader Submitted Games
A few of our readers have submitted a couple browser-based games that would be great additions to the list, so we’ve added them below. We’ll keep adding game submissions from readers for awhile so keep’em comin!
InstantAction
InstantAction
InstantAction is a video game network sporting quite a few multiplayer titles, no downloads required. From what I hear, it’s workplace productivity poison so beware! (And have fun!) A few of the games include Fallen Empire: Legions, Marble Blast, Galcon, Rokkitball, Ace of Aces, Lore: Aftermath and more.
Submitted by John. Thanks!
- Requirements: Varies by title, see requirements.
- Developer: GarageGames
Inix Game – Kal Online
Inix Game
Inix Game is offering Kal Online (reader submitted) and Project Shinru, both fantasy-themed games sporting pretty good graphics (although I haven’t played either yet). From what I could find, both games offer real-time 3D graphics but may be Windows only.
Submitted by Klaus. Thanks!
- Requirements: Flash?, Not listed
- Developer: INix Soft
Have Fun!
Games are a perfect example of how quickly web applications have advanced over the last few years and are increasingly advancing with time. There are tons of fun browser-based games available though so if you have a favorite, please share it with us in the comments below!
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Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from work and do something a little more enjoyable — like play games! Of course your ...
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ORANGEfps looks awesome. Will only work on Windows though. Mac here
Yeah, same here. I plan on giving it a try in Parallels though.
If you want to play games, you’re using the wrong platform. That includes browser based games — also limited for Macs.
Any suggestions on long turn-based “fun but won’t take all your time at work” games? Throwing down strategy/troops/etc is a little easier to pull off in a meeting than… quake.
those are some pretty cool games
i think i’ll try a few
Earth Eternal is only available for Windows systems
Could you shoot me a link to where you found that info? I’ll update the article and credit you for it if you do. Thanks!
Contact form: http://j.mp/a6DnzS
I found out when I tried to play it and it asked me to download an exe
But YES http://www.playauditorium.com/
I had totally forgotten about that game!
Another game, Auditorium: http://www.playauditorium.com/
Hmm… Doesn’t seem to be loading. I’ll have to check it out later when their server is back online.
Hmmm lots of FPS games, which don’t play especially well in a browser do they? And since windows games don’t play on a mac, this list is hardly a list of real browser games in my opinion.
I played a couple of the FPS’s and they played fine. Also, I’m on a Mac and most of these are compatible; if one isn’t then I just jump into Parallels.
I prefer Instant Action: http://www.instantaction.com/
They’ve got some cool stuff. The third game listed here is actually from that site. I was trying it out and it’s pretty cool.
another cool one:
http://www.inixgame.com/kalonline/
I think Dofus it’s a really nice game too
http://www.dofus.com/en
I can’t believe you missed out on http://www.kingdomofloathing.com/ ! And the graphics put all the other options here to shame.
An adventurer is you!
Kingdom of Loathing (kingdomofloathing.com) is, um, unique. It’s a lot of fun if you grew-up in that weird cusp area of infocom and the early days of public internet.
Jarel,
Thank you very much for putting my game ORANGEfps onto this list, it’s always nice to see when it’s recognized around the web.
Sincerely,
Max Thomas
ahh eu gosto muito de jogos de pc
World Golf Tour is really sweet. http://wgt.com/
Fallen Empire: Legions website is not working.
As a soccer games fan i must say that Power Soccer controls are not that good, the graphic is awesome for a flash game, but my favorite soccer flash game is still Ragdoll Goalie – you can this game and many other online soccer games at – http://www.bgames.com/games/soccer-games-1.html
If you have more source for flash soccer games, please share.
If you like solitaire card games, you should check out http://AceCardGames.com
You can play full-screen and it works on any computer (mac and linux included).
Awesome list, now I have a reason to stay late at work
great list. i like the second one…
http://www.elementsthegame.com
It’s a card game, similar to Magic: The Gathering, but streamlined.
Very cool list, but it takes some times to load..
Amazingly fun, well put together browser based game. Try it!
http://www.realmofthemadgod.com/
Battlefield Heroes is not a browser game. It downloads a full blown stand-alone client. It’s also not free by a long shot – the for-purchase weapons are far superior to their free counterparts to a point where you won’t get far unless you spend at least $5 – $20.
Dead Frontier is an awesome Browser based Zombie Apocalypse themed MMO. It’s a top down shooter when journeying within the wasteland to find supplies and to kill zombies. It’s pretty awesome.
This site design is ultra bitchin! I’m digging it on many levels. Wow. Did you do this design?
cool list. thanks for the share. anyone know of a similar kind of tennis game?
Another game : http://www.xemerys.com . Xemerys is a city building browser based strategy game set in a fantasy world. It’s free to play (with premium features) and it’s a mix of Caesar and Civilization with spells! Be aware it’s pretty hard compared to ikariam and like.
What about Paradise Paintball?
http://paradisepaintball.cmune.com
Machinarium!
The geo-political online game and economic simulation Ars Regendi (http://www.ars-regendi.com) should also be mentioned, as it has a completely different gameplay and it’s famous for the most realistic economic model of complete states
Hi, Another fun and free browser based game – it’s my site http://galaxypoker.net. Could you guys have some try out. It’s site for playing poker (both cash and tournament game)
Hope you have fun, my friends!
Lao Ze: Not very good
quake was fun thx, also started playin power soccer
Core Exiles – is a Excellent Browser game. Does Not Re-set, Persistent world. You Cannot be Attacked by others while you are away. Many avenues for “career” development per you own natural interests. Ability to build a Settlement, Explore new alien galaxy, interact with other species in other trade approved galaxys, etc etc. Been a Gamer for 30 years; this is a Top Game.