First up, we have Highborn, for the iPhone. It’s been out for a little bit already, but today only the game is free. It’s a well-reviewed turn-based strategy game, with an attempt at being funny in the process through its characters, dialogue and willingness to break the fourth wall in putting everything together. It also features a fairly robust multiplayer mode, which has been improved since the game launched – originally it forced players to use the game’s Facebook integration in order to function, but that’s since been replaced by OpenFeint.

Highborn for iPhone is available for free today, though for the folks who’re looking for something bigger, developer Jet Set Games announced that Highborn for iPad was released today as well at a lower “introductory price.” Check it out!

For players wanting something a little more action-y, we’ve got Alien Swarm for the PC. You may have already read our Alien Swarm review (and if you haven’t, why not?) If you’re unaware, it’s an overhead co-op shooter built on the Source engine. Up to four players can choose from eight different space marines, with dozens of weapons an items to choose from to bring into battle against a, well, swarm of aliens. There’s only one campaign, so it’s a quick run, but it’s a fun one. You can get Alien Swarm on Steam and it’s totally free, you should check it out.

That’s it for this week, folks! Until next time, stay stingy!

First up, we have rRootage Online, an adaptation of Kenta Cho’s vector-based, procedurally generated shooter. If you’ve never played the original rRootage, you basically have several modes in which to destroy an endless stream of enemy battleships. There are no powerups, and you only have your gun and a limited supply of bombs to clear out the bullets around you – the name of the game is more about dodging the hail of bullets than it is destroying the bosses, though of course you want to do that too.

Earlier in the year, we saw an iPhone port of the game done by Lazrhog Games, but it was pretty bare-bones. This new version from developer Miko Wohlgemuth features all four game modes, music and sound effects, multitouch controls and online scoreboards. It’s definitely THE version of the game to get, of the two iPhone versions available. It’s also fully playable in iOS4, so nobody has to worry about compatibility. It does have ads, handled by iAds but only on the high score screen.

If you want a free shooter, this is most definitely the one to get.

On a different track, we have a wonderful platformer called Frogatto. It’s developed by Lost Pixel games, which if you follow developers around, many of those guys are also responsible for the open source game Battle for Wesnoth, which we haven’t yet highlighted on Freebie Friday. (but we’ll be rectifying that soon!) Like Wesnoth, Frogatto is open source as well, and it is a fun, robust little game with amazing pixel art graphics.

The game features the titular character Frogatto, an unemployed little frog who is out looking for work and for adventure, and finds plenty of both along the way. It’s available for free on Windows, OS X and Linux, but the newly released iPhone port will cost you.

Either way, for a gorgeous, solid game you won’t do much better than this. Especially if you’re looking for something at this price!

So all you cheapskates get out there and download some games, it’s a good weekend to play something for nothing. Enjoy!

Today, the guys at Limbic Software have made their iPad title, TowerMadness HD, available in a free promotion. Normally the game sells for $7.99, but today you can get it for the far less expensive price of nothing.

It’s a tower defense game, in full 3D and features local multiplayer as well as a fairly lengthy campaign. We won’t go into describing how a tower defense game works, it’s the same from game to game. That said, if you don’t already own a tower defense game for your iPad and you’re a fan of the genre, you can’t do better than this deal today!

Do note: It’s only free today only. However, even if you miss out it’s not a bad deal anyway. So what do you say? Are you up for some tower defense?

[source] iTunes App Store

Wonderful World is a one-on-one fighting game created with Enterbrain’s 2D Fighter Maker. It’s got 13 ladies to choose from, each with their own special moves and a combo system for chaining attacks. PC fighting games are sometimes dodgy, and you’ll definitely want to reconfigure the keys – or use a gamepad – when you play, but for fighting game fans, it’s always interesting to check out a new take on the genre. Sorry Mac fans, it’s Windows only.

On the other side of the spectrum we have DreamScape, an iPhone bubble-popping game set to some pretty nice stellar photography. There’s not a whole lot to say about it besides that – just pop the bubbles and leave the “toxic” ones alone.

You can get Wonderful World here – just click the green download button, and you can grab DreamScape on the iTunes App Store.

Hydorah is a Gradius-style shmup withh a great retro look, featuring sixteen different levels, a huge variety of weapons and hidden secrets for the truly adventurous. It’s even got a progress save option, but it can only be used three times during the game. Players can change the loadout of their ship before each stage, and upgrades carry over from stage to stage, as long as you don’t lose a life.

Locomalito, the game’s developer, has been working on the game steadily to improve it since it released a demo last year. It’s a real love letter to shmups of games, past – Locomalito references R-Type, Gradius, Turrican, Armalyte and “many others.” There’s no difficulty setting either, it’s “based on the 80′s standards,” according to the developers, so the casual gamer might not be as excited, but for shooter fans, here’s a game that’s right up your alley.

Sorry, Windows only!

