by Aniruddha

Created on: December 24, 2009

Casual gaming has picked up recently because of its rapid learning curve, affordability and minimal system requirements. Some casual games can be free, and others may require subscription or per game fees. They may come in online versions or downloadable versions. Since online games cannot support high graphics level and requires good bandwidth for optimum experience, most of the providers make available a downloadable version.

Bigfishgames.com is the largest casual games provider [1]. It allows the gamers to try any game for 60 minutes before buying. Trying a game is important has it gives you the best review of the game. You can read lot of reviews and see a bunch of screen shots, but who, other than you, is the best judge of what you like and what you don't. Trying a game avoids the discontent.

On bigfishgames.com, downloading a game to try is very simple and does not cost a penny however you will have to create an account with them.
Go to the game page on Big Fish Games for the game that you want to download.  To go to the game page, click on "PC Game Downloads". Mac owners should click on "Mac Game Downloads". Point your mouse to "Browse Genres" and click on "Find PC Game". Mac owners should click on "Find Mac Game". Start typing the name and you will be presented with all valid choices. Click on the game name to go to the game page. Alternately, if you are not sure on the game, click on "Browse Genres" and you will see all the available genres with top games in that genre. The game page will have a short game description, game video trailer, some screen shots, and the price of the game if you want to buy it.  I will advise you to try a game before buying.

Check that your computer supports the game's minimum system requirements. Click on the "Try It" button to begin the download. After download, it will prompt for installation, if not double click on the installation file.  Note that all game features will be available during this trial period.

After installation is complete you are ready to try out the game. If available, the game page will also have a game walk-through. You may choose to check it out, but I would suggest you not to as it may spoil the fun. Remember, you can always go to the game walk-through if you get stuck anywhere in the game.

After you are satisfied with the game and your one hour trial expires, you may choose to buy it. Click on the "Buy It" button on the game page. Alternately, you can also click on “Buy it” and then “Purchase the game” on the Big Fish Games client.  You will then be taken to the cart. There may be some other products in the cart which are optional.  If you do not want them, uncheck the boxes in front of them.  If you have a coupon code you should enter it now [2]. When you click "Continue" you will be presented with a billing and shipping screen. Complete all the billing and shipping (shipping information is required only if you are ordering a DVD) information and click "Next". You are done and you will be presented with a receipt of your purchase, a copy of your receipt will also be sent to your email address. You should save it for future references.

After buying from the website you will have to sync your big fish games client to show that your game is fully activated. To do this, make sure that you are connected to Internet and start your big fish games client and click on “Buy It” and then "Already purchased this game?" and. This will sync you big fish games client to show that you have purchased and activated the game.

[1] Casual Games Association

[2] Check out if there are any available coupons.  I will suggest checking retailmenot.com for any coupon codes

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