Tunngle

The main disadvantage of LAN connections is the fact that all computers must be on the same network, if you wish to play a game in multiplayer mode with your friends. Tunngle can help you get passed this limitation and play your games with other people in LAN mode, over the Internet. It allows you to connect to countless Virtual Private Networks, bookmark them, chat with people and more. The software provides support for a huge number of games, ranging from old games to the latest titles.

Tunngle is compatible with all popular Windows versions and it doesn't take long to install it. Besides the software itself, the package also includes a desktop gadget and additional skins for the user interface. When you are done installing Tunngle, you must create an online account, on the developer's website and use the credentials to log onto the desktop application.

All supported games have their own networks. Once you run the application and log in, you will have free access to a vast range of networks, which are neatly categorized in a tree structure, based on game genres. You can find all sorts of games, from old, but popular ones, like StarCraft to new ones, like Spec Ops: The Line.

All you have to do is double click a listed network to connect to it. Each network comes with its own chat room, which you will join automatically when you connect. The program comes with an integrated instant messenger as well. Besides talking in a chat room, you can also add friends to a contacts list and chat with them in private.

While connected to a network, you may click a small button to launch the network's corresponding game, if you have it installed on your computer. If you click this option for the first time, you will have to select the game's executable, on a standard Open window. Once you select the game's executable, the application will remember the file's path and it will run the game with no questions asked, when you hit the launch option.