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Linux: Access 100+ Games Instantly With DJL

Damien — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:13:54 +0000

(Update: The site was up and running when this post was published, but now it seems that it is down for unknown reason.)

(Update: The site is up and running again.)

For those who always feel that gaming is not suitable in Linux OS and it is always an hassle to install and get games to run in Linux platform, then DJL will definitely change the way you think.

Djl is an open-source (GPL licensed) game manager written in Python 2.5 for the GNU/Linux Operating Systems. In short, it is an application that allows you to install/uninstall/manage your games easily. With Djl, you can browse through its repository of 100+ games and install the game you want with a simple click. No longer do you need to worry about game dependencies and all the command lines.

Installation

Download djl installer script. Extract it to your Home folder.

Open a terminal, Install the dependencies

sudo apt-get install python-qt4

Change the file permission

chmod +x ~/djl/djl.sh

Run the scripts

sh ~/djl/djl.sh

Configuration

At the first run, the configuration window will appear. Here is where you can configure the settings such as the installation directory, default browser etc.

Once you are done with the configuration, click Save and it will bring you to the main screen of DJL.

Running DJL

Once you are at the main screen, this is where the fun comes in. In the Repository tab, you can find all the games available in the DJL repository. There are currently about 120 games in the repository and new games are added regularly.

One thing that I like about the interface is that it is well organized. You can even filter the games by the game types and game license.

When you have found the game you like, simply click Install and DJL will take care of the rest.

As soon as the installation is completed, you will find an entry in the Game tab where you can click to start playing.

Plugins

Even though it is a simple game manager, DJL allows its users to install plugins to increase its functionality. While I have no use for most of the plugins, it is good to know that such stuffs exist. Plugins such as the Unreal Tournament 2004 stats could be useful for Unreal fans.

If you are not a gamer, or that you are contented with just playing with Gnometrics, then this is not for you. Other than that, this is really an awesome piece of software.

Linux: Access 100+ Games Instantly With DJL originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

How to Play Super Nintendo (SNES) Game In Ubuntu Hardy

Damien — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:26:06 +0000

Image by Chris.JP

Previously, I have talked about the way to play playstation game in Ubuntu. For those who are a fanboy of Super Nintendo (SNES), I didn’t forget about you too. Here is how you can play SNES game in Ubuntu Hardy.

There are several popular SNES emulators for Linux, namely: ZSNES, SNES9X, BSNES, SNEmul. We will be using ZSNES because it is the best among the rest and works great in Ubuntu.

In your terminal, type

sudo apt-get install zsnes

Once done, go to any of the SNES ROM download sites and download your favorite SNES game (Once again, it is illegal to own the ROMs if you do not own the cartridges, download at your own risk). The game will be in .zip format. There is no need to extract the files.

Open your ZSNES emulator (Applications->Games->ZSNES Emulator).

Select Load from the menubar and navigate to the file path where you have downloaded the zipped ROM.

Select the file and click Load to power up the game.

At any point of time, you can press the Escape button on your keyboard to activate the menubar.

Some options that you can configure in the menubar include loading a previously saved game, saving the current game state, configure your input devices, video and sound options and also connect to the Internet for multiplayer gameplay.

Enjoy!

How to Play Super Nintendo (SNES) Game In Ubuntu Hardy originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Having a boring day? Try Playing Tetris On Your Mac Terminal

Damien — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:43 +0000

After a long boring day at work, what about taking a short break and play some cool tetris game on your Mac terminal? Yes, you hear me right, I am referring to the black, ugly, unglamorous terminal app that you never want to open, and you can play tetris on it. Here’s how:

Open up your Finder and go to Application -> Utilities. Open the Terminal app.

Type emacs. You will see a lot of text. If you don’t understand, just ignore it.

Press the ‘escape’ button on your keyboard, follow by ‘X’.

Type ‘tetris’ (in lowercase and without the quote) and press ‘Enter’.

Use the arrow keys to move the block left/right and the arrow-up key to change shape. Space to drop the block.

Enjoy!

[via TUAW]

Having a boring day? Try Playing Tetris On Your Mac Terminal originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

4 Ways To Play Windows Game On Linux

Damien — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:34:26 +0000

Playing Windows games on Linux is not really a difficult task. Most gamers are reluctant to migrate to Linux because they have this misconception that Windows games cannot be played on Linux. How wrong they are. If you are one of those avid gamers that I mentioned above, here are 4 ways that you can play Windows games on Linux.

