Linux Games: Chromium B.S.U.

It's been a long time since I offered up a nice Linux game for the Ghacks audience. So I thought, today I will introduce them to one of my favorite Linux time killers Chromium B.S.U. When I first discovered this game it's original title was simply Chromium. Obviously this was  a serious conflict of interest with Google. I have a feeling the name change (adding the B.S.U.) was due to release of the now-famous Google browser.

The game is a side-scrolling space-themed shooter that is very fast-paced and exciting. In fact, the creator of the game intended it to be very challenging and each game to only be about 15 or so minutes long. And that is exactly what it is. Chromium brings back memories of some of my favorite arcade games from the 80s like Galaga (although with far better graphics, sound, and action). So if you like such games, Chromium B.S.U. will be right up your alley.

Chromium is written in C and C++ and absolutely requires hardware acceleration. If, after you install the game, you encounter very slow game play, you know your Linux installation isn't up to par (or your graphics card can't handle HW acceleration). As a general rule of thumb, if your machine can handle Compiz extra effects your machine can handle Chromium. So let's get this sucker installed and start playing.

Installation

The installation of Chromium is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Open up your Add/Remove Software tool.
2. Search for "chromium" (no quotes).
3. Mark chromium-bsu (not chromium-browser) for installation.
4. Click Apply to install.

That's it. The installation will pick up any dependencies necessary. Okay them and you're good to go. Once installed you will find the game in Applications > Games > Chromium B.S.U.. Fire it up and get ready to rock.

Game play

When you first start it up you will be at the main selection screen (see Figure 1).  From this screen you can manage all of the options for your game. I prefer to play the game in window'd mode. If you prefer to play in full screen click on Screen size and adjust the resolution of the game. You select items by simply moving your mouse and clicking on the option. Which brings me to game play.

To start a new game simply click the "new game" option in the main screen. When you do this you will find your ship at the bottom of the screen. Immediately you will start getting bombarded by enemy ships that range from slow moving vessels to faster, smaller ships.

As you play you will receive power ups, shields, better weapons and the like. Even little Tux's will fall from the sky giving you more power. Shields aid you in your quest to destroy the enemy. If you are getting inundated with enemy attackers, and you have shields, you can run into the enemy to destroy them (as you shoot the other, oncoming enemy).

You shoot by holding down the left mouse button. In fact, you pretty much don't let up on the button after the game starts. So it's just shoot and dodge and see how long you can last.

Final thoughts

I am confident you will find Chromium B.S.U. as enjoyable a time waister as I do. It's fast, it's furious, and it doesn't last very long. What a great way to take a break from all of that hard work.

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