Free MMORPG Round Up

RuneScape

RuneScape is a title synonymous with free online gaming. The MMORPG first hit the metaphorical shelves in 2001, though it has since seen a graphical overhaul and is now a considerable feast of visual delights when taking into consideration that it’s free and runs in your browser using Java. RuneScape is a massive game, and to do a coherent review would take more man hours than Dennis Publishing is willing to pay us to play games. Despite the fact that RuneScape has been out for so many years, it seemed rude not to give it a whirl as the game is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the most popular online MMO.

There are three aspects of the RuneScape that you’ll have to get over if you’re to stand a chance of making it to the endgame. The main issue is the music. It’s god-damned terrible. Never before hath our ears been assaulted thus. Fortunately mute buttons exist and we recommend using it, especially on ‘Tutorial Island’ where the music sounds like it’s been made by a chimpanzee using a £5 Casio keyboard from a Christmas cracker.

The second issue is the graphics. They’re impressive for CPU-rendered browser-based visuals, but RuneScape (in case it had escaped your attention) is no Crysis. Finally, the controls. Movement and interaction is point and click, and the game isn’t the most responsive or accurate in this regard. Using the arrow keys to pan the camera makes it easier to navigate, but it takes some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to WASD controls in this type of game.


Being an MMORPG, RuneScape has that labyrinthine-depth quality to it, and there’s a lot to learn. The tutorial is comprehensive and does a fine job of helping you wrap your head around the interface and basic skills such as making fires and cooking food. It’s much like other fantasy MMORPGs in that sense too, so if you’ve played one then you should have a fair approximation of what to expect. The game is dialogue-heavy, even for an RPG. It feels like a lot of effort has gone into making a busy and interactive game world with plenty of NPCs to talk to, providing more hours of play and plenty of lore.


The interface of RuneScape is a bit fiddly, and the small action buttons don’t really lend themselves to making the combat smooth. Coupled with the often slightly stuttery frame rates and basic animations, the process feels a bit pants at first, and takes some adjusting to. It does provide the sort of group combat that’s so great about the genre, where a bunch of adventurers standing around massive foes and working together can take their over-sized behinds down. If you want to do so in full screen mode then you'll need to subscribe to a premium membership which costs £3.50 or $5.95 a month and also gives you access to more content.

Conclusion

RuneScape is an old game and it’s starting to show its age a little. However, it is an impressive technical achievement considering it's run on Java and in your browser, and there's a lot of game to work your way through. If you can adjust to the quirks such as the small interface, RuneScape can be fun and worth looking at, even if only an academic exercise for MMORPG fans.