I don’t know how else I can drive home the point that the announcement of Atlus Online should get MMOG players excited, so I am moving Neo Steam back into the Top Ten as a vote of confidence. I fully believe that the loving touch from Atlus will resolve my frustrations with the translation back when I first played the title. Based on the many positives Neo Steam already had going for it (pleasant graphics, creative plot, and inventive setting), I am pushing it up to #6 on the list. With Neo Steam coming onto the list, I am dropping off Exteel, a thoroughly enjoyable game.

I continue to play the Ether Saga Online beta, but I don’t know yet if the game has what it takes to crack this Top Ten. Look for preview from our Eric “Dalmarus” Campbell here in early March. Next up on my list are a preview for Shin Megami Tensei Online: Imagine and a review for DOMO.

Top Ten Free-to-Play Games March 2, 2009
Rank		Game
1 Last week: 1		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: 2		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: N/A		Neo Steam - (http://neosteam.atlusonline.com) Atlus Online Neo Steam is a steampunk game set in a world where warring factions compete for a limited supply of the resource Neo Steam. It was above average in most categories during closed beta for the US, but it had multiple translation problems. Atlus Online should iron out the kinks. Neo Steam Portal Ten Ton Hammer Preview
7 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!)
8 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 Rreview (coming soon!)
9 Last week: 8		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!)
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!)

About This List
Please refer to the Top Ten Free-to-Play Games Portal to find out how to get a game you make or like on this list.