TenTonHammer.com - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

May 1, 2008
By Danny "Ralsu" Gourley

What This List Is
Simply put, this is the top ten free-to-play (F2P) games as rated by Danny "Ralsu" Gourley based on features and play experience. This list is not exhaustive. There are dozens of other games out there that have not been considered in making this list. This list also tries to focus on newer or upcoming games.

Want Your F2P Game on This List?
If you are a developer or publisher who thinks your F2P game could make it onto this Top Ten list, just email Ralsu with the details. It won't guarantee your game a spot on the Top Ten list, but Ralsu might just give it a try and write about it for our millions of readers.

Have a F2P Game You Think Ralsu Should Try?
Ten Ton Hammer community members, are there F2P games out there you think Ralsu would enjoy? Is there a game you want him to try and report on so you know if it is good without spending your time trying it out? Tell us in our forums. Posting a suggestion won't guarantee that your game cracks the Top Ten list, but Ralsu might just give your suggestion a try and write about it.

Notable Changes Since Last Week
Magic World Online plummets from #2 to #6 because the weak graphics will scare away many gamers. I maintain that the story is solid, though. NeoSteam climbs into the top 5 after some Closed Beta testing. It is one of the better graphical games on the list and actually makes use of tutorials. Sadly, the translation seems suspect. Mabinogi debuts on the list at #9 and features many different layers of game play.

This Week's Top Ten F2P Games

1. Mythos - (www.mythos.com) Flagship Studios, Inc. Status: Closed Beta Last Ranking: 1 Description: Mythos is a free-to-play MMORPG in development by Flagship Studios, the makers of Hellgate: London. It can be considered a mixture of World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Guild Wars. Like Guild Wars, players can meet and interact with other players in the town areas. They can group with other players to traverse epic dungeons (like World of Warcraft), and the stat allocation is reminiscent of the Diablo games. Ralsu's take: I've been playing this game for weeks, and it continues to deliver solid fun with minimal bugs. The developers are on top of things and interact with the community. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Mythos Portal Wiki Article Interview with Travis Baldree and Max Schaefer Five Exclusive Screens Beta Journal #1 Beta Journal #2 Beta Journal #3 Beta Journal #4: the FAQ Closed Beta Video

2. Wakfu -  (www.wakfu.com) Anakama Status: Beta Last Ranking: 4 Description: The developers at Ankama Games are ready to hit the gold mine again. With the success of their first MMOG, Dofus, it seems only appropriate that Ankama Games would quickly turn around and create their next big hit, and it seems that they're ready to do that with Wakfu. Ralsu's take: As I spend more time learning about this game, I find myself getting more and more excited about it. I am biased toward turn-based strategy games, and the makers of Dofus already know how to deliver. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Wakfu Portal Screen shots

3. Warrior Epic - (http://warriorepic.com) Possibility Space Status: Closed Beta Last Ranking: 5 Description: Warrior Epic takes online games and action role-playing games into new territory. To begin, the game is free to download and free to play online with no strings attached. Choose several warriors from a large group of specialized classes and play cooperative campaigns or slug it out with friends in player-vs-player combat. All of this can be set up in a matter of minutes because of a tiny download. Ralsu's take: Warrior Epic recently began its Closed Beta process. Does Possibility Space have the secret formula for delivering a solid game with download on demand capability? I can't wait to find out. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Warrior Epic Portal Wiki Article Developer Interview "Faustus" Video Epic Trailer

4. NeoSteam - (www.neosteam.com) Hanbitsoft Status: Closed Beta Last Ranking: 6 Description: In a world where Neo Steam is the most valuable source of energy, three kingdoms have risen for power. These three kingdoms fight an all-out war to decide who will be the rightful of the neo steam generator. Ralsu's take: The Closed Beta of this steampunk game just ended and I did not get enough time with. Look for my preview soon. Ten Ton Hammer Links: NeoSteam Portal Wiki Article End of Closed Beta Test Screens Screen shots

