Gaming In Linux (Ubuntu)
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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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?



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!
Tags: Gaming, Linux, Ubuntu
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Hey I saw the games that u suggested….. I tried downloading flightgear….. actually i did download flightgear through the terminal window… but how do i open and play the game?? Please help.
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XYZguy Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
You need to start Flightgear from your shell. Type fgfs to start flightgear. For eaiser control, you can install FGRUN, a graphical interface which allows you to set multiplayer settings, select various aircrafts and so on. If you have installed FGRUN, type fgrun from shell to start the application.
For those who are new and seeking to install flighhtgear, visit http://www.unitedfreeworld.com , i saw them provide some valuable information on flightgear and they also provided the DEB files for flightgear. These are much newer version of flightgear then what is available in the ubuntu repo.
So maybe you could give a try at http://www.unitedfreeworld.com and you can also download their additional add ons for your flightgear application
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@aryamaan: You should find an entry at Applications->Games-> FlightGear. If not, go to the terminal and type flightgear
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Thanks. Could u tell me where i could find the controls also pls?
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