The GNU/Linux operating system isn't exactly known for gaming, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any games on it that are worth playing. Recently I installed an array of different titles and, combined with some that I had already played, I've compiled a list of must-have GNU/Linux games (and a few "honorable mentions") to joyously erode your free time.

The Battle for Wesnoth is the premiere turn-based strategy game for GNU/Linux. If you're already familiar with games like Crystal Warriors or Military Madness, The Battle for Wesnoth will be very familiar. If you're new to the genre but enjoy strategy games, you'll fall in love with Wesnoth by the time the tutorials are over (see Figure 1).

The Battle for Wesnoth is not so much a game in itself as it is a framework for game campaigns. The standard distribution comes with four rather lengthy campaigns, each with interesting storylines, excellent music, and challenging and attractive maps. Each campaign has three difficulty levels, so the replayability factor is fairly high. I've been through the default campaign three times already, each time learning new strategies and tactics.

In addition to the standard campaign set, there are tons of other that you can download from within the game. I've found most of them to be buggy or non-working, and the majority of the downloadable campaigns do not have the depth and attention to detail that the standard set does.

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