Best Linux Games To Try in 2011

2011 is here, and Linux as a gaming platform seems to be growing more and more, especially with new and games coming up in both free and paid categories. Here's a list of the latest and the best games on the linux platform for the year 2011. Some of these games are new and some old favorites have received a major overhaul.

1. SuperTuxKart

Described by Full Circle Magazine as one of the best racing games for Linux, Supertuxkart is a 3d kart racing game featuring the Linux mascot Tux. The game involves the driver(usually popular FOSS mascots) racing across different tracks against some rather nasty opponents. One can knock other drivers down, blow them up, or slow them down depending on the 'gift boxes' one collects. The game also features a split screen multiplayer which can be played using two keyboards attached to the same computer. Game modes like Grand Prix, Time Trial and Follow the Leader make sure the game doesn't fall into the trap of monotony.
Download the game from here.

2. Alien Arena 2011

Alien Arena is a free, stand-alone first-person shooter computer game based on source code released by id Software. The game combines a 1950s-era sci-fi atmosphere with gameplay similar to the Quake, Doom, and Unreal Tournament series. Alien Arena focuses mainly on online multiplayer action, although it does contain single-player matches against bots. The latest version of the game i.e. Alien Arena 2011 includes ragdoll physics using the Open Dynamics engine and a new soundtrack.
Linux : Download
Ubuntu users can download the deb file from here

3. Urban Terror

Urban Terror is a free-to-play online game based on Quake 3 Arena developed by Frozen Sand.The onilne multiplayer game brings the best elements of FPS like Team Deathmatch, Capture the flag,Free-for-all Deathmatch, etc bundled into a Hollywood tactical shooter.Though the game is modeled as realistically as possible, the addition of special abilities like wall jumping and power sliding make the game very exciting. FPS veterans will find this game quite reminiscent of Counter Strike. The game is available across all platforms and can be downloaded and played free of charge. 2011, will see the release of UrbanTerror HD, making UT a standalone game rather than a mod which it now is.
Linux : Download
Ubuntu users can download the .deb file from here

4. 0 A.D

0 A.D. is a historical real-time strategy open source game, focusing on the years 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. Published by Wildfire Games, this game is a war/economy strategy game allowing players to recreate or rewrite the ancient history of western civilizations. 0 A.D. is still in development and is likely to be released in 2011, yet users can download and play the game free of charge.
Linux : Download
.deb file for Ubuntu: Download

5. Minecraft

Though this game, unlike the ones mentioned above, is not free, thanks to its popularity it still deserves a worthy mention on this list. Minecraft is a new cross platform indie game which has recently been in the spotlight by many major publications. It is a 3D sandbox game, where players must try and survive in a randomly generated world. In order to do this, you must build tools, construct buildings/shelters and harvest resources. If you're still curious then do check out the best minecraft structures created by addicted players from around the world. Minecraft is still under heavy development but when finished, will retail at 20 Euros. For the moment, the game can be pre-purchased and played as a beta for 14.95 Euros.
Download/ Purchase the game at http://minecraft.net/