Todd Nesnick
We often see and read articles based on the latest games for the best laptops. You know the ones, the laptops with the super-duper graphics cards, etc. But what about the rest of us? The average Joe out there, with an average laptop. What games will give us the best gameplay experience? What games can make our laptops look like they have a better graphics card? Well, fear not. We have scoured games far and away to bring you this list. We have played everything from sports games to casino games and everything in between.
Whatever the reason, it’s terrific to have a library of engaging games that won’t melt our computers in situations like these. Fortunately, there are many older and even newer independent games compatible with low-end laptops with integrated GPUs. So here you have some fantastic games for the average laptop.
Oxenfree
Oxenfree from Night School Studio is a must-have for any system, and it’s excellent for an older laptop thanks to its basic yet amazing graphics and animation created by Disney alumni. You play Alex, a teen girl going on an overnight trip with her buddies to a strange island that was once a World War II military post. The youngsters unintentionally open a spirit gate, where they encounter ghosts and find messages from the past.
The conversation system is the game’s central hook, as each discussion can affect the story’s trajectory. Most of your time will be spent exploring the island and attempting to close the ghostly rift. The puzzles are challenging but not too difficult. The gameplay may not be to everyone’s taste, but the story is what propels the game along.
Among Us
If you’re looking for a fun game to enjoy with your pals, Among Us is one you’ll be able to play no matter how old your computer is. It even allows for cross-play between PCs and mobile devices. Anyone who has played Werewolf or other similar group tabletop games will recognize the format of Among Us.
A group of vividly colored space engineers is tasked with repairing a ship while figuring out who is the imposter attempting to murder the rest of the crew. It’s easier to pick up and play on a low-spec machine because the joy is in how successfully you and your pals can trick each other rather than elaborate lighting effects.
Star Wars: Rebel Assault 1 & 2
Have these Star Wars masterpieces from 1993 and 1995 held up well in the years since they were released? No, not really. However, you may now play them on contemporary PCs owing to a recent re-release. For gamers of a particular generation, it’ll be a good nostalgia trip, and the digital live-action footage is fantastic. The best part about playing 25-year-old games is that they operate flawlessly on even the most basic systems.
Poly Bridge
Poly Bridge is a fantastic puzzle game in the vein of now-defunct titles such as The Incredible Machine. You must create bridges that can hold a specific number of vehicles while remaining under budget in this game. Unfortunately, these two simple aims may become more challenging to complete as the game progresses, as the game introduces new risks and the necessity to use construction skills.
Disco Elysium
Have you ever wished to be the best detective in history? We know you did, and we’ve got the perfect game for you. Disco Elysium is a digital paradise for individuals who have always been good at solving problems. As a detective, you have unprecedented flexibility in an open-world RPG, whether it’s solving murder mysteries and helping people or taking bribes, influencing others, and becoming a millionaire.
Of course, the city you’re roaming around in is shrouded in mystery, which adds to this enticing title. This game should be on your laptop right now if you have hours to kill, or even if you don’t.