Guest post by Dustin Deckard

Let’s face it – everybody likes games. I do, you do, your mom on Facebook does (Farmville, much?). But just because you don’t have an Xbox 360, a PS3 or a mammoth computer system doesn’t mean you’re limited to crappy Facebook games (Farmville, much?) and more Wii Sports. Here’s a few computer games that will run on just about everything (even your netbook or ancient office computer!) and won’t cost you a penny. Plus, they have the added advantage of being good, as well as all having some original element that I think makes them some of the best games I’ve played all year, even though they’re just Flash games.

Afflux – A physics-based puzzle game featuring a cat that shoots laser beams out of his eyes when you piss him off. That’s really all you need to know, but I suppose I could elaborate a bit more: The objective of the game is to guide raindrops into a room through a window and make sure they find their way into the soil of a potted plant. You guide their path with fans, jet engines, books, and crossbeams, all while protecting the precious droplets from the various obstacles around the room (see: cat with laser-beam eyes).

A Small Favor – A classic point-and-click adventure game with clever writing, some funny surprises and great all-around style. When you finish the game and are left wanting more (trust me, you’ll want more), fret not! There’s a sequel on the same page, cleverly titled “Another Small Favor.”

Aqualux – While the gameplay is nothing new (stolen straight from the classic game Pipe Dream), Aqualux’s presentation is great. Charming, clean graphics and fun, upbeat music will make the day fly by. Plus, there’s fireworks and a rainbow when you beat a level – and that’s just an unbeatable combination. The online version is technically just a demo, so if you want to play the full version of the game you’ll have to drop $15.

Double Wires – Ever wonder how difficult it must be for Spider-Man to swing around, building to building like he does? Play this game for a few minutes and you might start to get an idea. It’s addictive, mindless and endless – so basically what I’m saying is it’s a perfect Flash game. Click at your own risk.

Sin Mark – Let me warn you right now – this game is not casual in any way. It’s extremely tough, and will probably make you want to pound your mouse to bits. But once you get over the learning curve and really figure out what you’re doing, there’s a highly rewarding game to be played. In Sin Mark, you play as Akahn the monster slayer, pushing back monsters and destroying the gates they come through. Use the trinkets and runes you collect along the way to cast spells that will aid you in your holy, pixelated cleansing of the lands.

What’s your favorite Flash-based time waster? Share your faves in the comments.

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