If you are an old school gamer and like those turn of the century computer games (I mean late 1990’s to early 2000’s) such as the DIABLO series, then I think you are going to LOVE the game Flare RPG. Flare is an open source, 2D single-player Action-RPG that allows you to roam freely through a unique world, full with surprises and adventure. It is an isometric game, inspired by the classics in many ways: a challenging environment to explore, choices with consequences, and a simple but versatile rulesystem enabling endless ways to develop your character.

You can find FLARE available in the Ubuntu Software Center. On Ubuntu 16.04 it will be just the basic Flare RPG 0.19 version. Its playable and fun. Version 0.19 is the alpha demo made by the Flare team. There are a handful of maps with a few small quests. It is bundled with the Flare engine up until version 0.19.

If you like the game so far, you’ll want the new mod version that came out recently named the Empyrean Campaign (Flare 1.06). 4 years in the making, and finally complete last month, Flare RPG the Empyrean Campaign is complete. This game will run on anything, there are builds for any flavor of OS or set up – Windows, Linux, phones. Even runs on a Raspberry Pi.

Its very much a complete game, and will 100% bring back those good Diablo quest feelings. Tons of side quests in the included campaign, or you can power thru 1 role in about 10-20 hours. If you like it harder, you can play with permadeath. Good music, sound, a variety of skills and weapons and magic. Plenty of baddies to kill. Fun to replay with other roles.

The NEW Flare 1.06 game is available to download in the Software Center (Ubuntu 18.04). You can also check out the game here:

Flare: Empyrean Campaign

If you are still running Ubuntu 16.04 (like I am) and want to play the newest version you will want to download the game from the download page here: http://flarerpg.org/index.php/download/

Download the first option under linux. Extract the files to where-ever you want on your computer and you should now have a folder “flare-v1.06”. Go into that folder and right click the flare.sh file, go to properties, permissions and allow it to execute as a program. Clicking the flare.sh file works for me to start the game, but you may need to drag the file into a terminal window and then press enter to start it up in Ubuntu 16.04. If you know of an easier way let us know! The easiest way to play this newest version is to install it through Ubuntu 18.04… so maybe its time to upgrade your Ubuntu!

Its a fun game that will keep you busy for hours. OK 20 hours later….

So how was Flare RPG??? Do you want MORE?? For only $8 you can get a very polished & nice looking fork of Flare RPG named Exiled Kingdoms over on Steam…

https://store.steampowered.com/app/788270/Exiled_Kingdoms/

Word is it is much bigger and lots more to do than the original Flare RPG. Check it out and have fun!

https://www.gog.com/games?system=lin_mint,lin_ubuntu,lin_ubuntu_18&sort=popularity&search=star%20wars&page=1

I know, I know… there are hundreds of awesome games to be played, not just Star Wars. So make sure to filter your search by operating system and pick Ubuntu.

GOG.com is also offering a FREE game (works on Ubuntu linux!) right now named “Xenonauts” which is a cool strategy game where you defend the world from aliens. You only have until June 6th 1pm UTC to grab this for free (regular price is $25 USD). If you make any purchases before June 18th you get points to unlock other games as well.

Listed below is a direct link to ALL of the games GOG offers that work on Ubuntu. 2,499 games (18 pages worth of games!!!) and you can filter the selection even more by the genre, price, etc…

https://www.gog.com/games?system=lin_mint,lin_ubuntu,lin_ubuntu_18&sort=popularity&page=1

Check it out!

https://www.gog.com/game/dungeons_2

Here is a link to all of their games available to linux users…

https://www.gog.com/games?system=lin_mint,lin_ubuntu&sort=popularity&page=1

With recent chatter from Valve about Steam coming to linux system eventually, it looks like its going to be a reality sooner rather than later!

The Left 4 Dead 2 game blog post mentioned this:

“All of this will also be available not just on the PC and Mac, but also for Linux users as well starting in the middle of next month and rolling out from there. We will have more details as we get closer to launch.”

Purely awesome news for Ubuntu linux users. More games make Ubuntu and linux a viable operating system for millions more users around the globe.

