Free gaming computer

In this era of 4GB installs, it’s easy to forget that games don’t have to be complicated to be good. Here are three titles with play value that far exceeds their simple mechanics.

Starscape

$24.95

www.moonpod.com

Starscape is best described as Asteroids on steroids. Action plays out on vast maps packed with enemies, asteroids, and bases; the entire game is tied together with a simple storyline and role-playing elements. It’s a great combination, and graphics are colorful and varied enough to dispel complaints about the low fixed resolution.

Gearbolt Rage: Infinite Pain

Free

www.o3software.net

Don’t let the screenshot fool you—a static image can’t convey the bloody, nonstop action of this freeware tribute to the click-and-play gem Destruction Carnival. Seven weapons randomly appear on the screen, and it’s your job to pick them up and destroy waves of enemies. Sounds easy, but everything moves so fast that it’s hard to dodge bullets and guard dogs, let alone shoot anything. The game takes up only a few megs of disc space, making it a terrific laptop diversion.

Car Thief 4

$19.95

www.maximagames.com/carthief

Players are tasked with stealing cars across the U.S., with a variety of stats like locksmithing and electronics that improve with practice and training. Specialists can be hired to compensate for weaknesses, but they take a cut of the money, making it even tougher to pay off loan sharks or upgrade tools. It’s packed with just enough surprises to justify the price.

Copyright ?? 2003 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Computer Gaming World.