Video Gaming Blog

Computer games run the gamut over almost every genre imaginable, but Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG for short), are among the most wide-scale and popular. Some MMORPG’S you may have heard of, namely World of Warcraft. However, an entire internet subculture revolves around these online worlds.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to interact with people across the web or just want to kill some time with a good game, the internet offers a great range of MMO’S to everyone. Many of these games are even available for free, although to enjoy the full experience most of them will require a fee. That may mean the game’s developers only make a trial version for free, or an expansion to the free version can be purchased.

An example of the latter is RuneScape. This MMORPG is set in a fantasy world named after the game itself, and hosts over 100 servers with nearly 100,000 people online at almost any time of day. A portion of the full game is available to anyone for free for as long as they want, but in order to experience the other three-fourths of the game you must pay a monthly fee of $5.99 US.

One feature present in almost every RPG is the requirement of classes. This means that players must choose a certain type of character (referred to as a class). Each class has its own set of skills and other features. RuneScape, however, does not include this in the game. This makes it a unique take on the genre and many players are drawn to the prospect. RuneScape is also web-based, meaning there is no additional software to purchase/download required to play.

Easily the most prominent MMO to-date is World of Warcraft. With over a million players immersed in its fantasy world and three expansions (so far), WoW has made a lasting impression on the computer gaming scene. Even with such a massive following the price continues to drive away potential gamers. Whether or not it is worth it I will leave up to you readers.

The software is purchasable at many outlets as well as online. Blizzard Entertainment (Warcraft’s developers) have a 10-day free trial of World of Warcraft available, however the full game (all expansions included) will run you a little over $100, and there is a monthly fee of $15, which decreases if you buy longer amounts of time at once.

In addition to these, there are countless other games just waiting to be discovered. Ragnarok: Online is a Norse mythology-based RPG developed by the Korean developers at Gravity. Adventure Quest is a Flash-based game with an abundance of spin-offs that are sure to keep you busy. It takes on a more humorous role in the computer gaming world and is more directed at children.

The only way for you to find out which game is worth your time and money is to go and try ‘em out yourself!

Following is a list of the Top 10 MMORPG Games of 2008
This list is compiled through purchasing popularity and consumer feedback at HCG

1. World of Warcraft
   World of Warcraft is an online role-playing experience set in the award-winning Warcraft universe. Players assume the roles of Warcraft heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast world. Being “Massively Multiplayer,” World of Warcraft allows thousands of players to interact within the same world. Whether adventuring together or fighting against each other in epic battles, players will form friendships, forge alliances, and compete with enemies for power and glory
2. Guild Wars
   Guild Wars takes the best elements of today’s massively multiplayer online games and combines them with a new mission-based design that eliminates the tedium of those games. You can meet new friends in towns or outposts, form a party, and then go tackle a quest together. Your party always has its own unique copy of the quest map, so camping, kill-stealing, and long lines to complete quests are all things of the past. Within a quest you have unprecedented freedom and power to manipulate the world around you: your magic can build bridges and open up new pathways, or it can burn down forests and tear the ground asunder
3. The Lord Of The Rings: Shadows Of Angmar
   The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is an authentic recreation of Middle-Earth. In this massive multiplayer online game, you’ll explore legendary lands & interact with famous characters like Gandalf and Aragorn. Create your own heroic story as the Fellowship embarks on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Defend the Free Peoples against Sauron’s evil minion, the Nazgul Witch-King. Adventure solo or forge fellowships, battle hideous monsters and rise to fame in the most epic MMO ever launched
4. Warhammer Online: Age Of Reckoning
   Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning will immerse you in a world of perpetual conflict for years to come. Experience the glory of Realm vs. Realm! Declare your allegiance and join hundreds of thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer. Enter a grim fantasy world where the armies of Order and Destruction collide to determine the fate of nations. Invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of your Realm. The Age of Reckoning has begun!
5. Everquest 2
   EverQuest II is a new, massive online world filled with danger, adventure and mystery. It’s a wide-open world where players will encounter hundreds of creatures and unlimited adventure. Breathtaking graphics and an epic storyline immerse you in this world, as you become a legendary hero or villain. Players can now own real estate, such as apartments, homes, and guild houses Incredible graphics bring over 160 creature types to life – from orcs and goblins to menacing dragons and colossal Living Statues Features voices for almost every NPC in the game DVD-ROM version
6. Lineage II
   Experience an immersive and dramatic fantasy world known for its unique political and economic systems.
   Engage in regular castle sieges, exciting monster encounters, and epic clan vs. clan warfare.
7. Final Fantasy XI
   Final Fantasy XI takes you into the aftermath of a great war, as you answer a desperate call to defend your people. In this first ever cross-platform massive multiplayer online game, you’ll unite with other warriors as they save their world from utter destruction. With the PlayOnline Viewer, players will connect with other adventurers, to chat and share information – with PC and PS2 users Designed for Online Internet play ONLY – A monthly subscription fee may be charged
8. Eve Online
   Join 220,000 other space pirates and galactic tycoons in the most exciting and uniquely massively multiplayer game ever created. Infinite Possibilities for customization and exploration await. Transport your imagination to EVE Online and experience the next generation of online interaction and entertainment
9. City of Heroes
   City of Heroes is a new kind of massive multiplayer online game. If you’ve ever wanted to defend your city from evildoers as a mighty superhero, now’s your chance. Choose your powers, join a team and go online for tremendous role-playing action! You’ll also have to watch your Fame meter — the higher your reputation gets, the more bonuses and rewards you’ll get Team up with other players online, to form new superhero groups and take down the bad guys more effectively
10. Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
    Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is a fantasy themed massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that immerses players in a dark, expansive universe filled with ground-breaking brutal combat, dangerously intoxicating magical abilities, and the social and cooperative game features that MMORPG players crave

You can find most all of the Top 10 MMORPG Games of 2008 at HomeComputerGames.com at discounted prices. Take an extra savings of up to 90% by purchasing Used PC Games from HCG.

Ken