[source] Locomalito

First up we have Daredevil Dave: Motorcycle Stuntman! for iOS. It’s a fun little game along the lines of Trials HD, in which players are tasked with the job of hurling the titular Dave through a number of stunts. There’re two different modes, one where you try to impress as much as possible to earn cash, and another mode where you attempt to rack up as many injuries as possible.

It’s a blast to play and people ought to be playing more of it. It’s only free for a limited time so if you want it, grab it now!

Next we have Teppoman 2, a quirky little indie platformer featuring a caped assassin with a penchant for brown bananas. Players need to master all of Teppoman’s skills, including dashes, wall jumps, reverse jumps, gliding, bodysurfing and more. Every fifth stage, there’s a boss battle, but there’s a twist – unless you’ve collected your banana quota, you won’t be going any further. It and its webpage is in Japanese, so when you visit, click on the second link on the page. (Hotlinking isn’t allowed, so you’ll have to navigate and do your best.)

That’s our free stuff for this week, folks. And don’t forget the stingy gamer motto, “If it’s free, it’s for me!”

First up, is a game called Tilt to Live. Based on the swarming survivor kind of gameplay that we’ve seen in games like Geometry Wars, Tilt to Live pits your player-controlled arrow against a never-ending horde of dots who come at you with predictably fatal results. Controls to the game are, as one might guess, handled by tilting, but it seems to work out pretty well for the most part. What sets this game apart is its wide variety of powerups and attacks that let you turn the tide against the dots. From spike shields to nuke blasts and ice bursts, the game runs the gamut. And for the low price of free, you can’t go wrong!

Next up, we have Skullpogo. It’s another simple game with a simple mechanic, in which you control a skeleton on a pogo stick, and you need to bounce on things for as long as possible. Sounds simple, yes? Well, it is. But it’s entertaining, and has a great pixel art aesthetic to it, that is sure to charm the oldschool gamer in you. And also, it’s free. Who would say no to that?

So those are your Friday Freebies for the week of June 18th. Check ‘em out and let us know what you think, both about the games and the feature! Until next week, happy gaming! And don’t forget the stingy gamer motto, “If it’s free, it’s for me!”

Our ongoing E3 coverage:

• Castlevania: Harmony of Despair confirmed for XBLA [Xbox 360]
• Natal becomes Kinect, more games revealed [Xbox 360]
• Kojima Productions puts out a sharp new countdown [general]
• Is this the Xbox 360 Slim? [Xbox 360]

We dare Capcom to team up with somebody (Marvel? Udon?) to make this a reality. Check out this art gallery of Street Fighter characters, post-zombie bite.

[source] Manuhell @ CGHUB

10. Kasumi (Dead or Alive Series)

We at the VU would be remiss if we did not mention this high-kicking ninjette, whose ample “assets” make a great wrist rest on a certain VU staffer’s won-at-E3-and-totally-not-purchased mousepad. But Kasumi is more than top heavy and likely prone to future back problems. We’ve seen many times over that this little redhead carries a sense of duty and honor with her wherever she goes, and certainly she can hold her own in a fight, so you don’t have to worry about defending her own.

But the best thing (for us guys) about Kasumi is her fashion sense. I mean seriously, look at her. That’s just awesome.

9. Mad Moxxi (Borderlands)

Borderlands has been the surprise hit of 2009, and its subsequent DLC has whiled away many an hour for a whole bunch of folks. And so the star of the most recent episode has been featured in the nightly dealings of many a gamer lately, the lady we know as Mad Moxxi.

Prancing around atop the penalty box of her arenas in her revealing circusmaster outfit, Moxxi is shown to be pretty acrobatic – and likely pretty flexible, if you know what we mean.

But the best thing about Moxxi is her personality. She shouts all manner of things at you through her bullhorn as you slog through the carnage she throws at you, and is genuinely witty and fun, and even sexy when she chooses to be – the entire time – even after she’s started to repeat herself for the hundredth horde wave of the night.

Take notes, gentlemen: Her weaknesses are baby blue eyes, and ultra violence.

8. Chloe Frazer (Uncharted 2)

Chloe is one of Nathan Drake’s more shady connections when it comes to archeology-slash-treasure acquisition and retrieval. We know this immediately, because she has dark hair and his true love interest Elena is kind and sweet and has blonde hair. Very virginal, and Chloe is the total opposite.

She’s a bad girl with a naughty streak and a british accent, and we love that. It’s pretty clear Drake loves that too, because the two apparently have a bit of a past that goes beyond raiding tombs. But don’t worry guys, without spoiling the game for those of you who’ve still missed out on one of the best of 2009, Chloe’s available.

Just don’t treat her badly, because she’ll take off on a whim. And she’ll tell you that you’ll miss that ass of hers when it’s gone. And you know what – she’s right. We’re considering starting another playthrough just to bring it on back. And maybe some trophies, but don’t let her know that. She’s also a good shot for an AI.

