The tastiest brain candy to relax those tired neurons
Gaming On Linux
Try your luck with Rocket League, Fear Equation, and Master of Orion.
The Unity game engine has been making some steady progress, but version 5.5 of the editor is the first where the Linux release has been pushed out under a unified codebase with mainline Unity. This essentially means that shortly after getting the editor ported to Linux, the OS is no longer a second-class citizen, making it a far more enticing option for those looking to develop games natively on this incredibly popular engine. At the same time, although it's most likely a while off, Unity developers have been working on integrating support for the Vulkan API, which is exciting stuff, along with porting to SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer), which would also be a big milestone once achieved.
In the emulator space, the GameCube and Wii Dolphin emulator can now officially boot every GameCube game – bar one stubborn case. This is a pretty huge milestone for an already impressive emulator, although this doesn't mean all the games run flawlessly yet. Dolphin has already overcome many of the technical limitations of the consoles by being able to increase resolution, add things like anti-aliasing, and play at higher frame rates.
Meanwhile, the DRM-free retailer GOG.com has made changes to its legal agreements that have essentially opened the door for the sale of games with more downloadable content (DLC) and in-game currency. Although these games aren't hugely popular with everyone, it does mean that there is now far greater potential for the roster of games to expand and thus more choice for those who like to avoid DRM.
Rocket League
A go-to multiplayer fix
Web:http://store.steampowered.com/app/252950/
Price: $19.99/£14.99
Football games have been overdone to the point where yearly releases now consist of roster changes; however, for many, they are still the de facto multiplayer game. Thankfully, Rocket League maintains the universally understood rules that make these games so widespread but changes almost every aspect for those of us bored to death of them.
Aside from the basic premise of two teams, a ball, and goals, the rest is pretty different. On top of cars that can drive up walls and a giant ball, a game of Rocket League does away with all the rules that don't necessarily translate well into video games, such as throw-ins and offsides, resulting in a fast-paced game without interruptions. That said, basketball, ice hockey, and other variants, although fun, are far less commonplace in the available online matches.
Rocket League not only gets cross-platform online multiplayer right on the PC, it also allows Steam users to play against console players, which is a refreshing rarity. As always, playing with people you know results in better gameplay given that the typical scenario is otherwise every player going for the ball without any real strategy. It's also worth mentioning that the game has fully functional controller support, which is without a doubt the prefered choice in this case.
The game really hits all the marks when it comes to a multiplayer experience, although it isn't without nitpicks. A more engaging single-player experience or career mode would have been nice, even if it was thrown in at the last second. Even some sort of backstory to the world would be nice. Aside from that, it's hard to find much wrong with the game, and it even does DLC and unlockables right by having no pay-to-win elements or other unfair advantages, while offering customization options to those who want it. Overall, it's a great game to play online – fantastic with friends and somewhat mediocre by yourself.
Master of Orion
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.