List of Epic MMOs

by Andrew Kao on January 9th, 2009 at 11:13 pm EDT - 13,033 views

I first off would like to say this list is comprised of both free mmo games as well as store bought franchises. Most of the games I have tried myself as well as did some research on how others feel about these games, (many times I had to borrow the game or use a trial version). So I would like say that this list is composed of some MMO games, free and store bought, that you might to try playing these days. On behalf of myself and PCE I hope that this proves an asset. The following MMO’s and MMORPG’s are not in any particular order.

Non-Free MMOs                                                                      

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (2008)(Blizzard) Either you love the game or you hate the game, however no one can deny Blizzard’s juggernaut still remains popular. The expansion opens up the world of Northrend, the introduction of the Death Knights,  as well as the ability to challenge Arthas himself. The entirety of the game itself is probably one of the most immersive MMORPG’s. The controls are easy to use, and allows any newcomers to jump right into the game. One of the few MMORPG’s that actually finds the perfect balance between being too easy and extreme grinding. Although many instances require cooperative play, a constant tension between the Horde and the Alliance, keeps the pvp pace alive.

Game Best For: Casual or Hardcore Gamers
(http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath/)

 

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (2008)(Electronic Arts) Warhammer takes place in a war between the Armies of Order, and the Armies of Destruction, with Order housing the dwarves, humans, and elves, while Destruction has Orcs, darkelves…. sound like wow doesn’t it? The HUD and the gameplay is nothing innovative, neither is the storyline, however Warhammer takes all the elements of what makes a good mmorpg and puts it together well. Not to easy not too much grinding, large number of quests which most of them are suprisingly not repetitive, pvp system is engaging. All I can say about it is, although there are no elements which define Warhammer, it finds the right balance of all its gameplay aspects to keep the game fun.

Game Best For: Casual Gamers
(http://www.warhammeronline.com/)

 

Aion: Tower of Eternity (2008 Korea/2009 North America(coming soon))(NCSoft) Aion is set in a world where godlike humans rule a split race, at the same time keeping demonic forces at bay, both factions blame each other for the woes of each other. The storyline and the gameplay invovled with the game makes for an immersive experience. Whereas most mmorpgs have monsters or NPCs that either attack you or aide you, Aion allows for a unique AI in which they may aid you in vanquishing an emeny faction, but later with your backs turned, turn on you, this keeps for an interesting pvp system. The graphics takes a refreshing break from using anime and tries to keep a more realistic type of feel. This game won the Korean “Best Game of the Year”. Players can try the Korean version, however an American version is coming out in quarter 2 of 2009

Game Best For: Hardcore and Casual Gamers
 (http://aion.plaync.co.kr/)(http://www.aiononline.com/us/)

 

Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures (2008) (Funcom) A relatively newcomer into MMO’s, however it is based on the age old Conan franchise. Set in the ancient kingdom of Aquilonia, you must prevent enemies from overthrowing the kingdom. The combat system is relatively unique for MMORPG’s, in that the game tries to offer more control to players in the heat of battle, as to actually make you feel as though your skill affects the battle, rather than statistics of your character.

Game Best For: Casual Gamers
(http://www.ageofconan.com/)

 

Guild Wars (2005) (NCSoft) One of the titans in MMO’s, the storyline changes almost every year with each expansion pack. You play as an adventurer in the world of Tyria where you deal with new antagonists each episode (expansion) of the game which puts some emphasis on cooperative play. One of the few games which does not require a subscription fee. Many times compared to World of Warcraft and vice versa, Guild Wars also finds the perfect balance between being too hard and too easy to advance in the game. The game also features an arena mode, in which players may engage head to head. The quests within Guild Wars are perhaps one of the most engaging.

Game Best For: Hardcore or Casual Gamers
(http://www.guildwars.com/)

 

Eve Online (2003)(CCP Games) Although this game is not my cup of tea, it still remains a popular game. The game takes place in space long after the expansion of humans to the frontier. Don’t let all the pretty ships fool you, this is not a shooters game. It’s a point and click MMORPG first and foremost. The customization of your characters abilities are so vast it borders on the edge of headspinning. However the economic system in the game is so much in depth that virtual corporations have taken hold within this game and market rules are so complicated that it almost eerily represents real world economy. Great for those who like games with an economic bent, but don’t expect fast paced action.

