There is no need to drop hundreds of pounds on a console to enjoy computer games. Your everyday laptop or desktop PC can power a huge catalogue of top-tier entertainment that goes far beyond web browser diversions. You just need to know where to look…

Machinarium

A little robot has been thrown out of his city, and it’s up to you to get him back in. This traditional adventure game from Czechoslovakia looks and sounds utterly gorgeous, but can be very hard — thankfully each area has its own hint and walkthrough page.

Try the demo, then get it direct from Amanita Design for £12.50.

World of Goo

How did Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel squeeze so much mileage out of such a simple idea? You have goo balls, and with them you build trembling, tottering constructions to reach the pipe that sucks you to the next challenge. Each one is completely fresh, and each one is a mind-bending joy to complete.

There’s a demo, and the full version is £12.50 from 2D Boy.

Braid

It’s nearly impossible to describe Braid in words, which is exactly what its outspoken creator Jonathan Blow wanted. It’s a game about time, the weirdness that comes from fiddling with it, and rescuing the princess from the castle. Braid originally appeared on the Xbox 360, so play it with a gamepad if you can.

A generous demo covers the first third of the game, and the remainder is £10.

Blueberry Garden

This short but enthralling work by Erik Svedang is more a vignette than a game. The beaked protagonist appears in an abstract world full of strange fruits, and to give much else away would spoil the experience. An evening’s entertainment for a very reasonable price.

Both the demo and the £4 full release are on Steam.

Audiosurf

Sick and tired of the songs in Guitar Hero? In Audiosurf you can play absolutely any MP3 from your computer or iPod and compete worldwide (or just among friends) for the top score. It made developer Dylan Fitterer a dollar millionaire quite literally overnight, and little wonder.

The demo and £10 full game are once again both on Steam.

Quake Live

Originally released in 1999, Quake 3 was, some would say still is, the king of twitch deathmatch. A decade later iD Software have re-released it for free along with a brand new skill-ranking system that eases newcomers in. You’ll need lightning reflexes, nerves of steel, and a rock solid net connection.

There’s nothing to pay, so get playing!

Droid Assault

This slick package is the pinnacle of top-down shooters. You must balance your goal of blasting OmniCorp’s virus-addled robots with the need to maintain a decontaminated fleet of your own…but the most desirable droids are naturally the most dangerous ones.

Get the meaty demo, or pay £15 for the real thing, direct from developers PuppyGames.

Cave Story

Quite possibly the best Japanese side-scroller made in the last twenty years, Daisuke Amaya’s modern classic 洞窟物語 also happens to be completely free. If you fell in love with your Gameboy, this will delight you!

Cave Story is free. A third-party patch translates it into English.

Dangerous High School Girls In Trouble!

Keith Nemitz wanted to overcome the ‘orks and elves’ tropes that stifle western RPGs, and did so in true style: instead of swinging swords or casting spells, your gang of 1920s girls lie, cheat and generally misbehave their way to the genuinely shocking truth behind adult life in their small town.

Try the demo, after which it’s on Steam for £9. (To get the original portraits back, follow these instructions.)