The word free has a certain ring to it. Whisper it and it will likely arouse great excitement, or at least some reassurance. In relation to on-line RPGs this is no exception for there are a number of free, no strings attached, on-line RPGs ranging from MMORPGs (massively multi-player on line role playing game) to browser and text based role playing games. The quality of these titles can vary, but the best available do offer sound alternatives to the big-hitting commercial MMORPGs. Some of the best free alternatives are:

RunesScape:

Released in 2001, RuneScape is free to play but also has a small membership fee. Since then, it has grown in popularity, partly due to the fact that it is accessible from most browsers. The game has also undergone some updating since its original release. Most notably with a RuneScape 2, which was actually renamed RuneScape, with a RuneScape Classic along side it which was later banned.

The game itself takes place in the realm of Gilenor, divided into several kingdoms, regions and cities. The regions offer different types of monsters and quests to challenge players. A fairly traditional MMORPG, it follows no linear path but allows the player to choose their own goals and objectives. Just RPG summarized the game as follows:

"In short, the game of RuneScape is a fun, addictive game, and while the graphics may not be perfect, for a game written in Java, they aren't bad." Jagex do have planned a major new update to the game's graphics, which will introduce full-screen mode and make it all the more comparable to the commercial titles.

Sword of the New World:

Winner of the Best New Free MMORPG of the Year award 2007, Sword of the New World offers a real graphical treat. It probably boasts the best graphics of any free RPG available, except perhaps Guild Wars, with a unique art style based on the Baroque period of Europe and full 3d rendering.

Of its game features, it offers a dueling system by which a player may offer a challenge to another player's team. They then enter a combat arena to do battle. It also allows for the player to control multiple characters at the same time. Such innovation has won praise. PC Gamer said:

"It offered a fresh feel through small improvements and one substantial innovation," in comparison to other Korean RPGs.

Maplestory:

This is a free-to-play RPG with many commercial enhancements. It's more unique as an 2d side-scrolling affair, where the player wonders around the Maple World defeating foes and developing their character's special skills and abilities.

Few games are perfect, and while some have questioned its slow pace there is no doubting the game's accessibility and colorful art direction. The RPG has multiple million subscriptions, more in Asia than the west. This following certainly makes it one of the most popular free on-line RPGs.

Guild Wars:

It's not free! It's not free! I hear you cry. Well, partly true as Guild Wars does require you to purchase the CD. However, it has no subscription fee like all the other free RPGs mentioned here. So far as non-subscription RPGs go, this is the best on the Internet.

Consider playing these mostly free Internet RPGs before any commercial RPG. They offer quality alternatives, in addition to better value. And Guild Wars, although not 100% free, is in fact one of the best MMORPGs generally.

Learn more about this author, Matthew Adams.
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