Everybody at one point or another has experienced painful boredom when playing a video game, to where you ask yourself, "Okay, so why am I doing this?" This can happen even with the best of game titles and it can be tough sometimes to even enjoy yourself.

The term "button mashing" is when you’re playing a game that you’re absolutely bored with, playing just for the sake of doing so in a mindless way. This in my opinion kills brain cells because if you’re going to play, you might as well enjoy it, because that is the whole point, after all.

Here are my tips on how to avoid the button masher blues.

1. Don’t solely concentrate on one style of game.

One who plays nothing but one style (such as RPG, FPS, etc.) will experience an "everything is the same" scenario. This is in fact true because you’re never changing things around. Purposely try different styles so that you’re not always playing the same thing.

2. Buy an old console.

Head to your local flea market and pick up an old 8-bit or 16-bit system. There are tons of titles and you could try 3 new games every week if you wanted to for a little as 10 bucks for all three. Don’t worry about manuals because they’re all available online. Suggested systems are Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Playstation One and so on.

Considering the fact that new games are so frickin’ expensive, it’s nice to have something dirt cheap that just works.

Buying the actual console and getting the games at a flea market is far, far cheaper than purchasing "virtually", such as Virtual Console games on the Nintendo Wii. Furthermore the gaming experience is at its best with the original equipment (emulating on a PC just isn’t the same.)

If you don’t have a flea market near you, check out craigslist or eBay and specifically look for game purchases in bulk. You may be able to pick up 25 games for a dollar each! Search for "nintendo lot", "playstation lot", "sega lot" and so on to see the bulk offerings available on eBay or CL.

3. Play dopey Facebook games.

Many "apps" in Facebook are games such as FarmVille. These games are easy, fun and do not require a lot of effort to play. Anybody can play them in fact. And they’re free which is even better.

Games in Facebook can be found by clicking the "Applications" button, then "Browse More Applications" then choosing the "Games" category.

4. Play dopey Flash games.

One of the best sites I’ve found for this is Gamedesign. One game in particular that is very addictive is Dice Wars. It’s so popular that there’s a multiplayer version of it, KDice. Heck, it’s even an iPhone app!

5. MUDs

It takes a special kind of computer geek to appreciate these. MUDs (Multi User Dungeons) have been around for a very long time. Some of them have been on the internet for more than 12 years. They have everything your standard RPG has, but in text form. MUDs are very addicting and have a very dedicated fan base. Additionally, compared to other types of gaming environment, MUD users are friendly folk that are happy to help out new users who haven’t used MUDs before.

It used to be required that a MUD client was necessary to play them, but that’s no longer the case. Many popular MUDs can be played directly in-browser.

What do you do to avoid button mashing boredom?

Do you follow any of the above tips, such as trying different types of games, or have some tips of your own to contribute? Post a comment and let people know.

Games on your cell phone are a great way to kill time anywhere. Whether you are waiting in a doctor’s office, getting your oil changed or are riding in a car (as a passenger of course), a game is an entertaining way to pass the time. To find games for your cell phone, check out MobileRated.

MobileRated works with the best mobile developers around the globe and offers over 1000 free mobile games and applications. Our software products are either completely free, demos or trials with options to purchase (cheap mobile phone games), or free with in-game advertising.

Basically, you just search for your phone model and then you will be presented with a list of free games you can install right on your phone.

Steam is freely available distribution software that allows you to try or buy games. I’ve been a user of Steam for several years and it has proven itself to be a stable platform.

A lot of us remember games that were really good but unfortunately will not install properly (much less play) on modern versions of Windows. One solution to this is to have the original software ported over to Steam so it can be played again.

LucasArts has recently released a few of their older titles, one of which is a previously unreleased Indiana Jones game and other old-old titles, LOOM, The Dig and The Secret of Monkey Island. If you played these games before, you know they absolutely will not work on modern PCs, but via Steam it lives again. Granted, you do have to pay for them, however it’s a one-time cost and in addition can be downloaded to any Windows PC you use at home.

Porting older games to modern platforms is nothing new; this has been happening both on PCs and game consoles for some time now. On the PC side however, Steam is definitely the way to go.

Now if only LucasArts would release Full Throttle in Steam.. hmm..

For you gamers out there with not a lot of cash, or just want something different in the MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game) arena, here are 5 free ones for you to try out.

Twelve Sky

Type: 3D Fantasy, oriental style, martial arts

2Moons

Type: 3D Fantasy, action

4Story

Type: 3D Fantasy, medieval style

5 Street

Type: 3D Music/Dancing

9 Dragons

Type: 3D Fantasy, martial arts

These are all MMO games, so if you’ve got the gaming itch but want something you can download now, now you have 5.

Each of these games routinely has many users playing, so you won’t have to worry about entering the "world" and not having anyone there.

