It's no big secret that a lot of MMOGs offer limited trials for people to try it before they by it but finding the time to break away from your already-established characters on games like World of Warcraft can be hard, when you consider the high level requirements. This isn't so much of a problem at lower levels, as you can spend your time solo grinding but when you are level 70 (for example) and much of your gameplay revolves around party/raid/team play, you find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation.
The Christmas period is no doubt going to come with a large degree of silence on the raiding and Arena front, with large proportions of guilds and teams preferring to take a couple of weeks out to mingle with family and friends over the festive period. This is, in essence, the perfect time to crack open those trials and get on with some exploring, so that you can't be accused of ignorance.
So go grab those party hats, poppers and finger foodstuffs and lets get on with some trialing, shall we?
Top 5 MMOGs to try this Christmas
5 - Fury
Fury wasn't received well and you will see why when you play it. Initially, it was buggy, unbalanced and lacked the diversity needed to provide continuity on the level MMOGs should do and yet I feel it is worth playing at least once. The game is tuned towards PvP so if you don't like being pitted against other players, don't play it. Personally, I don't think I'll pay to play this title but if it were F2P I would spend some time on it. All in all, it is an entertaining title that isn't going to be a waste of time - at least, not if you play it sparingly.
4 - Guild Wars
Guild Wars is another game that is worth playing not only through trial but also as a "grind" breaker. With over 4,000,000 players spread across the globe, Guild Wars is truly an MMO and what is great is it is good AND free - a rare combination. With Eye of the North, the only true expansion for the game, having recently came out providing high level players more items, areas and content there is plenty to keep you going and you never know - you may find that it is worth playing now and again, as I do.
3 - Lord of the Rings Online
Whilst not the most splendid MMORPG I’ve very played by a long way, Lord of the Rings Online is one of those franchise titles you have to jump into (much like Stargate Worlds and Star Trek Online will be…even if they are really bad). It’s not that bad either. It doesn’t present any genre defining concepts and its idea of PvP is a little weird for my liking but it is entertaining enough. It also feels like more of a casual game, despite the fact that you need a super computer to run it…
2 - Hellgate London
Hellgate London isn’t the smoothest game by any stretch of the imagination but it is a game that comes packed with nostalgia. Remember Gauntlet and Diablo? Those are just two of the genre defining titles that Hellgate reminds me of when I play it. If you played Diablo 2 or any RPG after, you will defiantly want to at least try Hellgate London as it really does make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Hopefully Flagship can iron out the creases as this game has a lot of potential.
1 - Eve Online
CCPs Sci-Fi based MMORPG Eve Online has been praised all over the place. Many consider it the most innovative and best MMOG out there despite the relatively low number of players. I myself am not a big fan of the undirected open gameplay Eve forces you to undertake but with a major content patch and graphics overhaul going live today, you'd be a fool to not take a peak for at least a few hours. Whilst the gameplay didn't keep me riveted to the seat for hours on end, it is an entertaining concept that is worth playing through trial at least once. If CCP add some continuity and guidance to it the earlier game, I may consider playing it full time but for now, I'll just say it is worth a trial and save the criticism for another day.
The game that got left out (aka The Boobey Prize)
Some of you are blatantly scratching your heads at the moment, asking why I have left out that household title. I even mentioned it right at the very top of this post. Well, the reason is simple. You are visiting an MMOG portal site so I am going to assume that you know the basics about MMOGs. As such, why list the titles that are clichéd in such a horrid way?
World of warcraft
World of Warcraft is not just an MMORPG. It is a household name, along with Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fastest selling PC franchise of all time and also the highest earning PC franchise of all time. It is the single most clichéd, overused, over-appreciated games ever made. Period. It has been used to advertise films and cars and even music. It is going to evolve into a movie franchise. It has already been novelized, even graphically. Why list it when it is that blatant?
It is worth playing, yes. Is it on my list? No! Will it ever be? Possibly… when I am done denying my love for the title.
