As if I am not introducing enough changes this week, I am bowing to pressure to stop referencing games that are not available to download and play in this Top Ten. Doing so eliminates a few titles from the list: Neo Steam, Free Realms, and Warrior Epic. To replace them, I am moving in some old titles that had dropped off. I think each is a decent representation of the potential of free products, but they all miss the high standards set by numbers 1-5.

Instead of adding games closed to the public to the Top Ten, I will be adding a mini-list of titles I have my eye on each week. You’ll still find Warrior Epic on "The Watch List" despite a recent announcement that the next stage of closed beta is delayed until further notice. I have faith in that one, but I can’t say more.

Top Ten Free MMOGs April 6, 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		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
3 Last week: 3		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
4 Last week: 4		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
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		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 Hammer Review
7 Last week: 7		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
8 Last week: N/A		Rohan: Blood Feud - (www.playrohan.com) YNK Interactive Rohan is a traidtional fantasy MMOG with deep lore and nice graphics. The world features intense PvP, gambling, and a few creative systems for managing gear. The level curve steepens midway through the game while the story diminishes. Rohan Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
9 Last week: N/A		Exteel - (www.exteel.com/us) NCsoft Exteel is a visceral PvP-centric game featuring mechs and beautifully designed levels. Exteel uses a lobby system to connect players, and people can upgrade their mechs with resources found in game or purchased from the item mall. Exteel Portal Ten Ton Hammer Review
10 Last week: N/A		CABAL Online - (http://cabal.ogplanet.com/main.og) ESTsoft CABAL Online drops players in a brutal world where people are on the verge of extinction. Combat is  pretty fast, and the difficulty level runs higher than the average game.  The game requires grinding or grouping from an early level because of abrupt shifts in the difficulty of mobs. CABAL Portal Preview

The Watch List

• Florensia (playable now)
• Free Realms (about to enter closed beta)
• Neo Steam (offline for enhancements)
• Warrior Epic (offline for enhancements)
• Wizard101 (playable now)

About This List

Please refer to the Top Ten Free MMOGs Portal to find out how to get a game you make or like on this list.