There are a number of great web browser games, some of which are becoming just as sophisticated as 'real' games, like the games being put out by InstantAction. These games use Flash or custom plugins to power the games.
But there is also a whole new genre of social gaming called Games 2.0 that utilize Web 2.0 techniques. Many of the games under Games 2.0 run on social networking platforms, but some use JavaScript and AJAX to run the game. Often, these games will mashup information from other services like Flickr or Google Maps.
Flickr Sudoku
If you like Sudoku, Flickr Sudoku is a nice little twist to the game. It plays just like regular Sudoku, but it draws the numbers from the vast library of pictures on Flickr.
Landmark Maps game
An interesting mashup of Google Maps, the Landmark Maps Game gives you a landmark and times you as you try to find the landmark using Google Maps. This one will really test your knowledge of geography.
Find Country on Map game
Similar to the Landmark Maps game, the Find Country on Map game will test your knowledge of geography by spitting out country names and letting you pin the country on the map. This is quite a bit easier than finding landmarks, but it can still be a little tough to get the exact location without the borders around each country.
Flicktionary
This Web 2.0 game is just like Pictionary only using Flickr to draw the pictures. Flicktionary will give you a picture representing the entire word and then individual pictures representing the distinctive word parts. If you don't guess, the pictures will be rotated out with new pictures until you get it right.
JavaScript Tetris
This is a nice demonstration of what you can do with JavaScript. Just as you might guess, it's basically Tetris done in a web browser without the use of Flash or any other plugin for the browser.
Grand Strategy
Grand Strategy is a Risk-like strategy game that plays from your browser. It's great for anyone that misses the old board game and who wants to test their mettle on the web. You can also change the look and feel of the game by choosing different themes.
Wabble
In a true testament of what can be done with Games 2.0, Wabble is a new take on Scrabble that lets you compete with people across the web. The great thing is you don't have to register with the site. You can sign into any game you want and hook up with other people around the web.
Fastr
Another Web 2.0 game mashup based on Flickr, this one has you guessing what tag the picture was stored under. While not as addicting as Flickr Sudoko, it can be a nice little distraction to fool around with and it lets you discover new photos.
Tagman
Tagman is the Web 2.0 version of hangman. Using tags from Technorati, Squidoo, Del.icio.us or Flickr, you spit out letters in hopes of guessing the word before your little stick man gets hung. If you play the Flickr version, you'll be awarded with some pictures if you win.
