For millions of users who are hooked onto that square-rectangular box for most part of their day, passing time becomes almost imperative sometimes. And if the source of this entertainment is addictive enough, then we are definitely talking about Computer games and especially if the games are played on an Open source platform like that of Linux. You possibly have no reason to complain. What was once considered a shortcoming of this versatile platform has certainly been transformed into one of its strengths. Let us then have a look at the top 10 guilty pleasures you can indulge in on Linux:

[update]: For large screen shots , Click on the thumbnails of corresponding Games.

1) Sauerbraten


Which essentially stands for “Roast Meat” is an FPS and has been written in C++. This game has been built using the rendering engine Cube 2 and runs on the main operating systems (windows, Mac and Linux). Gamers who have been thorough with the Tremulous will recognize the main distinction with Sauerbraten as the latter’s ability to edit the geometry of the map ingame. Sauerbraten supports both single-user and multiplayer modes and the latter mode offers three gameplays: Capture, Last Man Standing and Deathmatch. For the single-player mode, there is plenty to keep the user hooked on which is a welcome change from its predecessor Tremulous. Phoronix, which is a purely Linux-orientated hardware and software reviews gave Sauerbraten a positive rating due to “several improvements made to its underlying “Cube 2″ engine”.

2) Savage 2- A tortured Soul


For lovers of World of Warcraft who have been imagining what a game is going to be like on Linux need to check out Savage2- A Tortured soul. The perfected graphics, amazing handling, smooth playability and a RTS combined with FPS gameplay will guarantee that your gaming senses will be rocked. The underlying objective of the game is indeed very simple: Each side has something called a Main Base and the players’ job is to destroy the other team’s Main Base at any cost.

3) Warzone 2100


Warzone follows an episodic chronology in its gameplay, following a coherent sequence of events. The player has a fixed time limit to complete the objectives which are stated during the stages of Construction, Upgradation, Recruitment, etc. For someone who has been fond of StartCraft, this game will certainly appeal to his game-freak soul. Warzone 2100 which was once developed for Playstation and Windows is now equally enjoyable on Linux. Its 3D engine, unique campaign structure and multiplayer interface make it a favorite of most real-time fans.

4) Warsow


The first thing which strikes you about this fast based FPS is that it is lavishly time consuming. The game is based on the Qfusion 3D engine and its gameplay focuses excessively on meaning movement, the art of motion, speed and tricks which can make it to take up a lot of your time. Warsaw’s arsenal is quite unique too wherein the player is equipped with different strong and weak ammunitions. The former which requires an Ammo pack does the major damage. Also weapons may have different damaging capabilities and behaviors depending on what ammo a user chooses. For playability and graphics, it is definitely a big thumbs up!

5) America’s army


For those who love making tactical decisions in gaming will definitely love American Army. This is a multiplayer FPS owned by the United States Government and was released as a part of their global relations initiative to aid in US Army recruitment. The current version in the markets is named 2.8.1. American Army is the first well known computer game which has been used for political aims and has naturally invited criticism from different quarters. But if one chooses to go by the sheer numbers then its evident that this tactical war game has safely topped the Online Gaming Charts.

6) World Of Padman


World Of Padman is a brand new and comic style game which is free. It uses the Quake 3 engine and was recently featured in three German magazine covers namely Linux Intern, BRAVO Screensaver and PC Action.

7) Nexuiz


Nexuiz is a free FPS which has been distributed under the GNU General Public License by Alientrap Software. This cross-platform game started back with version 1.0 using DarkPlaces, a significantly modified quake engine. The current version is called 2.2.3 and its logo has been designed on a Chinese character which stands for “Strength”
The most notable features of Nexuiz are its ability to generate Bots for practice sessions, versatile lighting system which reminds the player of Doom 3 and finally its amazing ability to play upto 64 players.

8 ) The Battle for Wesnoth


The Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game with a fantasy theme. The purpose of this game is to build up a massive army, gradually turning raw recruits into expert and staunch professionals. In later stages of the game, the player has to recall his toughest warriors against whom no enemy can survive. The players get to choose their troops from a large pool of specialists, like the Rebels, Loyalists, Northerners, Undead and the Drakes and then hand-pick a force with the right expertise to fight in different terrains. Every individual unit has its own weaknesses and strengths. This game’s fully orchestrated and dynamic sound track enables players to indulge in multi-player campaigns over the internet or LAN.

9) Astromenace


Astromenace is a modern day 3D scrolling hardcore space shooting adventure which offers the possibility of Spaceship upgradations. The very proposition of an intensely frightful space battle against an alien opposition is enough to get your adrenalin rushed. The users can install sophisticated weapons, defense systems and power stations onto their space ships and even weapons of mass destruction if they manage to collect sufficient money during the combat. Astromenace has amiable interface and easy controls which offer smooth playability. Its glitzy 3D graphics will transport you directly into the heart of a galactic war.

10) Urban Terror


Urban Terror is a realism based game for Linux. An FPS which is totally based on Quake 3 runs on a ioquake3 modified engine. Its friendly interface makes it simple for the user to get into the game and manage his setup while in action. Users will get to choose from different gameplay options like free-For-All, Team Deathmatch , Team Survivor, Follow the Leader and several more.