Nov 7 2007
There are a remarkable number of choices available to massively multiplayer online gamers compared to a few years ago, but medieval fantasy continues to be the most popular setting. In these games you create a character, don a sword or a spellbook, and venture off into a persistent online world in search of experience points. An Internet connection is required and these games typically charge a monthly subscription fee. I rely a lot on user feedback as well as my personal experience when rating these games, so if you have an opinion on the subject, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.
1. World of Warcraft
Blizzard Entertainment muscled its way into the MMORPG market back in 2004 with this game based on their illustrious Warcraft strategy series. Although it does not rewrite the book on MMORPGs, exceptional artistry, nicely paced gameplay, a particularly engaging world, solid PvP, and a great interface have already made World of Warcraft a favorite among fans of this genre. It's easily the most refined and popular game of its kind with millions of players worldwide. The Battlechest version includes both the original game and the first expansion, The Burning Crusade.
2. EverQuest II
Many people discovered MMORPGs by playing EverQuest, so EverQuest II had high expectations to live up to, and it doesn't disappoint. The graphics are outstanding, voiceovers are used extensively, character creation is very impressive, and the combat system is a cut above the rest. Since release there have been several expansions and adventure packs, and PvP servers have also been added to the game.
3. Lord of the Rings Online
Set in the mythical world of J.R.R. Tolkien, Turbine has built a MMORPG around the famous story that in many ways defined the fantasy genre. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar lets you experience the adventure as a Human, Hobbit, Dwarf, or an Elf, and is designed to bring you into contact with various members of the Fellowship along the way. PvP is offered through "monster play," which allows players to temporarily assume the role of monsters in an optional battleground. It's an impressive rendition of Middle-earth that has had extensive content updates since launch.
4. Dark Age of Camelot
A very well-established MMORPG set in the land of King Arthur. Player vs. player conflict is central to this game, as the map is divided into three realms which attempt to raid each others territory and capture relics. The 5th Anniversary Collection has all the expansions in one package, including the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, which went live in summer of 2006.
5. Final Fantasy XI
The award-winning Final Fantasy series has been adapted into this rapidly growing MMORPG. Three powerful nations try to protect the world of Vana'diel from the hostile beastmen. Note that FFXI is a significant departure from other Final Fantasy games, and it can be daunting for casual players. It's also the first MMO that allows PS2, Xbox 360, and PC users play in the same universe.6. Lineage II
Like its predecessor, Lineage II focuses on battles with other players and large-scale siege warfare. This time it's fully 3D, with very impressive visuals powered by the Unreal graphics engine. Guilds challenge each other for control of the game's castles in scheduled PvP events. Like most Korean games, it uses a point-and-click movement system. The North American version has a number of features to lessen the level grind a little, which appears to be paying off.7. Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
A huge seamless world, elaborate crafting, and a diplomacy system with which you can sway NPCs are among the features offered by Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. It's relatively demanding compared to many recent MMORPGs, both in terms of hardware requirements and time requirements, which isn't to everyone's liking. There is a considerable amount of depth to the game, and it's an ambitious project with a lot of potential.8. EverQuest
EverQuest continues to hold a special place in the hearts of MMORPG fans, being the first 3D game of its kind to catch on in North America. It still has a very large player base, and likely has more content than any of its competitors. The game is set in a mythical realm full of all the usual halflings, ogres, healers, necromancers, and monsters, featuring a remarkable level of character and class specialization.9. Asheron's Call
Formerly published by Microsoft, this classic MMORPG is back in the hands of Turbine, its developer. Although not nearly as graphically spectacular as its successor, which is no longer around, many fans prefer the gameplay of original. Rather than being bound by the usual class restrictions, you are free to develop whatever skills you choose. The allegiance system which allows players to form organizations is also unique to this series.10. Ultima Online
Ultima Online was among the earliest graphical MMORPGs and, unlike most of the other games mentioned here, it uses a 2D engine similar to Diablo and Baldur's Gate. Released in 1997, Ultima Online still has a large following, and it continues to get regular updates. Another graphical revamp took place in 2007. The 9th Anniversary Edition includes all the content from 7 expansion packs as well as the game itself.