Tux Racer
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Tux Racer is a 3D computer game starring the Linux mascot, Tux the penguin. It was initially free software released under the GNU General Public License. It was then picked up and developed by Sunspire Studios [1] and retailed for US$14.99. Tux Racer runs on GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.
Sunspire Studios seems to have gone bankrupt, as their domains [2] [3] have been sold. According to archive.org, there had been no significant changes to their site since September 22, 2002: the Tux Racer 1.1.1 Linux Patch was released then [4]. It appears that the site continued to exist almost unchanged until 2004. Their demo of version 1.1 can still be downloaded here.
In the game, the player controls Tux (or one of three other characters) as he slides down a course of snow and ice collecting herring. Sliding on ice makes Tux go faster, while sliding on snow allows for more manuverability and sliding on rocky patches will slow Tux down. There are also trees to block Tux's path and flags for sake of marking out the course.
The controls are typical of a racing sim, except that the up arrow, "paddle", will slow Tux down when at a high speed and can also be used to increase the length of a jump. Jumps can be caused by the shape of the landscape or by holding down the "energy" key (usually e) and releasing it. Releasing the key when a jump is imminent will naturally make a larger jump.
Like many open-source games, the replay value of Tux Racer is extended by easy modification of the game. New maps can be created by making three raster images to indicate height, surface, and object placement. Other modifications will allow Penguins to fly or achieve speeds of mach one.
For Linux users, PPRacer [5] (Planet Penguin Racer) is hailed as a spiritual sequel, as it has more features in addition to the familiar courses from the original game. For Gentoo users, this is available from Portage. Debian users can install the optional APT package "tuxracer-extras", with additional courses.
Roxor Games has released an arcade version as a redemption game; it only has left and right controls.