Game Best For: Trump Wannabes in Space
(http://www.eve-online.com/)

 

Vendetta Online (2004)(Strategy First) Basically the setting takes place far far into the future, where mankind has split into three distinct nations, the brutal Serco, the high minded Itani, and the Chinese-economic-free-for-all-like UIT. Although there is the mmorpg element of upgrading ships weapons and such, there a large number of pirate outposts that allow you to buy high lvl upgrades on the black market. The game features twitch-skills, making this more of a space shooter game than a mmorpg. A high, fully-armed player, is not immune from even beginner players with some skill, I remember plenty of times as a beginner pirate with black-market materials tearing through many more experienced players, and most of the times vice versa. The AI, unlike most games, can actually take over territory, giving a sense of impending doom. The game is what I call a flawless space shooter, be warned though you may see alot less players than you are used to on most games. The game is relatively empty, making it one of the best “undiscovered” games in my category.

Game Best For: Casual Gamers who don’t mind the lonesomeness of space.
(http://www.vendetta-online.com/)

 

The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of Angmar (2007) (Turbine) Puts you as the player in the Tolkien universe, allowing you choose to be a human, elf, dwarf, or hobbit. You play from a different perspective during which Frodo is on his journey to destroy the one ring. The game places some emphasis on the influence of your character in the game world. Although takes elements from many common mmorpg’s on the market, it still manages to tie in the storyline well with the gameplay aspect, however for all the book fans, it tends to deviate from the storyline a tad.

Game Best For: Hardcore or Casual Gamers (Who are not sticklers for keeping to the story)
(http://www.lotro.com/)

 

Team Fortress 2 (2007)(Valve Corporation) Team Fortress 2 is an online FPS, it deviates from its predecessor completely in that it takes many of the classes and graphics and exaggerates them to a cartoonish appeal. The gameplay and ease of playing this game may appeal to many casual gamers, however the fast paced action also may appeal to more hardcore fps gamers. The classes available in the game each have their own distinct feel and look, ranging from heavy assault to behind the lines spy. The amount of unlockables for each class rewards players over time as well as keeps the game interesting. Basically the game overall is just fast paced fun with a bit of over the top humor mixed in.

Game Best For: Casual Shooters
(http://orange.half-life2.com/tf2.html)

 

Battlefield 2142 (2006)(Electronic Arts) Yeah there is some singleplayer offline aspect, however the game was mostly made to be played online with many of the modes and unlockables only available through online play. You take control of one of two factions in a battle of survival in the wake of a new ice age. Battlefield 2142 is as engaging as other games in the Battlefield series, however added with a futuristic twist. The ease of the gameplay and the unique command structure of the game, allows this fps to be relatively engaging. The unique Titan mode keeps to an epic feel of the game, however does not overwhelm the typical player.

Game Best For: Casual or Hardcore shooters
(http://battlefield.ea.com/battlefield/bf2142/default.aspx)

 

 Test Drive Unlimited (2007)(Atari) Test Drive ulimited is simple, flashy, high priced cars racing down a track. On the online mode you may be able to challenge other players to accomplish a goal or simply to see who has the most skill on the road. Test Drive Unlimited has some stunning visuals and a unique system which merges both single-player play as well as online play. Test Drive Unlimited is probably one of the more unique racing games I’ve seen, with the expansiveness of the roads, it is not merely a racing game, but gives the feel of free roaming around a large island. This game isn’t simply moving from race to race, track to track, but gives a sense of freedom, that most racing games, online and offline, can’t compare to.

Game Best For: Casual Gamer
(http://www.testdriveunlimited.com/index.html)

Free MMO’s                                                                               

Combat Arms (2008)(Nexon) A fps with a wide range of weapons, the controls are easy to use, and the gameplay is fast-paced. New weapons become available as players “level up”, however they are on a rental basis, which may turn some gamers off. Modes, such as spy mode, classic capture the flag, or free for all, keep the game somewhat interesting. Although not as good as most MMOFPS out there, the almost non-existant learning curve is great for players looking for a quick shootout.

Game Best For: Casual Shooters
(http://combatarms.nexon.net)

 

Drift City (2008)(NHN) A racing game with a mix of a storyline built in. The game is bent towards the casual side with the graphics feeling as though the player is in an adventure cartoon show. As the player you are given tasks and objectives which you can obtain money, you may also race against other individuals for a chance of rewards. Individuals gain experience and may purchase or obtain new cars as they increase in levels. Players use the money to upgrade their vehicles and purchase different parts.

Game Best For:  Casual Drivers
(http://drift.ijji.com/)

 

Exteel (2007)(NCsoft) The game is a third person shooter, in which players take control of giant robots. The game has alot of rpg elements, in which players may upgrade their robot through money as well as more upgrades become available to the player as they increase in experience. There are many modes, such as capture the flag, arena, and deathmatch, as well as player vs computer survival modes. Although it may not be the best mmorpg, or shooter, combining the elements as well as the fast paced action keeps the game intriguing.

