Play Netwars Online

NetWars is a first-person space combat game released in 1993 for MS-DOS. Developed and published by Novell, Inc., the title was created to demonstrate the IPX networking capabilities of the company's NetWare software. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the latter designed for online play over a local network.

In the game, players pilot a spacecraft from a cockpit view, using keyboard or mouse controls to steer, adjust engine speed, and fire weapons. The primary objectives involve destroying a set number of hostile ships across eight progressively difficult levels while also defending friendly pods. Players can collect satellites scattered in the environment to repair their ship's shields or apply custom modifications. Navigation through the three-dimensional space is assisted by an on-screen radar display. Four distinct types of enemy craft are encountered, identified as Pirate, Fighter, Guardian, and Commander. Successful completion of levels and accumulation of points are recorded in a permanent high score table.

The multiplayer mode supports sessions with up to four additional participants connected via the IPX protocol. In these matches, players compete directly against one another, aiming to score hits and eliminate opponents to raise their individual scores. This mode includes access to a cloaking device, which allows ships to become temporarily invisible. Both game modes share the same core mechanics of flight, combat, and resource collection within a shared three-dimensional arena.