MMORPG stands for masive multiplayer online role-playing game. Thousands of players connect to them every day looking for adventure.
Generally you buy the game as per usual, but these games also generally include a monthly fee of around £7.
Now a word of warning, these are some of the best PC games out there, but they are also the most addictive. So if you can’t handle that, don’t start playing.
Types of MMORPG
I would split the MMORPGs up into 3 classes:
Classical
The classical MMORPG is set in medieval times. You pick a playable race (elf,human,dwarf,orc). Then you go out and use a combination of physical and magical means to overcome obstacles. As you do missions and kill enemies you gain experience and equipment, which makes your hero stronger.
There is nothing wrong with this type of online rpg game, but there is probably too many. An example of this would be “World of Warcraft”.
Established universe
These MMORPG are set in established universes. For instance the Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Star Gate or Dungeons and Dragons universe. If you are a big fan of any of these, I would go with that online rpg game.
Innovative
Sometimes when you go for something completely new, it pays off. A prime example of this is “City of Heroes” in which you build and play your own caped crusader.
World of Warcraft
World of war is the MMORPG with the most members, 8 million and counting. If you are not looking for a specifically themed MMOPRG, just a very good one. This is the game for you.
WOW has moved ahead of the competition by quite a bit. The normal combat type heroes have been complemented with a crafting system. So if you want one character that is say a blacksmith. You can make quite a bit of gold from that.
WOW has a good PVP system. If you look at the picture below that rider is taking his wyvern on a bombing run against a village of an enemy faction. So there is allot of game playing depth there.
WOW has had one expansion “Burning Crusade” and will very shortly have another “Wrath of the Lich King”.
Star Wars Galaxies
In Star Wars Galaxies you will be able to play as one of eight different Star Wars races, including humans and wookiees. Many of the spots that you visit will be recognizable from the Star Wars movies.
Star Wars galaxies isn’t for everyone. Only real Star Wars fans will enjoy it.
Lord of the Rings Online
LORDO has turned out to be a surprisingly good MMORPG . It’s graphics is right up there with WOW, it has great depth of game play and they haven’t butchered the Lord of the Rings storyline. All in all I would recommend this online game, even for people who don’t like Lord of the Rings.
The only criticism I have is that their PVP system needs work.
LORDO has had one expansion “Mines of Moria”.
City of Heroes/Villains
City of Heroes and City of Villains are 2 completely separate games. They are targeted at those of us who love comic books. Which one is for you? Well I guess it depends on whether you are out to save the world or destroy it.
Your ability to shape any kind of hero or villain that you can imagine really sets these games apart from the competition.
Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online starts 10 years after the last Star Trek movie. In the game you play as either a member of the Federation or a Klingon. You can go visit everything from the academy on earth to the temples on Vulcan. You will join a crew, as the captain or a bridge officer. Then go exploring strange new worlds and engaging in exciting ship to ship battles.