Game Best For: Casual or Hardcore mech enthusiasts
(http://www.exteel.com/us/)

 

Silkroad Online (2005)(Joymax) Set in a medieval setting, with trade between Europe and China. Silkroad’s economy is relatively unique in that it develops a conflict triangle economic and conflict system between hunters, thieves, and traders. The graphics are relatively good and the scenery is immersive and has a different feel than most mmorpgs. However the quests overall are relatively shallow with virtually no story involved, many times npc’s just request you to collect a few dozen items without explaining why. The leveling in this game is exhausting, one of the most grinding experiences I’ve had, so not for the casual gamer.

Game Best For: Hardcore Grinders
(http://www.silkroadonline.net)

 

CodeRED: Alien Arena 2008 (2008)(COR Entertainment) Another fps shooter with elements of the popular Unreal series. However what Alien Arena does, and does well, is mixes quirky old science fiction humor with that of serious fps gameplay. If you want a serious shooter, then Alien Arena is fast paced and smooth enough, however if you are looking for something different, Alien Arena keeps entertainment as one of it’s top priority, an example is a mini game in which players play cowboy and round up a bunch of robotic “doggies” into corrals, or a deathmatch with vehicles added to the chaos. Overall pretty solid.

Game Best For: Casual trigger happy shooters
(http://icculus.org/alienarena/rpa/)

 

Ace Online (2006)(MasangSoft) An attempt to combine the elements of a space or air shooter with heavy elements of stat building mmorpg. The concept is new and refreshing and the feeling of piloting ships is relatively easy and fun to play. Be warned the quests are repetitive and game has also an extra dose of grind, than most would deem acceptable, but something you ought to try if this sparks your interest. Storyline is very shallow if existant, and environmental graphics are a tad outdated, but the game is something relatively different than most free mmo’s.

Game Best For: Hardcore Air Grinders
(http://www.vendetta-online.com/)

 

Granado Espada/Sword of the New World(2007)(IMC Games) Granado Espado graphics are probably the first thing one is going to notice, one word, ambience. Granado does something a little different as the player doesn’t control a specific character, but rather a small three man team, with basic commands connected to the team. Although the quests are somewhat a dissappointment, the pvp concept is somewhat unique with the team concept into play. Worth trying, but be warned that the quests are somewhat a letdown compared to other games of its genre.

Game Best For: Casual Gamers
(http://swordofthenewworld.gamersfirst.com/index.php)

 

Atlantica Online (2008)(NDOORS) Although there are many mmorpgs out there with the same element of collecting things with quests, grind, level, and attack a boss, Atlantica offers a refreshing twist on the genre. Set in an alternate history of the human race in North America, players are set into a power struggle of factions. Whereas in the past mmorpgs guilds offered some sort of a community where players could interact with other players or aide other players. Atlantica takes it further by giving guilds even more power, allowing guilds to rule towns and villages, as well as influencing political decisions of various nations. Although the battle is turn based, which may put off some players, the mix of elements of steampunk, fantasy, and a unique power struggle system, makes this one of the better free mmorpgs out there.

Game Best For: Those who like a mix of the old mmorpgs and the new ones
(http://atlantica.ndoorsgames.com/center/default.asp)

 

Tabula Rasa (2007)(NCSoft) For most people who have heard of Tabula Rasa you might be curious to know what it’s doing in the free MMO section. NCSoft stated that by February 2009 the game will become a free-to-play MMORPG. The game takes place in a science fiction setting in which a former glorious alien race is at the center of the invasion of the human race. Tabula tries to mix shooter aspects of the game with the mmorpg, however be warned the shootouts are still reliant on statistics of the player. The graphics and setting is good, feels as though it’s a mix of War of the Worlds and BF2142.  The player may also specialize into combat related classes or science related classes. Although it takes many elements of MMORPG’s that have been done before, it’s still worth trying.

Game Best For: Casual Gamers
(http://www.playtr.com/index.html)

 

 Maple Story (2005)(Nexon/Wizet) A side scroller, semi-retro, mmorpg. The way that would be to describe it is take Paper Mario and mix it with pop culture, exaggerated fighting styles, and throw in a dash of strange. Maple Story takes place in the “Maple” World, just like many mmorpgs you choose a class, you level up with fighting or through quests. The instances (party quests) in Maple Story are pretty much short and simple, with many of them ranging from competitive and engaging to repetitive. However in Maple Story there is no real general storyline, just many quests with their own storyline and instances with their own unique one, although still a little more grinding than necessary for a game, the overall gameplay is engaging enough, and the retro feel keeps this little side scroller alive, giving it 5 million players in North America alone, not including Asia, making it one of the most popular free mmo’s.

Game Best For: Hardcore Gamers, or retro fans
(http://www.maplestory.com/)