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One of the most important developments in video games over the past couple of years is the ability to play them over the Internet -- to go head-to-head against real live people instead of predictable, boring computer opponents. In fact, multiplayer action is the prime attraction of many newer games; it can be as important for its success as great graphics or an innovative plot.

Playing games online can seem complicated at first, but it's really quite easy; most games come with fairly detailed instructions for online play, and often logging on is as easy as

following a simple set of menu instructions. Normally it's just a matter of finding the address of a server, dialing in, and starting play. (For more in-depth instructions, check out GamePower's primer on online games.) And whether you're into action games, strategy games or trivia games, you'll find something to tickle your fancy.

Shoot 'Em Up! Playing Quake and the Others Online

Looking for some action? Or action games, at least? Lots of the newest computer games allow Internet play between live opponents -- and there's a number of networks set up to support it. Perhaps the most popular online computer game is ID Software's first-person shoot-'em-up Quake -- the company's Quakeworld Central allows for online multiplayer action, free of charge. Just log on to the site, download the required software and follow the instructions -- you'll be blowing away kids with your nailgun in no time. If you get bored with Quakeworld, check out Quake Heaven for a list of other (unofficial) Quake servers.  If you really get into online Quake, you may want to think about joining one of the hundreds of Quake Clans; with names like Clan of the Black Lance, Punk Ape Clan and (our favorite) Clan Lard, these teams of like-minded Quake nerds constantly battle each other for dominance on the Internet.

Looking to play other action games on the Net? GamesNet hosts networks devoted to a variety of popular shoot-’em-ups, including X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, Jedi Knight, Interstate '76 and Prey, as well as the original game Blood.

Super Strategy Game Sites

If strategy and role-playing games are more your line, the Internet has plenty to offer you too. Blizzard Software's wildly successful Warcraft II (still probably the best real-time strategy game ever released) can be played over the Kali network. Kali also hosts the strategy games Command and Conquer, Age of Empires, Master of Orion 2 and a lot more; $20 bucks buys you the necessary software and a free lifetime membership. Total Entertainment Network hosts Panzer General and Command and Conquer: Red Alert; the company charges $9.95 for five hours a month, and $1.95 for extra hours.

Looking for a free alternative? MPath's MPlayer network offers a lot of the games the others have (Command and Conquer, Panzer General, etc.) -- it's free, but they still bombard you with ads. They also host Diablo, Warcraft and a few other "premium" games for $29.95 a year. If you don't want to pay any money, and don't mind the ads, it's an obvious first choice.

Of course, you might just want to play a leisurely game of chess -- in which case you'll want to check out our previous article on playing chess online.

In Pursuit of Trivia

The front-runner in the online trivia games department is undoubtedly beZerk. The site offers three different games: the trivia contest You Don't Know Jack (think Jeopardy with a sense of humor), You Don't Know Jack Sports (not surprisingly, the same deal with a focus on athletics) and Acrophobia (in which you try to make witty acronyms for randomly chosen letters). The games all are extremely funny and free of charge (although you'll have to deal with annoying full-screen commercials from time to time), and you can win cash, CD-ROMs, stereo equipment and a lot more besides. You'll need a 486 PC or higher to play, though (there's no Mac version as of yet), and you'll have to download their programs before you can begin. Trying to find other online trivia games? Check out our previous article on the subject.

And stop by next week for our exhaustive guide to AOL's new Premium Games Channel. AOL's now featuring dozens of new games that cost $1.99 an hour to play -- we'll show you which ones actually are worth it.