by Alfred Cabrales

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: April 10, 2012

The Internet, with it's vast ocean of available forms of entertainment, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMOs for short) have found a growing niche. Whether you prefer Dungeons & Dragons style fantasies, or have more of a desire to travel space and explore new worlds, this genre of game has something to suit you. Yet, although there is a huge selection of games to choose from, many of the best titles aren't the best choice for those on a budget. Fear not, for there is still hope in the form of free games!

Now there are three basic types of Internet Role-Playing Games. There are huge and content-rich games such as World of Warcraft who allows players to do oh-so-much with their characters, yet only within the parameters set by Blizzard. There are text-based roleplays, such as MUDs, where players create their character and world solely from imagination and have absolute control over them. And there are browser-based games, although such a title can also include virtually rendered worlds and WoW like games - for the most part games such as this are bland (yet fun!) button clickers and number crunchers.

Runescape

Although it's a browser-based game powered by Java, this game sets you in a virtual world with thousands of fellow players. Band up with a team of friends and complete quests, or collect cowhides to sell for gold. Buy armor - or a kite! This game is spectacular considering the fact that it's absolutely free! Though...if you pay a small fee, you get access to a bit more content within the world.

Utopia

A game that has been around for quite a while, Utopia sets you in a fantastic version of the middle-ages. Choose from several races and build up your province and kingdom. Participate in your kingdom's wars alongside the other members, and pillage and crush another kingdom - or fight for your own province's life? Focus on military might, or magic, or espionage. With a friendly community and addictive gameplay, this game can keep a person entertained for days.

Text MUDs and MUSHes, although now shadowed by the ever growing virtual game, are not too hard to find. These games are not only give players the most freedom over their characters, but are probably the most educational. I discovered these games as a preteen - taking place in chat rooms around the web. I joined in and immediately became immersed in this world fabricated by my own imagination for the most part.

These games are difficult to explain or define, because they are controlled entirely by the minds of the players. But from experience, I can attest to the fact that a person's vocabulary and communication skills will expand over time while playing these games.

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