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Games At a Glance

A quick glance at some of the games by catagory. If you know what criteria you're looking for, perhaps the easiest way to find it is to go to the NetGames page and do a 'text find' (command-f) for what you want.

If you have a question you think should be added, feel free to email me.

This Page Answers:
Games against PCs
Games over Kali
Games that work on low-end Macs
Shareware networkable games
Games that work well over the Internet
...and more!



I want to kick some Wintel butt and show 'em what a real computer is made of! What games can I play against PC's over a local network?

First all, you need to install MacIPX software on your computer so that it can talk to the PC's. Look on the Connections page for info on IPX, such as downloading and configuring the software. Then, look for games on the NetGames that say they are Crossplatform. Typically, these games use MacIPX networking (which I list below), but also keep in mind that many modem-compatible games support crossplatform gaming as well (presuming you both have modems).




Follow-up question: I just registered Kali, what games work well?

These games are popular on the Kali network because they work well:

These games, while technically compatible (any game that supports MacIPX will work with Kali), are not very playable because of bandwidth constraints:

There are also plenty of other games that are playable over the internet, such as Avara, Havoc, etc. Just look for games that support TCP/IP.

* PC users are able to play Doom if they use a special "patched" version of the program. Attempts to play MacDoom over Kali usually causes Doom to 'hang' while trying to connect.




What?! Do I look like I'm made out of money?! I can't afford the latest and greatest hardware, so what games are available to me?
- Or -
I just upgraded my home computer, and now I've got my new computer and old (obsolete) one networked together. Are there any games I can still play?

Depends on how low-end you mean.

If you a have a "classic" Mac (one of those lovable B/W 9" screens):

If you have a LC or better:

The following will also work if you have a 25mHz or faster 68030 (such as the LC III):

If you have a Centris/Quadra:

If you're looking for more on games that run on older Macs, look no further than Mac 68k Games




I'm a poor college student; I spend all my money on beer, and can't afford commercial games. Are there any shareware games that support networking?

First off, shareware does not mean freeware. Companies such as Ambrosia Software are committed to providing low-cost software for us, and they depend on our payments to make their living. If you use the software, pay for it! See the Netgames List for descriptions and system requirements.

And just about every game and service on the On-Line Games page is free or shareware:

Most of the commercial demos including networking, as well.




My computer sees the world through a paltry little modem. What games work well over modems?

Too many to list here! Your best bet is to go to the NetGames page and perform a find for 'modem'. Hit command-g (find again) to find the next game, and so on. These will bring up all the games that include built-in modem support.

Many others can be tricked into playing over modems with the help from software like Netlink Remote, Kali, Dialup TCP, etc. Go to the Connections page for help and tools for playing over all kinds of networks.

FAQ: Can Marathon 2/Infinity be played over modems/internet?
No. Marathon is too demanding and needs a nice, fast local network to play smoothly. However, Marathon 1 is somewhat playable using Netlink Remote.




Hey, I want games that can be played over the internet, man!

Internet gaming is where its at! And there are more and more games coming out every week!

Here's some games that support TCP/IP directly, which makes it especially easy to play over the internet (a special thanks to Apple's NetSprocket technoloy for making most of these possible):

of course, you are by no means limited be games that support just TCP/IP! Many of the most popular games are played over Kali, Netlink Remote, etc:

And believe it or not, this is not all of them! Many more can be played using some of the tricks from the Connections page.




It's four o'clock in the morning, I just finished off a 2-litre bottle of Coca-Cola, and all my friends are asleep! Where can I find someone to play against?

You have several options to find people who also just finished a bottle of Coca-Cola and are just as bored...

Register Kali and go Kchat. Hop on IRC. Check out one of the services or download any one of the games from the On-Line Games page.

That's the beauty of the internet: you're likely to always find someone at any hour who has the same interest as you!




I just hooked up a local all-Macintosh network, and am ready for gaming! What should I play?

Have you been asleep for the past 20 minutes?! Every Mac netgame supports Appletalk! Go to the NetGames page, start reading some descriptions, find something you like, then download the demo! Duh!
(Okay smartypants! So there are now a couple of exceptions; notably 'Command & Conquer' and 'Close Combat')



© Copyright 1997 Rick VanDerveer

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