These are 9 good PC games available on the Steam platform. I suggest using Steam to purchase games because they are attached to your Steam user account (which is free to create). What this means is that if you switch computers later or have to reinstall Windows, all your previously purchased games via Steam will be available simply by downloading them again. No discs involved. No re-purchasing involved. And contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be connected to the internet for the Steam client to work. So if one day your internet cuts out for whatever reason and you want to play some of your downloaded games, you can. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

Anyway, on to the games.

Geometry Wars
Games: 1
Price: $3.99

The title may not sound exciting but the game is very, very addicting. Here’s a video of some gameplay.

Railroad Tycoon II Platinum
Games: 1
Price: $4.99

This is a SimCity/Civilization style game that is all about railroads.

Here’s a screen shot:

Xpand Rally / GTI Racing Pack
Games: 2
Price: $7.99

Two good racing games for a cheap price.

GTI Racing

Xpand Rally

Half-Life
Games: 1
Price: $9.99

One of the best video games ever made. This was VALVe’s debut game and it was rated one of the best by over 50 different publications. The best part is that since the game is a bit old (but still really good) in age it will run on just about any computer. The storyline is also top-notch stuff.

Dynomite Deluxe
Games included: 1
Price: $9.99

This is another one of those insanely addicting games. Good for all ages and can be as easy or as difficult as you want. This is a very well done game.

OddWorld: Abe’s Oddysee
Games included: 1
Price: $9.99

Some of you out there may remember this from playing it on the Sony Playstation (the original, not the 2 or 3). This is a strategy game but done with very entertaining cartoon style characters. It takes a good long time to get thru this, and that’s a plus. This is not something you’ll buy and beat in a day, I guarantee you that.

The screen shots may make this game appear "creepy", but trust me it’s not. This game is fun and a blast to play.

Rome: Total War Complete
Games included: 2
Price: $9.99

This is a two-fer, you get Rome: Total War Alexander and Rome: Total War Gold for one price. This is an RPG style game and takes a very long time to finish.

It should be noted that this is a 2007 release, so you need a reasonably powerful PC to run it optimally.

Those of you who are fans of FPS (first person shooter) games, single or multi-player, should take a look at the open source project Blood Frontier. Some of the highlights from their website include:

• Unique, original, and fun gameplay, storyline, theme, artwork, and content. Pushing the boundaries of open source first person gaming.
• Play plain ol’ deathmatch, instagib, ctf, duel, lms, or use the select range of mutators and myriad of variables to create your own.
• Item domination and dropping, fight for your lives over a great range of weapons, each with its own distinct personality, pros, and cons.
• Strong artificial intelligence (A.I. or “Bots”) capable of participating within all modes of its deathmatch environment, even online.

If you take a look at the screenshots, the game is visually impressive as well. One great aspect is the entire engine is developed on open platforms meaning there are versions for Windows, Linux and Mac.

I personally stopped with the FPS games after Quake and 007 (Nintendo 64), so I would be curious what opinions ‘modern’ FPS gamers have on this release.

If like classic DOS and console games (who doesn’t?) then a website you need to check out is Abandonia Reloaded. Their tagline says it all:

Dedicated to retro remakes and community made freeware

Basically, this site is a repository of your old favorites either ‘remixed’ or games inspired by them. Everything on the site is completely free and there are hundreds of games available.

So if you can’t get enough of [insert classic here], then check out Abandonia Reloaded to see if there is a remix available and enjoy!

Everyone love free stuff and gamers are no exception. That said, here is a great list of 10 free game sites which gamers might be interested in.

Some of the best GAMES ever programmed are available on the Internet for FREE, even classic trend setters like Doom and Grand Theft Auto. If you’re willing to put up with pop-up ads, “nag-to-buy” screens and in some cases, registration, there are a host of free games awaiting your introduction.

Please note when it says you may have to put up with some ‘nag screens’ or have to register on a site to download the software. A small price to pay when the games are freely available.

I hope you find one (or many) you enjoy.

Didn’t get enough games in part 2? Here are some more!

Neverball

Described as “Tilt the floor to roll a ball through an obstacle course before time runs out. Neverball is part puzzle game, part action game, and entirely a test of skill.”

Basically speaking you keep rolling a ball by tilting the table before time runs out.

Nexuiz

This is a first-person-shooter, 3D, “deathmatch” style and has been around since 2005.

Here’s a video of the gameplay:

Pretty cool if you asked me.

Pingus

If you know Lemmings, you know Pingus.

Runescape

Runscape is role-playing style game – and the cool part is that it runs completely in the browser. For those with higher-powered computers, let me tell you – it’s not too shabby once you go full-screen with it. Very few in-browser games do a good full-screen mode, but Runescape does.

To note: While it’s free to play there are paid options as well. But at least you can play for free to see if it’s your thing or not.