1) Wine

The obvious way to install any Windows applications on Linux is via Wine. At the time when WineHQ released the stable 1.0 version, it has already supported more than 200 Windows games. Before you install any games on Linux, you can first check out Wine AppDB whether your game is already supported in Wine.

2) PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux (POL) is a python based script based on Wine code. It is a useful tool that aim to help Linux users run Windows games on Linux without having to go through the scary command line interface. The main features of POL lies in its ability to allow each application to be installed within its own wineprefix. What this means is that one can easily install/modify/remove Windows games without affecting the systems or other applications. POL is open source and has a strong community support on their POL forum. Being a python script, it is not limited to any Linux distribution. Whether you are using Ubuntu, Fedora or Gentoo, you can find installation and usage instructions on the POL site.

3) CrossOver Games

CrossOver Games is an addition to the popular CrossOver series. Unlike other CrossOver products, which are aimed primarily at office productivity applications, CrossOver Games focuses on the stability of installing Windows games on Linux (and Mac OSX). As the same as PlayOnLinux, CrossOver Games provides a click and install method that makes it simple for anyone to use. The latest version of CrossOver Games has already tested to work with more than a hundred Windows games, including the popular World of Warcraft, Half-Life2 and Counterstrike.

CrossOver Games costs $39.95

4) Cedega

Formerly known as WineX, Cedega is a proprietary software from Transgaming Technologies specifically designed for running game written for Windows under Linux. Being a proprietary product, users must subscribe to Transgaming membership to enjoy the full functionality of Cedega.

As a fork of Wine, Cedega strength lies in implement the Mircosoft DirectX API on Linux. Installation of games using Cedega is make to mimics the experience that Windows users have. You insert the disc, run setup.exe, wait for the game to finish installing and finally enjoy your game.

4 Ways To Play Windows Game On Linux originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Console Gaming For iPhone

Damien — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:11:34 +0000

[Game console lover] If you need a reason to convince yourself to buy the expensive iPhone, here is it: You can now play all your favorite console games in your iPhone, via the emulators. Be it Playstation, Nintendo or even Sega Genesis, their emulators are easily available in the installer app. Simply click and install and you will be playing your favorite game in no time.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Playstation I Emulator (PSX4all)

GameBoy Advance (GpSPhone)

Sega Genesis (genesus4iphone)

Super Nintendo (SNES4iPhone)

Scumm (ScummVM)

For those who miss the LucasArts SCUMM interpreter, used in games such as Monkey Island, Indiana Jones, Day Of The Tentacle and Sam and Max, here is the emulator for iPhone

Console Gaming For iPhone originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Gaming Version of ‘YouTube’? Check Out Kongregate…

Damien — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:24:44 +0000

Tired of your desktop games? Or just want to take a break from work? Just point your browser to Kongregate.com and enjoy highly addictive online flash games, and if you like, challenge other gamers to a game too.

Kongregate is a social gaming site that allows users to upload and share flash-based games. Aiming to be the gaming version of ‘YouTube‘, it also allows users to rate, tags, add comments and pitch their skills against each other. The games that are highly rated by users are featured in the front page.

Currently, there are more than 3,000 games in the database and some of them are truly addictive and can hook you in for hours. Personally, I have not try all the games, but based on what I have played over the past few days, here are some games that I highly recommended.

1) Desktop Tower Defense

A simple strategy game. The battle scene is set on an office desktop. You can buy towers and place them in strategic position so to kill waves and waves of creeps crawling across the desktop.

2) Pillage the village

An interesting game where you have to drag the villagers and throw them in the air (so as to kill them) so that you can loot their money. There are different characters where you have to react accordingly, such as villagers with parachute that can resist your throw and the camouflage thief that is always trying to steal your money.

3) Boxhead: 2Play Rooms

This is a simplified version of the PsX’s Resident Evil. You have to eliminate wave and wave of zombies. As you progress, you will be equipped with more powerful weapons, but that also means the enemies are getting stronger. Most of the time, you will be surrounded by swarm of zombies and you have to fight your way out, or suffer a horrible death.

4) Filler

Filler is a brainless game that is suitable for everyone. If you don’t like strategy or fighting game, then this game is suitable for you. What you need to do is to fill up balls so that they occupy 2/3 of the game screen. While you are filling up balls, there are bouncing balls that bounce around the screen to burst your ball. Everytime your ball is burst, you lost a live.

