Top Ten Free-to-Play Games - Battle for the Children (page 2 of 2)

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Posted February 16th, 2009 by Ralsu

Many thanks this week to megaflux for always dropping into my inbox and challenging me in response to last week’s Top Ten to be ready for real action-based games in the future. I appreciate all respectful opinions (like the ones offered by megaflux) even if they disagree with mine.

Let’s just go ahead and proclaim a lovefest for Free Realms this week. I am moving it onto the list and dropping off Perfect World International (PWI). If Free Realms turns out to be as restrictive as Wizard101 with its premium content, this change may be short-lived. In the meantime, it overtakes PWI.

My final say on PWI is that it is a terrific F2P game if you come at it from the right perspective. That said, I don’t think it will convert any P2P gamers. In a conversation with Ten Ton Hammer’s Karen “Shayalyn” Hertzberg recently, I told her that PWI entices P2P gamers who normally turn up their noses at F2P games with its pretty graphics. Once it has lured them in, it slams them with a huge level grind that reinforces their stereotypes about F2P games in general.

Top Ten Free-to-Play Games February 16, 2009
Rank		Game
1 Last week: 2		Atlantica Online - (http://atlantica.ndoorsgames.com/) NDOORS Atlantica is a squad-based fantasy strategy game that breaks the mold. Players can control up to nine characters at once in fast-paced turn-based combat. A lot of the systems in Atlantica are different from the standard fare on the market. Atlantica Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
2 Last week: 1		Runes of Magic - (www.runesofmagic.com) Frogster Runes of Magic is a traditional fantasy game that uses a Dual Class system to inject a little strategy into character planning and a lot of flexibility into grouping. RoM has all of the features gamers want in a subscription-based game, but they’ll enjoy them for free here. Runes of Magic Portal Preview
3 Last week: 3		Dungeon Runners - (http://www.dungeonrunners.com) NCSoft Dungeon Runners is a hack and slash fantasy game that infuses every aspect of gameplay with humor. DR makes fun of other games, the genre, and even itself. This is the perfect game for a player looking to blow off steam after a rough day at work. Dungeon Runners Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
4 Last week: 4		Mabinogi - (http://mabinogi.nexon.net) NEXON Mabinogi provides so many things to do that it earns its self-appointed moniker of “A Fantasy Life.” Players can farm, play music, hunt, craft, go to school and more in this fantasy land. In Mabinogi, combat is not the only way to advance. Mabonogi Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
5 Last week: 5		Requiem: Bloodymare - (www.playrequiem.com) Gravity Interactive Requiem: Bloodymare is a horror-themed game that blends the traditional elements of MMOGs with the visceral feel of a gore film. Requiem is worth a look because of its fresh take on setting in MMOGs. Requiem Portal Preview
6 Last week: 6		Warrior Epic - (http://warriorepic.com) Possibility Space Warrior Epic is ready to begin the next round of closed beta soon. It provides a fantasy hack and slash dungeon crawler experience with some very innovative features, including the ability to choose different character classes for each dungeon and a Warrior Hall that grows with the player. Warrior Epic Portal Preview (coming soon!)
7 Last week: 7		Dream of Mirror Online - (http://domo.aeriagames.com) Aeria Games & Entertainment Dream of Mirror Online puts the player in the starring role of a classic Chinese myth. The eastern-based lore provides a refreshing twist on MMOGs, and the multi-class system makes character development in this fantasy game fun. DOMO Portal Ten Ton Hamster DOMO Portal
8 Last week: N/A		Free Realms - (www.freerealms.com) Sony Online Entertainment Free Realms is a a 3D fantasy world designed to encourage exploration and support casual play. With graphics similar to WoW and all the gameplay of a standard MMOG, Free Realms could appeal to adults. Its many minigames and events are designed to please teens. Free Realms Portal Preview (coming soon!)
9 Last week: 8		Exteel - (www.exteel.com) NCsoft Exteel is a lobby-based fragfest featuring customizable mechs. The graphics are top-notch, and the action is heart-pounding. Exteel Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
10 Last week: 9		Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine - (http://megaten.aeriagames.com) Aeria Games & Entertainment Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online brings the popular RPG to life in the MMOG sphere. Players can use friendly persuasion or aggressive coercion to get demons to fight by their side. The dark subject matter and modern setting of the game is a welcome contrast to the enchanted glens filled with pixies we often find in MMOGs. Megaten Portal Preview (coming soon!)