XEvil

This is a 2D side-scroller game with possibly the most interesting description of the lot:

O.K., kids… let’s get this straight. XEvil is not for meek, peace-loving, “I love you, you love me…” types of people. The fans of XEvil enjoy it because of its shameless displays of blood and violence, of people getting lit on fire, getting shot, being ripped up by chainsaws, getting high on drugs, and burst open by aliens.

If that doesn’t say “wholesome”, I don’t know what does.

Did you get your fill of games from part 1? We didn’t think so! So here’s part two.

Freeciv

This has been mentioned on PCMech before and definitely gets a spot on this list because, well, it’s the best Civilization clone there is – and very addictive.

Freecol

If you liked Civilization, you probably liked Colonization as well. Freecol is a clone of the old Sid Meier classic.

Frets On Fire

Ever hear of Guitar Hero? Then you know what Frets On Fire is.

Globulation 2

This game is billed as “…an innovative Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game which reduces micro-management by automatically assigning tasks to units.”

For those that like strategy-type games, Globulation 2 will fit the bill nicely.

Gunbound

No, this is not a first-person-shooter. It’s a turn-based game and very “cutesy” in nature.

Strong warning: Highly addictive.

Stay tuned for part 3!

Here’s a list of free games you can get right now. All of them are ready for download and don’t cost a dime.

I’ve made a point to choose games that are at least somewhat recent (if not very recent concerning releases) so that they run a-okay on your computer.

Note: Many of these games run on Windows, Mac OS X and/or Linux. It’s not just “Windows only” stuff here.

Continued

If so, check out the DOS Games Archive. Personally, I am not a gamer, but back in the days of DOS I played quite a few games. In my opinion, they were better then than they are now, simply because the focus was the storyline and gameplay rather than the graphics and cut-scenes which seem (to me at least) to be more prevalent today.

Unfortunately only some of the games have the full version available:

We have 232 DOS games in our archive that can be downloaded for free. The games are shareware, freeware, playable demos and full versions that are released as freeware or into the public domain.

Additionally, take a look at a site I have written about in the past: Abandonia which features lots more freely available games.

These two sites have enough on them to keep you entertained for quite a while. Enjoy.

Not too long ago, I wrote about the open source take on the greatest game of all time, FreeCiv. Today, I’ll point you to another one with incredible depth: The Battle for Wesnoth.

The Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game with a fantasy theme.

Build up a great army, gradually turning raw recruits into hardened veterans. In later games, recall your toughest warriors and form a deadly host against whom none can stand! Choose units from a large pool of specialists, and hand-pick a force with the right strengths to fight well on different terrains against all manner of opposition.

This fantastic game offers incredible depth and features lots of scenarios and campaigns (with tons more available for download) to keep you busy for a lifetime. You can read about all the features here. Additionally, if you get tired of single player mode, you can jump on a network game for the ultimate challenge.

Just take a look at the screenshots and that is enough to get you interested. The best part is The Battle for Wesnoth works on just about any OS out there, so give it a try.

I need to preface this tip with the fact that I am not a gamer. My computer uses an integrated Intel graphics engine and this is fine for my needs.

If you ever go through the PCMech forums here and read about the newest gaming machines people are putting together, usually there is a (and in some cases 2) pretty powerful and, of course, expensive graphics card included. If you aren’t looking to drop top dollar for a top of the line card, then consider either a second generation or a budget card.

I came across an interesting article which puts graphic cards costing less than $100 to the test. The article goes into some really intricate details, but the author draws the following conclusion:

If you have a monitor that’s 1280×1024 or smaller, a very affordable graphics card like the $80 Radeon HD 4670 will allow you to play many of the latest games with ease. Even at 1680×1050, in fact, the Radeon HD 4650 and GeForce 9600 GSO can produce acceptable frame rates. You may have to compromise a bit, dialing back features like antialiasing or in-game image quality settings, in order to get acceptable performance in the most demanding of today’s games, but the compromises probably won’t be too terrible.

Of course, if you are a gamer, the card will not be future proof by any means. Think of this though: in about a year or so the cards which currently sell for $300+ dollars will probably drop to the $100 range and, most likely, would be good enough to play the current games at that time. This way you have only spent ~$200 (instead of $300 to begin with) and you may even be able to sell your old card on eBay.

In the past I have posted links to several older/classic games which you can either download or play online, so today I am going to do the same with one exception: the game I am linking to is the open source version of the greatest game ever made, Civilization (this isn’t opinion… it’s a fact .

If you haven’t checked it out already FreeCiv strives to emulate and improve upon the classic game which is over 15 years old and still going. The AI is tough, the game play is addicting (just one more turn) and it offers infinitely replay ability.

In reality, anything I say in this tip will be a detriment to the greatest game ever, so go download it now and play all weekend.