30 incredibly addictive HTML5 games

It’s been a fantastic couple of years for HTML5 games, for both consumers and developers. In fact, HTML5 is turning into a great game development platform, rapidly catching up to the ubiquity of Flash-based browser gaming.

HTML5 comes with some huge advantages that allow users to build apps, accelerated graphics in games, stream HD video and so much more by just using native web code.

So, here’s a collection of the 30 most creative and addictive HTML5 games, all of which can be played in your web browser. But, beware, they are extremely addictive!

1) Sand Trap

Fill the bucket with sand. Sounds simple enough but it’s actually trickier than you think as there’s a rotating cube maze that hovers above the bucket.

2) HexGL

If you love racing games, you’ll love HexGL. Created as a tribute to the Wipeout and F-Zero series, you’ll be surprised by the performance and quality of the graphics in this game and will definitely be drawn by its fast-paced nature.

3) Entanglement

An addictive puzzle game in which you need to create a path as long as possible in order to score points. Simple enough game mechanics but it will take a while to master. Make sure you don’t hit the wall as it will be game over!

4) Galactic Inbox

Reminiscent of the classic arcade game R-Type, this is a very entertaining and unique take on the shoot-em-up genre. You’re the champion Gmail who’s fighting to win against space invaders who look remarkably like spam…

5) BananaBread

Developed by Mozilla to test the performance of its browser, this is a 3D first-person shooter that uses JavaScript and WebGL to render 3D graphics, simply breath-taking for a game that runs in your browser.

6) Bombermine

An interesting take on the classic game Bomberman, this is a real-time multiplayer game with loads of features and bonuses such as custom Wolverine and Bender skins and eagle view.

7) Vector Runner Remix

A game that looks like it got its inspiration from the movie Tron, Vector Runner Remix is simple: make your vehicle jump the gaps and hazards – a fantastic reflex game.

8) Koubachi

Keeping your plants healthy has never been so enjoyable. Simply drag and drop each plant according to its desired light and heat.

9) Contre Jour

Contre Jour is a beautiful puzzle game for web browsers, Windows Phone, Android, Apple iOS and Symbian. The game focuses on Petit, a blob who you move around by manipulating the ground around him. The objective of the game is to collect all the blue orbs and get to the portal.

10) Cube

Google’s Cube game is a 3D virtual maze superimposed over Google Maps. The game provides you with a series of tasks, such as reaching your friends at the Brooklyn Bowl, which you have to complete as quickly as possible. There are eight levels and you get to “travel” through New York, San Francisco, Tokyo and other great cities around the world. It’s extremely entertaining!

11) Save the Day

Save the Day was created by Denki and is as delightful as it looks. Save all the people and put out the fire before the timer runs out.

12) Connection

A great looking game and very enjoyable too, especially if you’re a fan of puzzles. All you need to do is connect the little monsters based on colour. Give it a try.

13) Chrome World Wide Maze

Google loves creating innovative and fun experiments and World Wide Maze is definitely one of them. Like Super Monkey Ball with a twist, you simply enter your favourite website or keyword then let the game turn it into a 3D maze for you. What’s ingenious about this game is that you can access it via your smartphone as well.

14) Roll It

Roll It is another clever experiment from Google that lets you use your smartphone and laptop/desktop. The devices are linked through Chrome and synced using WebSockets’. You ‘roll a ball’ from your phone to your laptop racking up as many points as possible.

15) Shell heroes

A strategy and puzzle game rolled into one. Help the turtles create a path for their king by placing the right blocks in the right places. The game becomes more complex with every level.

16) 3D Bricks

3D Bricks is a fun take on the classic arcade game we have all come to love. Play it again but this time in 3D. Enjoy.

17) Fluid Table Tennis

This stunningly beautiful game is remixed with great music and pong-like gameplay. Plasma streams are used to push the ball across the screen in the hope of scoring. You can either take on a friend or play against the computer.

18) Unsnarl it

Ever heard of the game cat’s cradle? This puzzler’s unique take on the game is extremely engaging where the goal is to “unsnarl” a knot. There are four levels but you also have the option to create your own puzzles. Game on!

19) Input/Output

This HTML5 game was developed by Google for I/O 2012. The objective is to launch a particle from the input to the output. You can experiment by dropping in sliders, swingers and flippers to help you get to the output and create a more colourful, lively, working machine. You also have the option to share your creation on Google+. Definitely worth checking out.

20) Universe within

A very interesting game that uses HTML5 canvas and audio API, as well as hand-drawn illustrations to show the cyclical nature of the universe.

21) Missile game

Check out this cool HTML5 game. Use your mouse to control the flight through the tunnel. It may sound simple, but it requires attention and great reflexes.

22) Circle game

Created by Zazub, Circle game is a colourful and absorbing game. The rules are simple, eat smaller circles to grow and avoid the larger ones. It’s more difficult than it sounds.

23) Pappu Pakia

Pappu Pakia was created for the Github Game Off 2012. A cool little game where you need to use your mouse, or tap the screen if you’re using a touchscreen, to stop Pappu the bird hitting the ground.

24) Tiny Monsters

If you’re into puzzle games, you’ll definitely want to play Tiny Monsters. The aim of the game is to slice away polygons and keep the monsters contained.

25) HeadBoxing

Had a tough day? Feel like you need to get your frustrations out? Then here’s the perfect game for you. This game uses your webcam and you need to avoid your enemy’s punches by moving your head. You have 60 seconds to win the fight. Let’s get ready to rumble.

26) Uncle Mike

Uncle Mike is an awesome HTML5 game where you need to save animals by letting them run to your face. You’ll need to have a webcam to play this game.

27) An AR Game

An augmented reality game that uses AR markers to control portals that are 2D and 3D, this puzzler only has one rule: capture the pieces before they fall in a specific order.

28) Get Motion Media

This Dancepad-Kinect-like webcam game revolves around the use of motion. You’ll need a web cam to play and make sure you’re at least 2-3 metres away from the camera. Indicators on screen will tell you what to do.

29) Sketch out

Ready to defend your planet against incoming invaders? Fight back and bounce the projectiles straight into the enemy sphere.

30) Lux Ahoy

In this game you need to shoot your opponent using a canon on your ship. You win the level when you sink your opponent.

Which of these games is your favorite? Is HTML5 now a good platform for gamers? Let us know in the comments.

WDD Staff

WDD staff are proud to be able to bring you this daily blog about web design and development. If there's something you think we should be talking about let us know @DesignerDepot.