5. Pirates of the Caribbean Online - (http://www.piratesonline.com) Disney Status: Live Last Ranking: 3 Description: Captain your own ship and head to the horizon, locate buried treasure or explore tropical islands, work on your weapon skill or sit on a beach drinking rum. In Pirates of the Carribean Online, your choices are your own as you set out to be the most notorious pirate the world has ever seen. You can expect to come across those famous pirates from the films in the game as well. Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Elizabeth Swann are but a few of the characters you will see in the game. Ralsu's take: It's hard to not like this fun romp by the folks at Disney. Even better is that you can play it with your children or young relatives. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Pirates Online Portal Wiki Article Latest screen shots Review Interview

6. Magic World Online - (http://mwo.enjoymmo.com) Goldcool Games Status: Closed Beta Last Ranking: 2 Description: The world of Magic World Online is inhabited by the legion of the King of the Devils, Lucifer. Humans are on the brink of extinction and must battle to regain the world from the grip of the evil army and expel the devils back to Hell. The Dominant Sword, a sword infused with the spirit of the King of the Gods Odin, can help the humans in this quest. Ralsu's take: The low-quality graphics will scare off some players, but this game has a deep story for those who want some substance. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Magic World Online Portal Wiki Article Preview Interview with Product Director Kane Hao Screen shots

7.  Age of Armor - (www.aoaus.com) Snail Game Status: Open Beta Last Ranking: 8 Description: Age of Armor is a sci-fi based MMOG that features huge, transforming robots that players can pilot throughout the AoA world. Players will decide between three races (Human, Enhanced Human, and Neo-Human) and two factions, which will then determine what sorts of weapons, robots, and items they can equip and use. Robots will be able to "transform" into various modes, including a giant gestalt form (think the Constructicons from Transformers) that will be operated by six individual players. Ralsu's take: The more I look at the pictures of big bosses and think about how different this game is from the norm, the greater my anticipation for it grows. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Age of Armor Portal Wiki Article Latest screen shots Screen shots More screen shots

8. 2Moons - (http://2moons.acclaim.com) Acclaim Status: Live Last Ranking: 7 Description: 2Moons is an adult-themed, fantasy MMORPG title for Microsoft Windows PCs that was imported from Korea and is being developed and published by Acclaim. Originally known as Dekaron in the Korea, Japan, and China, Acclaim changed the title of the game to 2Moons. Unlike most imported MMO's, the story behind 2Moons, along with some gameplay elements, is being completely revamped. Ralsu's take: Fans of PvP would do well to give 2Moons a try. Ten Ton Hammer Links: 2Moons Portal Wiki Article Screen shots

9. Mabinogi - (http://mabinogi.nexon.net) NEXON Status: Live Last Ranking: N/A Description: Mabinogi is a free-to-play MMORPG from NEXON set in the fantasy world of Erinn, a world based on Celtic mythology. From the very beginning, players are able to choose the age of their characters, and the characters will progress in age as well. Your reputation can increase or decrease with the NPCs in the game, so every interaction has an effect. Leveling is not only achieved through battle; your character can also gain levels by finding and keeping a job. An immense combat and crafting system also exists in Mabinogi. Ralsu's take: After taking advice from Cody to give this one a try, I can already see why he recommended it. There is a lot to do in Mabinogi, and it is refreshing to have alternate paths for character development. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Mabonogi Portal Wiki Article Review

10. Wonderland Online - (http://wl.igg.com) Skyunion Co., Ltd. Status: Closed Beta Last Ranking: 10 Description: Wonderland tells the story of a young person (the player) who is stranded on an island after a shipwreck. The castaway first assumes the island is deserted but soon meets up with other survivors. Before long, they discover the island is actually rife with activity, resources, and dangers. That's where players come in; they'll be looking to harness the resources to get back home while making friends and enjoying an adventure. According to the website, Wonderland contains all the features players expect from MMOGs today: crafting, pets, spells, and exciting quests. Ralsu's take: This game is both colorful and fun. It has surprising depth if you can look past the iffy translation. Ten Ton Hammer Links: Wonderland Online Portal Wiki Article Closed Beta Preview #1 Closed Beta Preview #2 Character Creation Video Closed Beta screen shots

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