My game time this week has been spent on MLB Dugout Heroes and an obscure browser-based game called Civony. The former is a fun arcade-style baseball game. Plenty of modes allow players to get the experience they want. I’m not sure I am sold on the digital controls of a keyboard for the precise sport of baseball, though. Read more about this game here. Meanwhile, Civony emulates the city-building theme of Sid Meier’s Civilization. The great thing about it is that I can have it running while I work and check in on my budding city whenever I get a free moment. Buildings take place in real time minutes, so it’s easy to play this game as a background activity. In three days of play, I have two cities but am still a newbie.
I appreciate the lively discussion in our forums about what makes an MMO free. I’d love to make a dozen lists covering different variations of free (and I’d love love LOVE to be able to include a game like Diablo III), but I couldn’t do that and have any time left to actually play anything. For that reason, I encourage readers to keep sharing with one another. I’ll latch onto my favorite games and feature them, but I can’t play them all! So keep talking about free games and I’ll keep my ear to the ground about any upcoming big titles.
| Top Ten
Free MMOs April 13, 2009 |
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| Rank | Game | |
1Last 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. |
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2Last 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. |
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3Last 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. |
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4Last 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. |
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5Last 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. |
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6Last 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. |
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7Last 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. |
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8Last week: 8 |
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. |
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9Last week: 9 |
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. |
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10Last week: N/A |
Florensia -
(http://en.florensia-online.com) Florensia Western Global The peace in Florensia is fragile and you need your friends as well as strong allies to fight against sinister monsters on shore and at sea. Train your skills, experience thrilling trips through the countryside, load the cannons and hire a skilful crew to explore the ocean. Get ready for Florensia! |
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| Ralsu's Watch List | |
| Game | |
| 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.
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| MLB Dugout Heroes - (http://mlbdugoutheroes.gamescampus.com) GamesCampus MLB Dugout Heroes brings arcade-like baseball action to the realm of massively-multiplayer. Controls are simplified to make a smooth experience on the PC. The official MLB licenses allows gamers to play with real teams, players, and stadiums. |
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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| Wizard101 - (www.wizard101.com) KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. Wizard101 is an online, wizard school adventure with collectible card magic, and wizard duels! The game allows players to create a student wizard in an attempt to save Wizard City and explore many different worlds. In Wizard101, cards are magic spells. There are Fire spells, Ice spells, spells of Myth, and much more. The game is free to download. To access all of the areas, gamers will need to subscribe. |
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About This List
Please refer to the Top Ten Free MMOs Portal to find out how to get a game you make or like on this list.
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