Full Games

Last summer fans of the MechWarrior franchise were excited when news hit that a free version of MechWarrior 4 would be released. However its been some time since that announcement was made and there's been no real updates on what's happening on that front.

This week, the team behind the freeversion at MekTek posted up an update on their site declaring that "the release is ready". So what's the hold up. In a word: Microsoft. According to the site the game's developer and owner Microsoft "has endured several administrative changes which currently impede the release." However meetings are scheduled to be held later this month and MechWarrior's current owners Smith and Tinker believe that after those meetings take place "it will only take 1-2 more days before permission is granted."

It's time once again for Mac Monday, where we take a look at a couple of games new out for the Mac (and sometimes the PC too). This time around we're checking out Anawiki Games's Spooky Runes, and Sandlot Games's Boonka. One of these games has an atmospheric vibe, and the other is vibrant and goofy. Guess which one and find out after the jump!

San Diego-based Psyonix is a full fledged professional game developer with lots of experience in using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 technology. Indeed the developer has collaborated directly with Epic on several of their games. However, the team also likes to experiment with new game prototypes and one of those efforts, the casual underwater-themed platformer Whizzle, has been turned into a full (and free) stand along game using Epic's now officially released Unreal Development Kit.

Big Download got a chance to ask some questions to the Psyonix team and its founder Dave.Hagewood to find out more about how Whizzle was made, what they think the release of UDK will mean for game development and more.

Epic has released the Unreal Development Kit (UDK), a free version of Unreal Engine 3 for aspiring game developers. It's absolutely free for noncommercial and educational purposes. Those that wish to use Unreal Engine 3 for commercial use will need should refer to licensing terms at www.udk.com/licensing. The press announcement, demonstration video and features list can be seen after the jump. For more information, users can visit the official forums or the UDK documentation page.

To demonstrate the power and versatility of the development tool, there are two free games available, made using the UDK. They are:

Whizzle: A vertical scrolling puzzle game in which players swim through levels as Whizzle, an adorable sea creature that collects items and frees tiny comrades from captivity. Avoid the electrifying stingers of the jellyfish! More information about Whizzle, including a developer diary video, can be seen after the jump.

The Ball: An episodic, puzzle-based action game. Known as one of the most award-winning Unreal Tournament 3 mods in the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest, "The Ball" has won honors for Best Use of Physics, Best Game Type and Best FPS Mod. Toltec Studios has ported over its UT3 mod to UDK, and the free, standalone version of The Ball is available for download.

Download Unreal Development Kit (562 MB)
Download HD Unreal Development Kit Launch Trailer (80 MB)
Download HD UDK Psyonix Developer Diary (344 MB)

Download Whizzle (112 MB)
Download The Ball (359 MB)

Saga is a free-to-play online fantasy real-time strategy game, where player command armies to battle and wield devastating spells. From today until November 13th, you will get a free bonus unit called the Ice Drake if you sign up for a new account. Sign up today and have fun!

"SAGA is the world's first collectible MMORTS. SAGA has over 100 troops types and 50 spells to collect. Build your empire by developing your main city or expand by conquering outlying terrifies. Join your friends in cooperative mode or battle solo on over a thousand quests online. Fight boss monsters for Epic Loot rewards.

The Ice Drake is a neutral unit usable by any faction. A terrible flying monstrosity immune from ground melee attacks it instills fear in the hearts of the bravest warrior.

Download the Saga Install Client (505 MB)
Sign up for a free Saga account

The free-to-play online action role-playing game, Dungeon Party, went live with a major update that adds a bunch of new features. They include new classes such as the Engineer, Rider and Amazon. Players will also have ten new dungeons to explore. Lastly, there's the inclusion of a dungeon editor and a new environment type to go along with it, so players can create custom levels. The latest installation client has all the latest additions and features, and can be downloaded here. Visit the official website for more information and to sign up for an account.

Download Dungeon Party Install Client (962 MB)
Check out all Dungeon Party downloads

This client installs the free-to-play version of CrimeCraft, an online shooter game where players battle to rise in ranks in a criminal organization. Players have the option to upgrade from the free model to a subscription system for $9.99 a month, which provides access to additional features. Visit the official website for more information and to sign up for an account.