5) Monster’s Den

This is like the Dungeons and Dragons game in the past. You form a team of four and fight monsters throughout the dungeon (monster’s den). You can equip your characters with more powerful weapons, armors, potion, scroll and also gain experience point when their level is increased.

6) Tactical Assassin

A sniper game where you have to kill off different targets in different mission. Seemingly easy game, but when all the characters are matchstick figure and look alike, you are going to have a hard time locating the right target.

7) Fancy pants: Adventure world

This is easily one of the best flash game around. Great interactivity between the game and the player. Expect swift movement, high projectile and all sort of jumping styles. The game is in 2D simple comic style and the goal is to kick the snailshell into the hole.

8) Onslaught2

This game is similar to Desktop Tower Defense, but is also different in its own way. The objective is to prevent enemies from reaching the Area 51 camp. You can buy cannons and plant them in strategic position to kill the wave and wave of enemies. There are different maps, each with different route of advance. You will have to plan strategically for each map.

9) Super Crazy Guitar Maniac Deluxe 2

If you like tap tap revolution, then you will like this game too. Grab a guitar and press the key when the note arrive at the baseline. A simple game that will keep you occupied for a while.

10) Thing-thing 4

This is not the best, yet was highly featured by Kongregate. Basically, the main aim of the game is to kill, kill and kill. If you like killing game, bloody scene, ugly childish monster like graphics, then you will be fascinated by this game.

Have fun!

Gaming Version of ‘YouTube’? Check Out Kongregate… originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Guide to Playstation Emulator on Ubuntu

Damien — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:57:55 +0000

Playing playstation games on Ubuntu can be achieved easily with an emulator. Currently, the two most popular PS emulators are ePSXe and pSX. In terms of gaming capability, both emulators worked equally well. However in terms of installation and configuration, pSX is a clear winner since there is really nothing much to configure. It just worked out of the box.

The installation is tested on Ubuntu Gutsy.

Installing dependencies

pSX requires OpenGL library and gtkGLext to work. Download the libgtkglext deb file. Click on the downloaded file to install the library.

Installing pSX

Download pSX from http://psxemulator.gazaxian.com/pSX_linux_1_13.tar.bz2 and save it to your home folder.

Untar it. You can either use the Archive manager or via terminal:

tar xvf pSX_linux_1_13.tar.bz2

Installing the bios

The emulator needs a bios file in order for it to work and pSX does not come with a bios file by default. You will have to search for it in Google. (A point of caution – it is illegal to own and use the bios. Download it at your own risk.)

Google search scph1001.bin. Download the file and save it in the bios folder under the pSX folder. (If the downloaded file is in zip form, you need to extract it. Only place the .bin file in the bios folder)

Download ROM

In order to play PS game, you need to have the game images (or game ROM). You can find lot of game ROMs available for download in mininova or amule

Once you found the ROM you want, download and save it to the cdimages folder.

Activate pSX

To open pSX, in your terminal:

cd /home/your username/pSX
./pSX

Upon loading, it will popup a window saying that it can’t locate bios. Click OK

Another window will appear to allow you to select the bios, click on the ’scph1001.bin’ and click OK.

The default playstation will now appear.

Load your ROM (File -> Insert CD Image).

Done. You can now play your PS game in your Ubuntu machine.

Adding pSX to Game menu

Right click on the menu bar and select ‘edit menu‘

On the left pane, select ‘Game’.

On the right, click “New Item”. A popup window will appear.

Enter the following:
Name: pSX
Command: /home/your username/psX/pSX

click Ok

Click Close.

You can now launch the pSX from Applications->Game->pSX

More screenshots

Guide to Playstation Emulator on Ubuntu originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

City Simulation Game For Linux

Damien — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:46:00 +0000

For sure, not everyone love gaming in Linux, and there are even fewer people who love city simulation games in Linux. But if you are like me, a lover of city simulation game (and also using Linux), here are some great choices for you:

1. Lincity-NG

I have been finding an alternative to the popular SimCity and Lincity-NG has proved to be the one. Though its graphics is not as comprehensive as the latest Simcity Societies, it is still able to provide me with hours of entertainment.

2. Micropolis

This is the open source version of the original Simcity. Electronic Arts (EA) released the source code to SimCity under the GPLv3 and dubbed it Micropolis. You should find familiar graphics and features as Simcity in this game.

