Dropping Linux and shifting to other OS just for the reason that there is not a big pool of gaming options is not a smart idea. I admit that there are not great number of games to pick from but that doesn’t mean gaming developers are not doing their bit. They seem to be working hard on pushing the envelope of games in Linux and we can expect good number of games in days to come.

Presently, Linux includes some exciting games that persuade you to download and play. Today, I thought of coming up with two of my favorite civilization based games and letting you all know the stepwise procedure of installing them.You got it right, I’m talking about free and open source FreeCiv and FreeCol games.

FreeCiv:

FreeCiv is freeware 4X game inspired by Civilization 2. It’s a free and open source empire building strategy game that starts in prehistory and your mission is to lead your tribe from the stone-age to the space age. To win the game you have to build cities, collect your resources, organize your government and build an army. It’s definitely a lengthy game but if you’re a strategy addict, the game is worth downloading. The best part is that the game comes totally free. FreeCiv provides two different client interfaces-GTK2 and SDL.

How to install FreeCiv in Linux?

Before you start installing and launching the game ensure that no other applications are running.

1) Type the following command in the terminal:

a) sudo apt-get install freeciv-client-gtk2 # (for the GTK client)

b) sudo apt-get install freeciv-client-sdl # (for the SDL client)

2) Launch the game by pressing Alt+F2

3) Type freeciv in the run dialogue/Go to Applications->Games->Freeciv.

You have the option to install either both packages or a single one. Type freeciv-gtk2 or freeciv-sdl to start the launching.

Start the new game.

Select the nation.

After the game is launched, the SDL client enables you to run the game in window mode and full-screen.

SDL client

GTK2 client

Download FreeCiv Game For Free.

FreeCol:

The second game I found pretty cool is the turn-based strategy game that’s similar to the Civilization. FreeCol is a freeware 4X video game, a clone of Sid Meier’s Colonization. FreeCol is programmed in Java which means it should be platform-independent. The civilization-like game asks the player to strategically conquer the New World.

The player has to colonize the New World in order to win. One starts the game in 1492 with a vessel and some colonists with the goal to build many colonies. When there are majority of people behind, you can declare your independence. At the later stage, the King sends over his forces from Europe and tries to gain control over your colonies. It’s only if you survive the attack you win the game.

The FreeCol game runs in full-screen but you can keep the control from window manager by using Alt+Tab.

How to install FreeCol Game in Linux?

Just type sudo apt-get install freecol in a terminal. The version included in the Maverick Beta repositories is 0.9.2.

If you’re the one who checks the mailbox and other updates every now and then, you can chose playing in a windowed mode. By doing so you can easily switch between other tasks that too without exiting, restarting and reloading the game.

Download Freecol Game For Free.