Download CrimeCraft Install Client (3.22 GB)
Check out all CrimeCraft downloads

In 1996, Remedy Entertainment (currently working on Alan Wake) developed an addictive top down racing game called Death Rally. Now Death Rally is being re-released, ported to modern Windows platforms, and available in its entirety for free to download and play.

The point is simple: win races to earn money, use that money to buy upgrades, and put the money toward upgrades to knock opponents out to win more races.System requirements are shown after the jump.
Download Death Rally for Windows (42 MB)

This client installs the open beta for Alliance of Valiant Arms (A.V.A), a new free-to-play online shooter. Visit the official webpage for more information about the game and to sign up for an account.

"Alliance of Valiant Arms (A.V.A) provides heart-pumping fragging action in an Unreal Engine 3-based game. The modern warfare experience promises multi-player online gaming and twitch-based fast action first-person shooter (FPS) action, resulting in visceral, intense combat unlike any other. In A.V.A, war has broken out in modern Europe between the European Union (EU) and the Neo Russian Federation (NRF). As countries across the globe declare sides, the United States and China are locked in a politically fueled stalemate. When China folds and joins the ranks of the NRF, the US comes to the aid of the sieged EU. Tensions run high as the two factions square up for unprecedented blood-and-guts urban warfare."

Download Alliance of Valiant Arms Open Beta Client (1.35 GB)

To celebrate the 2-year anniversary of Zu Online and its newest 1.12.01 release, IGG will be giving away new player gift packages to Big Download readers. The gift package includes level 60 gear and other valuable items. Zu Online is a free-to-play martial arts fantasy MMO based on the novel "The Life of Swordsman" and Chinese mythology.

The Zu Online Gift Pack Giveaway starts today, September 4th, and ends on September 19th. Visit the gift pack giveaway page to register for an account, then download and install the game client to get playing!

Register a Zu Online Account with Free Gift Pack!
Download the Zu Online Install Client (1.08 GB)

Crytek is being extremely generous to its fans this week by offering yet another chance to play the full version of Crysis Wars online for free. The trial began last Friday and was supposed to end this coming Friday but today Crytek announced that the trial has been extended.

Due to some issues with players not being able to get their free CD keys (required to play the free trial online) Crytek has decided to extend the Crysis Wars free online trial period until Tuesday, September 8. That means folks in the US can enjoy playing the game online for free during the Labor Day holiday (the game is always free to play on a LAN network).
Download Crysis Wars v1.5 Patch (511 MB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Complete Single File] (5.5 GB)
or
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 1 of 3 (2 GB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 2 of 3 (2 GB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 3 of 3 (1.5 GB)

The folks at Crytek are opening up the online doors to anyone who wants to play their multiplayer shooter Crysis Wars. Beginning on Friday, anyone will be able to play the shooter online for free until the next Friday, September 4. You can still play the full game offline on a LAN network for free anytime you want.

Crytek hasn't added any new patches or content since the last trial so if you haven't done it already you can download the full client and the most recent 1.5 patch for the game right here at Big Download. If you don't have one already, Crytek will provide you with a CD Key to let you play the game online for free during the summer trial.

Download Crysis Wars v1.5 Patch (511 MB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Complete Single File] (5.5 GB)
or
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 1 of 3 (2 GB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 2 of 3 (2 GB)
Download Crysis Wars Trial [Self-Exctracting Multipart] 3 of 3 (1.5 GB)

This client allows users to set up a dedicated Wolfenstein multiplayer server without having to install the full game. The full Readme file notes are shown after the jump.

Download Wolfenstein Stand Alone Server Client (498 MB)
Check out all Wolfenstein downloads

Welcome to Freeware Friday, a weekly column showcasing excellent games that you can play free of charge!

Bethesda has come a long way from their initial PC offerings. Now they are known for their large, yet surprisingly dense and layered games like Oblivion or Fallout 3. However, way back before the release of Morrowind, they were better known for a truly massive, semi-random RPG that puts the size of their later outing to shame. I'm talking about Daggerfall, which was released only a few weeks ago as freeware for the fifteen year anniversary of the Elder Scrolls series. While it has not aged completely gracefully, it's hard to go wrong with a good helping of classic RPG action at no cost.