4 Fun Party Games Using Networked Computers

Family Fun: Utilizing Wi-Fi for Holiday Gaming

During the holiday season, as loved ones come together, moments of downtime are inevitable. A fantastic way to create shared enjoyment is through engaging in games as a family.

It’s common for individuals to travel with their laptops these days. Given the widespread availability of Wi-Fi in most homes, and the portability of personal computers, opportunities arise to leverage these networks for entertainment.

Networked Games for Holiday Gatherings

If you are seeking ideas for enjoyable party games this year, consider utilizing your Wi-Fi network to host a selection of networked games for guests with laptops. This provides a unique and interactive experience.

Setting up a Wi-Fi network for Local Area Network (LAN) gaming can sometimes be challenging. For assistance with this process, refer to Karl's comprehensive instructional guide.

Recently, a compelling LAN game called WarZone 2100 was highlighted. However, several other games are particularly well-suited for Wi-Fi LAN gaming with family members.

Exploring Game Options

• WarZone 2100: A strategy game offering complex tactical gameplay.
• OpenArena: A free and open-source arena shooter.
• Secret of Mana: A classic action role-playing game (requires emulation).

These games, and many others, can transform a quiet evening into a lively and memorable experience for everyone involved. LAN gaming fosters interaction and friendly competition.

Remember to ensure all participants have the necessary software installed and configured before the gaming session begins. This will help to minimize technical difficulties and maximize enjoyment.

Engage in a Game of RISK

The classic strategy board game, RISK, is likely familiar to many. However, the Yura.net SourceForge project offers a unique experience unlike any you’ve encountered before.

Prepare to utilize your laptops and download the installation files for this desktop adaptation of the renowned RISK board game.

Setting Up a Game

Upon initial startup, a designated player can initiate the game server. Subsequently, other participants can connect to this central server to join the game.

Gameplay can be quite demanding, as each player strategically positions their armies across the world map.

The objective is to conquer territories by launching attacks on neighboring regions, ultimately aiming for global domination.

Automated Mechanics

The game efficiently manages the core mechanics, including dice rolls and the calculation of army gains or losses during conflicts.

Competition can intensify as players systematically eliminate their rivals from the game.

RISK is notably engaging, so allocating a minimum of a couple of hours is advisable if you intend to experience its full scope.

Enjoy a Game of Poker

For those who favor traditional card games over board games, PokerTH offers an engaging experience across multiple platforms. Participating in a game feels akin to gathering with friends around a large billiards table for continuous rounds of Poker.

The game boasts a user-friendly interface. Selecting option three from the main menu allows you to host, and subsequently configure various game parameters.

Game Configuration Options

• Number of players
• Initial cash allocation for each participant
• Additional game-specific details

Despite being a free game, the visual presentation is surprisingly good. A significant element of enjoyment comes from attempting to deceive opponents through skillful bluffing, aiming to induce them to fold their hands.

When connected on a shared Wi-Fi network, PokerTH streamlines the gameplay. There’s no need for manual card dealing, chip management, or scorekeeping.

The application handles all these aspects automatically, providing a seamless and convenient gaming experience. This allows players to focus entirely on strategy and the social interaction of the game.

The graphics are quite acceptable, particularly given the game’s free availability. Successfully employing deception to encourage opponents to relinquish their hands is a rewarding challenge.

Armagetron

Armagetron stands out as a premier Tron-inspired game. The gameplay is directly based on the iconic lightcycle sequences featured in the film Tron, and it successfully captures the essence of the original movie.

The game’s speed is genuinely exhilarating, providing a thrilling experience for players. Establishing a multiplayer session is remarkably straightforward.

Network configuration is simplified through a few quick steps, allowing you to rapidly launch a dedicated game server.

A particularly appealing aspect of this game is its ability to divide the screen into as many as four separate views, enabling observation of all participating players simultaneously.

Navigating the levels is an intensely dynamic experience. Collisions are inevitable, whether with the energy barriers of rivals or your own trail.

However, crashes are a guaranteed element of the gameplay. The central question becomes: who can endure the longest?

Do you possess the skill and resilience to remain active as your competitors impact walls at maximum velocity? Invite your friends to an adrenaline-fueled contest of Armagetron.

Warsow: An Accessible First-Person Shooter Experience

First-person shooter games are a staple for LAN parties, yet finding options appropriate for players of all ages can be challenging. Warsow distinguishes itself by offering a unique experience. Its characters are designed with a distinctly cartoonish aesthetic.

Instead of realistic weaponry, players utilize energy-based attacks, firing electricity rather than conventional bullets.