Issue #63 of the FREE great independent Full Circle Ubuntu magazine has arrived! It is formatted as a PDF file, a Google Currents Edition and an EPUB ereader book. I really love Full Circle and if you have never downloaded and read through an issue, it is worth your time. Full Circle features Ubuntu and linux news, new apps and how to guides for maximizing your knowledge. Its great for the Ubuntu guru and the novice alike.

This issue has great tips about Python programming, make use of LibreOffice, continued tips on using GIMP and Inkscape, an informative Q&A section, the all important Games Review section, and has a new section called “Ask The New Guy”.

Grab it here:

http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-63/

The latest greatest FREE Ubuntu magazine Full Circle Magazine has released new issue #61. It has tips on Python programming, VirtualBox, awesome GIMP and Inkscape tutorials, DVD ripping tips, game reviews and you’ll also find…

* Command and Conquer.
* How-To : Beginning Python – Part 33, Use The TOP Command, and VirtualBox Networking.
* Graphics : GIMP – The Beanstalk Part 2, and Inkscape Part 1.
* Linux Lab – DVD-Ripping and Encoding.
* Book Review & Competition – Linux For Newbies.
* I Think – Have You Helped a Kickstarter?
* Closing Windows – Add/Remove Software and Repos.
* NEW! Audio Flux – CC music, sites and apps.
plus: Ubuntu Games, My Desktop, My Opinion, My Story, and much much more!

http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-61/

With the release of Diablo 3, many Ubuntu users want to know… will it even work on Ubuntu? The answer in short is – YES!

The easiest way to install Diablo III on Ubuntu is to use PlayOnLinux and use the download option from Blizzard. More info here:

http://www.playonlinux.com/en/commentaires-1043.html

If you dont yet have PlayOnLinux installed on your Ubuntu computer, install it via the instructions here for your version of Ubuntu: http://www.playonlinux.com/en/download.html

That is the easy way to install Diablo 3 on Ubuntu.

There is another way, and that is to directly use the disc and install via WINE. The Beta of Diablo 3 worked great on Ubuntu and so does the official release. More info here on tips to install Diablo 3 on Ubuntu with WINE…

http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=13484

If you dont have WINE installed on Ubuntu you can install it via the terminal by inputing these commands…

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-wine/ppa

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install wine1.5

We will be testing this out in the next day and will update the site with new info.

Addendum: Before spending the time installing Diablo III on Ubuntu, check out the System Requirements first:

Minimum:

Processor: Dual Core with 2.1 GHz
Memory: 2 GB System RAM
Hard Disk Space: 10 GB
Video Card: 512 MB Radeon 3870 / GeForce 8800 GTX
Additional: Keyboard/mouse or gamepad required Internet Connection required for online activation

Recommended:

Processor: Dual Core with 3 GHz
Memory: 4 GB System RAM
Hard Disk Space: 12 GB
Video Card: 1024 MB Radeon 4890 / GeForce GTX 260

An interesting new game called Cube Trains is in development and it works on Ubuntu. The game uses the Frogatto engine.

The tutorials are fun and easy, but the game is challenging. Your task is to build train tracks linking the train depots with their appropriately colored destinations.

 This game is still in early development, but if it interests you, give it a try.

Learn more about the game here:

http://ddr0.github.com/

To install, you will need to download the DEB file and install it. Go ahead, dont be shy… give it a try!

Electronic Arts are delivering two games into Ubuntu, Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances and Lord of Ultima. They are now available in the Ubuntu Software Center.

These games load up as web apps, meaning… when you start the game it will open up in your web browser. Regardless, this is major news and it shows that the big gaming companies are now looking towards Ubuntu as a viable operating system.

Give these games a try and add your reviews in the Ubuntu Software Center.

original announcement courtesy of Jono Bacon http://www.jonobacon.org/2012/05/08/ea-games-and-ubuntu/

On Wednesday, May 2nd, Ubuntu Open Week had the following sessions (click topic for link to full sessions logs):

• Configuring your network using NetworkManager by cyphermox

• Scaling wordpress with juju, the OMG!Ubuntu! story by marcoceppi and imbrandon

• Gaming on Ubuntu by iheartubuntu

• How to help with IRC issues when you’re not an operator by topyli

There are some great sessions going on. Dont forget to check out our Gaming on Ubuntu session