Macromedia Shockwave Games

Almost 400 million people have installed the Macromedia Shockwave player on their computers. This allows them to play free online games that feature an astounding level of quality and detail. Shockwave is Macromedia’s first multimedia player and predates the existence of Flash. Although it was specifically designed for movies, Shockwave has become the tool of choice for developing online games.

Powerful 3D Engine

The 3D engine used with Shockwave is the most powerful available today for online games, surpassing even Java in popularity. Most developers now use this amazing tool to create free online games. All Flash files can be played in the Shockwave player. The Shockwave engine renders objects much faster than Flash and works seamlessly with the video hardware on the user’s computer. The only drawback is that Shockwave is not available for Linux, although the Linux community is lobbying to change this.

Impressive Game Quality

The free online games produced using the Shockwave engine are nothing short of impressive. Many experts believe that further advances in this technology may allow it to compete with console games in the future. While this may sound slightly far-fetched, it is not impossible. Many argue that the graphics capability of the Shockwave engine can compete with or even surpass that of the PSP or Nintendo DS. Although this is still up for debate, there can be no doubt that Shockwave is a formidable force in online gaming.

Diverse Game Genres

Games can be produced in Shockwave for any genre, including racing games, RPGs, fighting games, and simulators. Many of these free online games require users to meet specific system requirements to play them. This is the only downside that separates them from console games; while games designed for a specific console will always work, with Shockwave you need a computer powerful enough to run them.

Cost Advantage

The most significant advantage Shockwave games have over console games is cost. While many of these games may be free, some are available for as little as $9.95 per download. This is a lot cheaper than the $40 you will pay for a PSP game or the $60 for an Xbox 360 game. As better games are released in Shockwave, we may see a shift in popularity from console games back to computer games in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shockwave has made a substantial impact in the realm of free online games and their development. With its powerful engine, impressive graphics, and diverse range of games, it offers an alternative to traditional console gaming that is both accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.