“Go ahead and close your Chromebook for me” was the sentence elementary laptop gamers hated to hear at school, followed by a stern lecture about how focus was necessary for success. Even today, DGS Chromebooks have a majority of games blocked, but the lingering childhood memory of playing video games in class remains.
10. 2048
This game is an absolute classic. Its simplistic gameplay makes it perfect for in-class gaming. Although I never quite nailed the strategy for the 2048 block, random button mashing will always be the go-to in order to get the highest score.
9. Cookie Clicker
Cookie Clicker is one of the only games that allows you to progress exponentially once you start purchasing small amounts of “clickers” and “grandmas.” Not only does it have several achievements for the player to collect, but it also has hours worth of gameplay with the “ascension” mechanic; this allows the player to start over but with extra benefits like faster clicks.
8. Slope
Built from 2000s polygons and having a low resolution, there’s a constant trend for geometric games like Slope. This game requires major focus because of how fast the gameplay is, but its pace keeps it interesting. Falling off the platforms in the game is frustrating, but comparing scores makes you want to keep playing.
7. Snake
Snake goes back years, being famously included in Nokia cell phones. It’s been a long-time fan favorite. Collecting food while trying not to bump into walls — or even yourself — is a bigger challenge than most might think. Getting yourself out of a tangled mess in this game is always the best feeling, a chance to try again.
6. Run
The little alien running across disintegrating space structures was what drew people to run. In later games, the alien is customizable with new buffs and accessories like roller skates, my personal favorite. The fast-paced gameplay is what keeps kids trying to help the alien reach his mysterious destination.
5. Minesweeper
Hear me out: despite its wavering difficulty and unpopularity, minesweeper can be really fun once you learn how to play. Click to start, and the numbers tell you how many bombs the tile is touching. It forces you to think about the relationships between tiles and how you can find all the bombs without blowing anything up.
4. Little Alchemy
This game tests your creative mind; how many things can you create using basic elements like fire and water? With around 580 different creations left for the player to discover, Little Alchemy offers hours of Chromebook fun. Finding things like Batman and astronaut ice cream keeps the game interesting.
3. Krunker.io
Krunker.io was the in-school fortnite that preteens craved while at school. An exciting web-browser game, it captured the hearts of its players with 20 different maps and first-person shooter gameplay. Its multiplayer and customizable gameplay aspects are what led to its widespread success.
2. Papa’s Freezeria
Papa’s Freezeria is an absolute classic that allows players to work through a play while working at an ice cream store. With increasing difficulty and unlockable benefits, this game can be played for hours without getting bored. There are 50 days of gameplay the player can explore and discover more about their workplace.
1. Google Doodle – Champion Island
For a Google Doodle, this game steps it up. It has seven different minigames with three difficulties each. It also provides a fun and exciting atmosphere with an open-world map and secret side quests the player can fulfill.
Once the player completes 23 side quests, being rewarded with trophies at the end of each quest, they unlock the last, secret side quest. This game has a high replay value and an interesting story, winning it the number one spot.
While it’s not clear why these games were so addicting to the children playing them, they were an essential part of our childhoods and our never-ending quest to not pay attention in class. Now only accessible at home, these games will forever live as classic distractions from work.
