MSN Games, formerly known as the MSN Gaming Zone, The Village, and Internet Gaming Zone used to be a popular online platform for casual gamers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It has a simple interface and a variety of multiplayer and single-player games in it. Games were available to play in free online mode, trial mode, and full-feature pay-to-play modes.
Back in the day, MSN Games was a space where people could get hours of entertainment. The platform is no longer at its prime, but its legacy lives on because of some of the memorable games it used to have. MSN Games was founded by Kevin Binkley and was called ‘The Village” at the time. Microsoft currently owns it and is a part of Xbox Game Studios.
7 Best MSN Games
1. Just Words
Just Words is a multiplayer crossword game. It is MSN’s version of a Scrabble game. In this game, players take turns creating words on a game board by placing tiles to score the most points by creating double or triple words or letter combinations. It is a great mix of strategy and vocabulary skills.
It is perfect when you want to play one-on-one matches with your friends. It has relaxed gameplay but can get competitive if you are a word game enthusiast. It is a simple and fun game with a slight challenge.
2. Solitaire
This is the online version of the classic patience card game and it was included in Microsoft Windows. It was one of the most played games on Windows PC and a favorite among office workers and casual gamers. There were different versions available like Klondike, Spider, or Freecell. If you used to own a Windows PC, chances are you have played this game before. It offered different game modes based on skill level.
Most of the gamers are familiar with the gameplay as they have already played it offline. It has a relaxing gameplay and is perfect for unwinding. Solitaire remains one of those games that has stood the test of time, thanks to its popularity due to its MSN version.
3. Microsoft Bubble
Microsoft Bubble is a colorful and addictive bubble-shooter game that has simple mechanics. The goal is to shoot bubbles from the bottom of the screen and match three or more of the same color to make them pop. The player has to pop as many colors and clear the screen. It has a very easy-to-learn gameplay which made it suitable for all ages to play. As you go through the levels, the difficulty rises.
The game bursting with bright colours and has cheerful visuals which adds to the fun experience. It is a perfect game for when you want to take quick breaks and it remains a nostalgic game for many.
4. Text Twist
Text Twist was one of the most iconic games of MSN. In this game, players were given a set of scrambled letters and they had to form as many words as possible before the timer ran out. The goal is to find the longest word using all the letters to advance to the next level.
The game was brain-boosting since it challenged players’ vocabulary and quick thinking. It had a countdown timer which just adds to the urgency. Text Twist is great for solo playing or with a friend if you want to go for some competition.
5. Spades
Spades was one of the most popular card games on MSN. It had a casual yet competitive gameplay. It is a trick-taking game that needs teamwork, strategy, and a little luck. In this game, four players are in fixed partnerships, and sitting opposite each other. All four players have to bid several tricks. The team has to get a positive score to win. It has a multiplayer mode which leads to more social interaction.
The game has simple rules but requires some strategy to win. It was a staple game for MSN players as it gave hours of fun and players could form new friendships online.
6. Chess
This MSN Games’ version of Chess was a total hit among gamers who loved to play strategy. It allowed players to face off against friends, strangers, or against the computer. It included tutorials and rated play to help you get better at the game. Chess is a classic strategy board game in which the goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king. Each player starts with 16 pieces which include a king and queen, and two each of bishops, rooks, knights, and pawns.
The game had a multiplayer feature which allowed you to play with anyone worldwide. It had a clean and user-friendly design which made it easy for beginners.
7. Minesweeper
This is a classic brain-teasing puzzle game that was a staple on MSN Games. I’m sure you have seen this game before but had no clue how to play it. The goal of the game is to clear a grid of squares without detonating hidden mines. You can use the numbers as clues to their locations.
It has a challenging gameplay and needs logical thinking. You could adjust the difficulty level to suit beginners or pros. It is an unforgettable game in the MSN game lineup.
Explore more: The Ultimate List Of The Best 90s Video Games
Final Thoughts
The legacy of MSN Games lives on in the hearts of those who grew up playing them. Many of its games included chat features that allowed players to interact, form friendships, and compete in a community-driven environment. The easy access it offered on any browser made it a go-to platform for casual gamers all over the world.
From classics that have stood the test of time to the latest games, these are a great addition to your relaxed evening. In July 2019, Microsoft announced that it was taking down the Windows XP and ME games.
