Gamertell

Unless you missed out on An Inconvenient Truth - or just about any piece of mainstream media in the last five years - you know that “going green” is not only “in”, but it’s essential. Though it’s rare that games let you save the world in the more realistic sense (that is, from the evils of over consumption and pollution, rather than from aliens or super villains), but I’ve run across a few in my green-oriented travels. The following titles are not only environmentally oriented, but they come in at a wallet-friendly price of free - making them just as easy on your green as Mother Earth’s.

Plan It Green on Kongregate is really just a demo for the full-priced, National Geographic-endorsed product, but the flash version is still incredibly fun. It’s a bit like a SimCity title - with a thoroughly green focus. You act as the city planner, building green buildings, utilities and services, making your little berg as happy and environmentally friendly as can be. Despite the twee title (plan it… planet…), it carries its message through effectively, showing just how much more efficient (and economically sound) your city runs along with its lowered carbon footprint. If you have an hour to spend and any computer on Earth capable of running flash, have a go.

If you’re looking for a more low-key, though no less meaningful experience, definitely try Eco Ego. A very cute, beautifully designed “virtual pet” style game, Ego tasks the player with balancing their little dude’s life between creature comforts (air conditioning, videogames, etc.) and environmentally friendly practices (reducing waste, biking instead of driving, etc.). While it sounds a bit pedantic (using too much electricity basically ruins all of the wildlife surrounding your little treehouse), it’s actually very addictive, and the gorgeous, pop-art aesthetic is incredibly appealing, as is the music.

Play [Plan It Green] Play [Eco Ego]