Top 5 most addictive Facebook games

Gaming has played a major role in the popularity of Facebook. The social site is even cited to emerge as the biggest multiplayer gaming platform of the future. What could have possibly helped popularize this gaming platform? The answer is simple – ease of use and a highly interactive nature that this single platform is designed on, which connects millions. With friends connected through one platform and like-minded people through communities, you can simply indulge in a game or two anytime, anywhere without any hassles. What makes it even more appealing is flashing those high scores to everyone on your friends’ list with a single click. Among the plethora of games on its platter, we’ve picked the top 5 most addictive Facebook games that keep users glued to their screen.

Farmville:
One of the most popular games on Facebook, Farmville managed to woo the regular urban folk and bring them onto virtual fields almost everyday. The social farming game got Facebook friends into exchanging random gifts, calling for neighbors and even setting reminders, so that the “harvest” won’t be ruined.  So if you’ve dreamt of owning a strawberry farm, here’s the place to get it going without spending a penny. Moreover, the game further evolved out of the usual ploughing and harvesting scenario, making farmers earn big bucks that allows for purchasing of grains, hammocks, fountains, horse sheds, farm houses, water fountains and much (much) more. Though the game is free, some premium content can be purchased. Farmville has been criticized on a few occasions - a few months ago a rather overzealous/addicted Farmville member was apprently involved in some violent activity just to buy some virtual animals.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Get on the field

Mafia Wars:
Those of you who’ve always wanted to essay the role of a bad guy and were fascinated by the whole ‘God Father’ saga and role, Mafia Wars should be just what you need. Getting into the Mafia wars of New York as a gangster, you get to fly to select countries and strengthen your evil quotient, fight it out with other members and also add friends or should I say accomplices to build up your mafia “family”. The effects of the fight will show up in your stamina and health meter and by winning you can also receive awards and accomplish special tasks to unlock new features. This free game also allows you to purchase optional content.

Gangsters’ paradise

Cafe World:
Scores of people didn’t want to dirty their boots in a farm or participate in a violent activity, however they did seem to particularly enjoy running across the pantry and cooking up a sumptuous meal. Whether it’s a dream to win a slot at the Master Chef show or a business plan to roll out a Café, this game will have you hooked into a virtual kitchen for hours. This multi-player simulation game has a list of catering orders that the player has to complete. To build up your cooking empire, you have to dish out and serve your guests. Just like perishable crops, the food will spoil if not utilised on time. You can employ your friends as waiters and as you elevate the level of the café, newer features will be unlocked. Although a freemium game, you can go ahead and buy some premium content, if you wish to.

Foodilicious

The Sims Social:
This EA game that goes across platforms even to the mobile space is designed to create a complete virtual world, just like the one you might already be living in. Unlike the real world though, you have the choice of selecting your own personality (Sims character) traits - geek, creative, villain, socialite, rocker, introvert, tycoon, athlete and romantic. Live it up virtually with your real friends (who could be other Sims characters), make frenemies, BFFs, fall in love, lead your dream life though your own SIM. It takes you as far as getting into a steady relationship, sharing a first kiss and even going ahead with a ‘woohoo’. I don’t think that last part needs to be spelt out.

Live your dream life

Zynga Poker:
Poker is definitely an addictive game. This social card game attracts more than 30 million active users daily. With so many people connected onto Zynga Poker, the game has raised enough questions like - Will Zynga manage to take over as a ‘real money’ online poker platform? We don’t think so, at least not right now. The game gives you the option to choose from a variety of Poker playing styles like HoldEm, Tournament and VIP Clubs. For now, Poker fans here have nothing to lose. Yes, they can definitely dream about when those virtual dollars will turn into real bucks but for now it’s fun, addictive and you can play along with friends or others for hours on end.

Flash those cards

Picking 5 games out of the scores of games inundating the Facebook gamebox could seem unfair to many. If you have your pick of Top 5 addictive games, do share it with us in our comments section below or simply tell us what your favourite online FB games are.