Both paid and free online games are popular nowadays but way before the internet became the thing, people were already playing games. Why not, right? Games not only entertain us, they can also relieve stress, develop problem-solving skills and coordination, and help us communicate and interact with others.
The advent of online games only made playing games more convenient. It also opened up a whole new frontier when it comes to connecting with others. Nowadays, smartphones and mobile-gaming systems made is easier for 3.243 billion gamers worldwide to play anytime, anywhere. For many people, online gaming helped them pass away time while they have no choice but to stay at home during this COVID pandemic.
Just in case you are stuck with just playing your usual games, let me share with you some of the popular types of games free online games you can also play.
1. Solitaire
Solitaire is a single player game that you can play using tiles, cards or pegs. Card solitaire or patience has many versions and comes with their own rules. The popular ones are Klondike (which is known as the classic solitaire), Freecell, Spider, Pyramid, Tripeaks and Golf.
An advantage of playing card solitaire online is you don’t waste any more time shuffling and arranging cards on the table. For example, on Solitaire.org, a site where you can play various online games for free, the cards are laid out and moved for you when you play.
Another type of solitaire is mahjong solitaire. This is commonly played online instead of using the actual mahjong tiles. Throughout the years, the mahjong tiles games also evolved. For example, at Solitaire.org, 18 versions of mahjong solitaire tile games are being offered, including the following versions:
1. China Mahjong
2. Jungle Connect
3. Mahjong 2048
4. Mahjong Sequence
5. Panda Mahjong
6. Mahjong Titans
2. Card Games
Online games made it easier to play card games. There’s no need to shuffle and deal cards as you play Blackjack, 21 Blitz, Gin Rummy, Thirty One, Poker, Tong-its, Hearts and others. You also have the option to play with other players or play against the computer.
3. Simulation Games
In simulation games, you pretend to do something. Usually, you are a person in charge of operating a business, expanding a kingdom, cooking recipes, taking care of pets or kids, driving a vehicle and other similar stuff. Some simulation games are even used for instructional and training purposes.
4. Hidden Object Games
Hidden object games will test your focus and concentration as you search for objects on the screen. Because there is a variety of theme available to play, you can easily choose one that interests you. Here are some examples of what games are available online: The Palace Hotel, Hidden Kitchen Circus Adventure, China Temple, Pirates and Treasures, Hidden Princess and Garden Secrets.
5. Match 3 Games
Candy Crush Saga, which is the top grossing game in Google Play, is an example of Match 3 games. Depending on the game, you need to slide objects onscreen to connect them or shoot at them to match 3 or more pieces. Other examples of Match 3 games are Candy House, Treasures of Atlantis, Zuma Ball and Zuma Legend.
6. Puzzles and Word Games
Puzzle games consist of logic games, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Sokoban, word search, letter scramble, jigsaw puzzles and the likes. They are more challenging and requires analytical skills and wide vocabulary (when playing word puzzles).
7. Arcade Video Games
Arcade video games are games of skill and can be also referred to as action video games. You usually need coordination, speed, focus and reflexes to pass through various levels of arcade games. Examples of this are Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, flight games, and character action games.
A Word of Caution
Online games are fun and entertaining but it has its disadvantages, too. The World Health Organization (WHO) already considers gaming disorder in its International Classification of Diseases as a type of disorder due to addictive behaviors. Therefore, always make sure that you only play in moderation and consult a professional once your gaming behavior already results to distress and problems in your personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
