I was thrilled when I opened a present from a friend and saw the video game “EverQuest”. This was one of the original super-popular “Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games“, or “MMORPGs“. As the name implies, play consists of groups of people getting together via the Internet to immerse themselves in a magical world of monsters, heroes, and timeless battles of good and evil. Or, as my wife described it, “That game where you kill things and pretend you’re an elf.”
I jumped into the game with chain-mailed fists held high. I played for hours. Every day. After all, EverQuest gaming is by monthly subscription, and I wanted to get my money’s worth. And when you’ve got to return the sixth King’s Disk fragment to Rokiln’s Tomb, well, time kinda slips by.
These days, I don’t have time to play MMORPGs. Pay attention when these games are described as “massive world-builders”, because they’re not kidding. You’re playing in a huge, often endless simulation, and this takes a lot of time to appreciate, enjoy, and gain skills.
This is where you come in. I can live vicariously through you. Plenty of free and affordable MMORPG sites exist. Many don’t require the time commitment of EverQuest, and allow you to jump right in whenever you want and resume play.
These online role-playing games are virtual playgrounds for excitement, strategy and community. Some are supported by ads, or the ability to pay money for more improvements to your game character.
Enjoy dedicating your lives to a virtual world. I take no responsibility on how time spent playing MMORPGs will affect relationships you hold dear.
For this list of online role-playing games and MMORPGs, I didn’t want to focus on the heavily popular commercial games like Guild Wars or EverQuest. Instead, we look at a range of lesser-known games, some free, some ad-based, and some not as popular as they should be.
AdventureQuest
Not a true MMORPG, but a single-player online role playing game. Travel around a world and enjoy adventuring. Graphics are cartoon and anime-inspired. Very good game design, art, and server speeds. Free account gives you unlimited play but limitations on certain game elements. One time payment of $20 to get full access to all game locations and events. No client download is needed.
Bulfleet
Bulfleet is an online multiplayer resource management space simulator. Turn passage is in “sorta kinda real time”, where some actions are turn-based, and others (like building things) is real-time. Accounts are free with the option to get rid of advertising by paying money. The website text is a little prone to mistakes, as the game’s original language isn’t English. Website itself runs a little slow, so this game is for those with a lot of time.
DragonFable
By the makers of AdventureQuest – see above for detail. This is new and improved engine over AdventureQuest running in a new game world. Gameplay is still single player online RPG. No client download is needed.
Imperia Online
Billed as the “ultimate medieval online strategy game”, I don’t know if it qualifies as “ultimate”, as certain aspects of page reloading and game updates were slow, and the interface is a bit clunky. But for those are looking for an online multiplayer medieval resource management and strategy game, Imperia is pretty good.
PlaneShift
Separate from the other games on this list, PlaneShift is a monster (in a good way). You’ll need a fast computer and a high-speed Internet connection. Download the game client and register for your free account. You’ll be in a true free MMORPG, a fantasy swords-and-sorcery atmosphere like EverQuest, but no subscription fee or purchase cost.
RuneScape
A good fantasy multiplayer online role-playing game, RuneScape gives you a pretty good user interface and gameplay experience without requiring a large local client. Subscription to the game is $5 per month and will get you full access to more game locations, items, skills, mini-games, and (perhaps most important) the removal of advertising.
Space Odyssey
Online space simulator. No agent needed, and gameplay is very fast. It’s a strategy and resource management game. The one thing I didn’t like is that the game is annoyingly persistent in trying to get you to either donate money (for in-game cash) or cast votes for it on various game-ranking websites. Just playing the game is possible, but you’ll be behind unless you’re willing to vote for the game and put up with a pop-up ad here and there.
The Universal
An excellent free space simulator MMORPG, just download the small client file and you’re ready to go. The universe itself is partially built by the players, and the game itself is graphically detailed and impressive. With slick 3D graphics, explore a universe filled with user-created planets and environments. Designed for those who like to focus play on economy management as well as arcade shoot-em-ups.
A Tale in the Desert
A Take in the Desert does something different. There is no warfare in this MMORPG. The world is designed to be a violence-free, group effort at community and law building. Set in ancient Egypt, ATITD relies heavily on its players, as they are responsible for designing many aspects and rules of the game itself. Gameplay and atmosphere are well done and engaging. ATITD is free to try, but does require $14 per month if you want to keep playing.