3. OpenTTD

OpenTTD is a clone of the Microprose game “Transport Tycoon Deluxe”, a popular game originally written by Chris Sawyer. It attempts to mimic the original game as closely as possible while extending it with new features.

4. Simutrans

Simutrans is a transportation simulator that resembles the OpenTTD. You take on the role of operating a transportation company, and your goal is to get goods of various kinds, as well as passengers and mail, from one place to the next.

City Simulation Game For Linux originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Sale Of New Sony PSP Reaches One Million In Two Months

Damien — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:31:26 +0000

Since the launch of new Sony’s PSP in September 20, 2007, the sale has now reaches one million in only a span of two months.

I think this is a remarkable achievement, as compared to PS3 that took eight months to reach a million.

With the launch, it once again created storms and waves of gaming frenzy. Other than being sleeker and lighter than the original, it also has more RAM, better graphics handling capabilities, stunning widescreen display and rich on multimedia functions. Not only does it capture the hearts of gaming enthusiasts, Non-gamers are not spared as well. In fact, it has already become a must-buy for gamers who currently do not own a PSP system.

In Singapore, the PSP-2000 was launched on Oct 20, 2007 and priced at S$280

I have already placed it in my Christmas wish-list, what about you?

Sale Of New Sony PSP Reaches One Million In Two Months originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Why Windows Vista Is Suitable For Gaming?

Damien — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:05:48 +0000

I have many people asking me whether Windows Vista is suitable for gaming.

I suppose to use that as the title for this post, but I decided to change it. The reason being, whether you like it or not, Windows Vista is here to stay and will eventually replace Windows XP. Rather than discussing whether Windows Vista is suitable for gaming, it would be more worthwhile discussing why Vista is going to replace WinXP and become the next gaming platform.

Taking a look at the multi billion gaming industry, it is not hard to see that 90% of the games are designed to play in Windows. It is obvious that Microsoft benefits the most out of this. As such, it would be foolish of Microsoft if they were to make their latest generation of OS unsuitable for gaming.

If you ever study Vista in details, it is easy to see that Vista is really built with gaming in mind. Here’s why:

1) DirectX 10

Without a doubt, Vista’s latest DirectX 10 technology is changing how the game is designed in the future. Microsoft discarded its DirectX 9 architecture and rebuilt DirectX 10 from the ground up. Its newer shader model allows game designers to create game with higher graphical quality.

In addition, DX10 also has more rigidly defined specifications, which means more consistency among the various hardware. Rather than worrying about the compatibility of the hardware, game designers can now focus more on the features they want to implement.

As compare to DX9, DX10 also has a better resources management and load balancing between the CPU and GPU. More graphical calculation are now offloaded to the GPU, which means faster gaming performance without increasing the CPU load.

2) Game Explorer

Windows users should be very familiar with the Windows Explorer where you can manage your file and data easily. There is also the Internet Explorer that Microsoft incorporate in its OS since Win98. In Vista, Microsoft includes a Game Explorer to enable the users to easily manage their games. Players can now install, organize, launch, and remove all of their games all in the Game Explorer. Plus, game-related information such as publisher, developer, website addresses, and game ratings can also be shown on the Game Explorer.

3)’Game For Windows’ (GFW) Branding

Since the launch of Vista, Microsoft has been actively promoting the ‘Game For Windows‘ brand. All game has to meet the following standard in order to receive the GFW tag:

Quality. Games have to pass Microsoft performance and reliability standards.
Compatibility. Games must be able to run on both XP and Vista, including both 32 and 64 bit editions. Other compatibility includes Microsoft XBOX 360 controller for Windows, including the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, widescreen resolutions and more.
Safety features. Game must be able to support the Vista parental control features, which gives parents more control over the type of game their children play.
Easy to Play. Games must be easy to install, find, remove and most importantly, incorporate into Game Explorer

4) Games for Windows LIVE

This GFW LIVE is an extension of the Xbox 360 LIVE. What it does is to provide interoperability between the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista platforms. This means that Vista gamers can now play against Xbox 360 gamers in real time.

5) Native Support for Xbox 360 Controller

Vista includes the native support for Xbox 360 controller, which means users can now have a larger choices of gaming controller. Simply plug in the Xbox 360 controller to your Windows Vista PC’s USB connector, and you’re ready to go. New accessories include the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. This allows you to connect the Xbox 360 wireless controller, wireless headset, and wireless racing wheel to your PC.

