10 best free PC games you should play today

Strapped for cash? Don't know whether to spend your money on games or food? We know how you feel. But, wait! There's a way you can play brilliantly brain pummelling games and still afford beans on toast.

We pick out the 10 best games you can download or play online for free, from classic remakes to independent gems.You may get carpal tunnel syndrome after you've worked your way through this lot, but at least you won't starve.

10. Marathon/Aleph One

Ironically, Halo developer Bungie actually first rose to fame with the Mac's answer to Doom, though Marathon went cross platform in 2000 with the open source release of the Aleph One engine. This was followed in 2005 with the free release of the original Marathon games. They're looking a bit doddery these days, though - so we recommend choosing total conversion scenarios Rubicon or Tempus Irae. Download Marathon.

Rating: 3/5

9. Narbacular Drop

It's like Portal, but free. The oddly named Narbacular Drop is the bona fide precursor to the 2007 game sensation - with the same, mind-bending game dynamic. The world you explore is quite different; a mediaeval castle with lava pits, rolling boulders and friendly turtles rather than the pristine test chambers of Portal. It's short and sweet, but community created maps are available. Valve liked it so much, it bought the development team. Download Narbacular Drop.

Rating: 3/5

8. Mightier

Fun puzzler Mightier's appeal isn't immediately apparent. You're an "Actionaut" collecting "Datagons" on an alien planet. To do that, you have to create platforms so you can reach them. Early levels are child's play, but don't let the cute graphics and twee music fool you. Your brain will soon be bubbling in its own juices. A killer feature for us; you can print out level plans and solve them on paper first. Download Mightier.

Rating: 3/5

7. Cube 2:Sauerbraten

Cube began life as an open source, 3D engine for the creation of (very) Quake-like games. Version 2 offers a full, single player experience - which is unusual among free first person shooters. More unusual is Cube's in-game editing system. Switch to edit mode and you can alter the game map interactively - extruding walls and applying textures right inside the game environment. Download Cube 2:Sauerbraten.

Rating: 4/5

6. Battle for Wesnoth

The graphics are primitive and the gameplay's old school - but that shouldn't put you off. Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game,you start every 'campaign' as a leader commanding troops who must fight off evil forces struggling for control of Wesnoth. You'll add to your army as you grow rich and take land, but you must also make sure the enemy doesn't gain too much ground. Serious fun. Download Battle for Wesnoth.

Rating: 4/5