A huge paradigm shift occurred in the middle of the 2000s that saw SOE
go from crown prince of MMO gaming to the prince of darkness faster
than you can say new game experience. While the companys reputation
slowly dwindled and it became known as a repository for failed game
titles a curious thing happened the stoic behemoth took a risk on
developing a browser based free-to-play game.
style="text-shadow: none;">Free Realms, a
microtransaction game aimed at the young and the young at heart, has
matured into a thriving hit for the company and has become a role model
for introducing western gamers to ala carte gaming. But can a browser
game for kids make the cut for grown up gamers? Join Ten Ton Hammers
Jason Medawky Bolton this week as he reviews
style="text-shadow: none;">Free Realms to see how
it holds up under the Microcosms microscope.
style="text-shadow: none;">
question most often asked when I describe a game to my friends is so
whats the game play like? In Free Realms the answer is a little more
complicated than it is in most traditional MMOGs, because here you can
truly be whatever you want to be. Crafting, cooking, pet collecting and
fishing arent add-on skills in Free Realms, they can define how you
play the game as much as adventuring can. Players are never locked into
one class or role; the world is wide open and you are free to explore
any of the multitudes of jobs to your hearts content. Most of the
non-combat aspects of Free Realms are mini-game driven (think Bejeweled
and other super addicting flash games instead of something droll and
boring) which make the process of skilling up fun and entertaining
instead of a chore.
href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/microcosms/2010/june/24"
target="_blank">On to this weeks Microcosms!
To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Free Realms Game Page.