7. Joanna Dark (Perfect Dark series)

The heroine of the Perfect Dark games has a bit of an identity problem. In the N64 original, she is smooth and sensible, a dangerous agent for the Carrington institute without much of a sense of humor, is originally Avril Lavigne with red hair and sidearm.

One of the most secret of secret agents, she’s saved the world from power hungry corporations, aliens, crime bosses and more, all without a scratch. They don’t call her perfect for nothing.

Speaking of perfect, she sure knows how to wear a jumpsuit. Wow! Try not to stare too much, gentlemen.

6. Cammy (Street Fighter series)

This formerly brainwashed british beauty is a perennial favorite on lists like these, for several reasons. The accent, is one. Her high kicks, are two. Being in super shape as she is, is three. That outfit of hers, is number four.

But mostly? When you fight Cammy, even when you lose, you still kinda win. She’s got the best win pose in the business and everybody knows it.

5. Sheva Alomar (Resident Evil 5)

Also new to the gaming world, Sheva showed up with a bang, helping our old pal Chris Redfield hunt zombies in style. (Yes yes, we know they’re not actual zombies anymore but )

Everything about Sheva is hot. Her looks are hot, her zombie hunting attire is hot, her alternate costumes are super hot, even her real-life voice actress is hot. There’s nothing not to like about Sheva, unless her left-handedness throws you off in first-person mode. Most video game characters are right-handed, so we can see how that might be jarring.

But stick with your girl here, we promise the rest of her more than makes up for it.

4. Oerba dia Vanille (Final Fantasy 13)

The Final Fantasy series has, over the last several years, been known for its ladies. Vaan, Zidane, Squall and others have been girls that fans have absolutely latched onto over the years for their sterling personalities and mannerisms that make them memorable. But very infrequently have the games featured ladies that guys really go for.

Sure there was Tifa, but she wasn’t really much more than an overstuffed tank top when you think about it – and that’s only fun for so long.

Arriving in her English-language debut next month is Vanille, who we liked from the get-go. Her youthful good looks and cheery attitude are endearing, and her summon – which we won’t spoil – is totally badass. If you don’t already, you’re gonna love Vanille when you meet her.

In fact we’re kind of tempted to call dibs.

3. Jill Valentine (Resident Evil series)

Two words for you, guys. Jill. Sandwich.

We’re not entirely sure one of those would actually be very good, considering the context, but it sure sounds hot. Even if only because it references one of the hottest ladies of gaming law enforcement ever.

This master of unlocking can crack open anything from a door to a safe, to your cold, black heart. She’s an ace with a pistol and even a rocket launcher, and can rock a miniskirt like few women can.

In the movies she’s played by Sienna Guillory, who also, is extra hot.

There’s nothing not to like about Jill, which is why we’ve placed her at number three on our countdown!

2. Ulala (Space Channel 5 series)

Poor Ulala. So relatively new to gaming, off to a promising start with two main series games and a Game Boy Advance spinoff, and already relegated to Sega’s back catalogue, coming out only as an unlockable character in Sonic & Friends All-Star Racing.

But this saucy reporter for Space Channel 5 is no stranger to greater feats. Not only does she report the news, but she makes it with her space-age fashion sense, sexy dance moves and daring hostage rescues. It’s no wonder that aliens from across the galaxy tune in to Space Channel 5 every night for her newscasts.

Not that she needs backup, but when she DOES call in the big guns – she calls in Space Michael (as in Jackson). You can’t not love a lady who summons Michael Jackson for backup. Now that’s a woman with some pull. Ooh la la indeed.

1. Samus Aran (Metroid series)

While the galaxy knows about Ulala and her publicized exploits on space TV, the space police save their secret missions for a lady who the galaxy would go gaga for, if she showed her face more often. When the galactic federation needs dirtier work done than a dance off, they call on the one and only, tops on our list this year, Samus Aran.

Bounty hunter, honorary Chozo and scourge of space pirates everywhere, Samus Aran is a one-woman menace to galactic evil inside her powersuit, bringing justice (and rockets) to anybody foolish enough to stand within her sights.

And for years, she’s managed to keep her image and identity fairly secret – to the galaxy at large she’s a man, a mysterious bounty hunter with the body of a mobile tank.

But we gamers know her secret. Underneath all that armor plating and technology is a woman, who like the rest of us, could probably use a little companionship from time to time. And it’s a good thing for her she wears that powersuit, because if she went around dressed in her civilian gear all the time, it’d be smitten suitors she’d be fighting off, and not insectoid space pirates or gelatinous energy leeches. We’re still not sure which would be worse, all things considered.

So there you have it, the Virtual Underground’s top ten gaming ladies for you to spend your lonely Valentine’s Day with. Of course, we say this all with tongue firmly in-cheek. Even if you don’t have a significant other on this sort-of holiday, there’s always somebody out there worthy and deserving of your attention even just for a little bit, and it’ll be worth your time to take a break from these ladies and wish them a good one.

Until then, see you all Monday!