26 Jan 2008

Linux games you might not be aware of

Filed under: Software and Technology by Hari
Posted at 13:09:35 IST (last updated: 7 May 2009 @ 21:13:52 IST)
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A couple of Linux/cross platform SDL games I found in the Debian repository recently were quite entertaining. Not everybody might know about these, but I think they're worth mentioning here.

XMoto - This is a 2d sidescrolling motocross action game with challenging, yet addictive gameplay. Controlling the bike is an exercise in gravity management and balance. Try it and see for yourself. You won't get anywhere if you just keep trying to drive fast. Completing levels can be really, really challenging or frustrating (depending on your viewpoint). It also has a level editor which can be installed separately to add your own challenges.

Abe's Amazing Adventure - This is very similar to the old-school sidescrolling arcade games of the early 90s. Plenty of platform hopping and avoiding enemies here. Simple, yet fun. Shows how much you can do without all the fancy and flashy effects of 3D accelerated graphics.

FooBillard - This is a realistic 3D pool game for Linux. You can play one of 8-ball, 9-ball, Snooker or Carom, but there is no AI implemented as yet, so you have to play for both players. Still, it can be a challenge to aim a shot correctly as it doesn't provide a whole deal of assistance. Has all the table and ball physics you expect from this kind of game.

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7 comment(s)

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  1. X-moto has been a favorite since I discovered it!

    Comment by MrCorey (visitor) on 26 Jan 2008 @ 18:58:51 IST #
  2. When did you discover it, MrCorey? I found it in the Debian repository while browsing Synaptic for games.

    Comment by hari (blog owner) on 26 Jan 2008 @ 19:28:02 IST #
  3. That's pretty much how I find games as well. That's the one thing that I've always liked about RPMDrake - the ability to easily "shop" in the "candy store". The categorization and the description pane was always an invaluable method of perusing for new packages and their usefulness. Everything else about it was a disappointment.

    Synaptic is a lot like RPMDrake, int hat you can simply browse for fun software to try. Its a lot faster at it, though.

    I think that I discovered X-Moto about a year ago in the PCLinuxOS repository, via Synaptic. I've installed it on Ubuntu as well (and I had it on my Debian Etch install too). There's another made by the same author called Bloboats that has a similar premis but its even more difficult. I like the action in X-Moto, though. It sometimes reminds me of an off-road race game and sometimes, it reminds me of that Flash animation game where George Bush is falling down onto a series of bubbles, in which you can "yank" him around with your mouse to see how he's going to fall around the upcoming bubbles.

    There are some really nice games out there for Linux and the nice thing is that you don't need to filter out the naggy stuff with a service like Nonags.com (the place I get/got all of my Windows Freeware).

    Comment by MrCorey (visitor) on 26 Jan 2008 @ 21:57:42 IST #
  4. Jeez! That turned out to be a post!

    Comment by MrCorey (visitor) on 26 Jan 2008 @ 21:58:28 IST #
  5. Yes, it was good long comment. I agree with most of what you say there. Windows Freeware/Shareware games usually suck. Linux games rock.

    Let's hope more developers get into the Linux gaming industry.

    Comment by hari (blog owner) on 27 Jan 2008 @ 06:38:57 IST #
  6. I'm not much into games anymore. I occasionally play Tetris or Hexxagon, but that's about it.

    Comment by RT Cunningham (visitor) on 28 Jan 2008 @ 23:06:02 IST #
  7. Yes, RT, but at least in Linux you don't pay for them. ;-)

    Comment by hari (blog owner) on 29 Jan 2008 @ 08:49:34 IST #

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