Review: RealArcade for PC gamers

Red Ace Squadron: a combat flight simulator game

(CNN) -- If you're sick of the same old solitaire or minesweeper games that come with most computers, the Internet is a great place to go to stock up on new computer games-- and it gives you a chance to try before you buy.

One place to start is RealArcade.com. You can play some games straight off the web, or download the free RealArcade software that lets you choose and organize your favorite games.

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There are classics like Pong, board games like Scrabble, and a variety of casino, puzzle and action games. Free downloadable demos let you play a game for 60 minutes, so you can see whether or not you like it before paying-- about $10-$20 a pop.

If you like a little competition, there is also a list of Web games that you can play online along with other RealArcade subscribers. And if you get stuck and need a little assistance, the Online Community feature has hundreds of message boards dedicated to the various games-- they can help you master your new addiction.

Diamond Mine

Speaking of addiction, one game springs to mind - Diamond Mine. It's a version of the popular game Bejeweled, where the object of the game is to line up three or more of the same jewels to make them disappear and score you points.

TextTwist is another surprisingly addictive game. It's like an online version of Boggle: The object is to make as many words as possible with a handful of letters.

For the virtually adventurous PC gamer, Red Ace Squadron is one of several action and arcade games you can choose. It is a combat flight simulator game with a variety of aircraft and missions and great graphics. The hard part is mastering the mouse so you can make the plane go where you want.

One drawback to RealArcade: After you have finished playing the free demo and are safely hooked on the game, you have to register and pay to keep playing it. Keep in mind that some of these games can also be found elsewhere on the Web for free-- and without a subscription.

But RealArcade is a helpful hub-- and a community-- for gamers of all ages and experience.