Conclusion

When Vista first launched, there was not a single DX 10 graphics card and game around. This explains why there is a lot of uncertainty and argument of using Vista as a gaming platform. With the launch of DX10 graphics card by Nvidia and ATI, along with the newer generation of DX10 game (Crysis, Company of Heroes), gaming in Vista has only just started.

Why Windows Vista Is Suitable For Gaming? originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)

Gaming In Linux (Ubuntu)

Damien — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:50:32 +0000

Gaming in Linux is always a big issue. Many gamers are not willing to migrate to Linux (though they are not happy with Windows) because they are worried about the lack of support for gaming. This is really a big myth, since there are really plenty of great games in Linux.

In case you are wondering what choices of game you have in Linux (Ubuntu), here are my top 10 list.

1) America’s Army

This is one of the most popular First Person Shooting (FPS) game in Linux. In America’s Army, the player must first go through basic training which include rifle marksmanship, obstacle course, US weapons training, and fighting in urban terrain. After the trainings, the player can then participate in the online mode. The game relies heavily on teamwork and team killing will cause you to lose points, eventually banning you from the game.

Download America’s Army

2) SuperTux

Clone of the popular Nintendo “super mario” game, except that the character is changed to Penguin Tux. SuperTux is a simple game that going to provide you with hours of entertainment.

To install, open up terminal and type: sudo apt-get install supertux

3) Flight Gear

Linux version of MS Flight Simulator. Flight Gear is a fun, feature packed flight simulation package that is really worth taking a look at. Not only can you choose from a variety of aircrafts, from time to time, there is also new update of extra aircraft choices, ranging from large airliners to military aircraft and helicopters.

To install flight gear, open up terminal and type: sudo apt-get install flightgear

4) Enemy Territory

Formerly an expansion pack to Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Enemy Territory is now a stand-alone multiplayer FPS game supporting as many as 32 players. In this game, two teams battle each other through a series of missions that make up a single campaign. Each player picks a character class, such as engineer, soldier, field ops, or covert ops. During combat players gain experience and skill, and through battlefield promotions are awarded additional abilities that remain persistent across an entire campaign. Strong teamwork and advanced strategies are extremely important to win the game.

Download Enemy Territory

5) Glest

Glest is a 3D Real Time Strategy (RTS) game with beautiful graphics. The game takes place in a context which could be compared to that of the pre-renaissance Europe, with the licence that magic forces exist in the environment and can be controlled. For gamers who like RTS, this can be a very fun game to play.

Download Glest-Data Glest (Install in that order)

6) Alien Arena 2007 (AA2k7)

AA2K7 is the latest version of a freeware online deathmatch game that was first introduced to the public in October, 2004. With 37 levels, five modes of play, six mutators, built-in bots, 10 player characters, 8 weapons(with alt-fire modes), the game has an endless supply of replayability. With so many new features, AA2K7 is nearly an entirely new game when held in comparison to it’s predecessor.

Download Alien Arena 2007

7) Globulation 2

Globulation 2 is a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game which reduces micro-management by automatically assigning tasks to units. The player chooses the number of units he wants to assign to various tasks, and the units will do their best to satisfy the requests. This allows the user to manage more units and focus on strategies rather than individual units jobs. There are three types of units: workers, warriors, and explorers.

Download Globulation 2

8) Warzone 2100

Warzone 2100 is a RTS based on a future earth. Upon entering the game, you land from your transport and establish your base. Here you conduct research, design and manufacture vehicles, build new structures and prepare your plans of global conquest. If the game goes badly you’ll end up fighting last ditch battles here to defend your base from enemy attacks.

Download Warzone 2100

9) ManiaDrive

ManiaDrive is an arcade car game on acrobatic tracks, with a quick and nervous gameplay (tracks almost never exceed one minute). Most of the time, you’ll be bumping along at break-neck speeds and flying off the track with an incredible ease reminiscent of Stunt-Trak Racer. It’s both incredibly hard to stay on track and to complete the race in under the allotted time, but that’s what make it fun, isn’t it?

Download Mania Drive

10) Vegastrike

Vega Strike is an action space simulator designed to bring 3D space combat to a whole new level of graphics, gameplay, and customizability. What makes it so difference from other space simulator game is that Vegastrike has a strong story line and allow you to make virtual money to upgrade your space ship.

To install, open up terminal and type: sudo apt-get install vegastrike

Happy gaming!

Gaming In Linux (Ubuntu) originally published on Make Tech Easier (RSS)