Top 5 Free MMO Guilty Pleasures

Face it, we all love playing certain games that are either getting too old or too childish for our age. Gamers tend to gravitate towards titles they feel comfortable with and it’s not always easy to let a game go when we’ve invested so many hours into it. Below are five games that I keep going back to despite originally playing them years ago.

5. Neopets

I was first introduced to Neopets by a childhood friend and have found myself going back to it ever since. A mix between a mini-game site and a pet-raising RPG, Neopets offers the simple pleasures of an ‘arcade’ site and the more permanent sense of accomplishment that comes with gradual progress in online RPGs.

Neopets was released in 1999 and purchased by Viacom in 2005. New Neopets, mini-games and regions have been added to the world of Neopia over time. Today, the interface is much improved and even new spin-off sites like PetPet Park are in the works. The number of activities possible in Neopets set it apart from most MMORPGs, browser based or otherwise. Where else can you buy stocks one moment, run a small shop the next, and start a stamp or trading card collection afterward?

Retired players should consider returning, with all the new additions and the recent tie-in with Nickelodeon the Neopets experience has been completely revamped. It’s easier to customize your pet, simple paint brushes are more accessible but there’s still plenty of motivation to amass millions of Neopoints!

4. Ragnarok Online

Most online PC gamers have played Ragnarok Online in the past. Whether its on the official Gravity servers or one of thousands of private servers, we’ve all experienced the unique blend of 3D graphics and 2D sprites. Based on Norse mythology, Ragnarok Online won gamers over with a great musical score and simple gameplay. The large class choice and ability to advance into more specialized professions kept RO interesting for many grind sessions.

Later additions like the rebirth system and the War of the Emperium clan wars feature gave players a new reason to play but most gamers were already burned out by then. Too much grinding and too little emphasis on questing made Ragnarok Online repetitive during the mid to late game. Many players opted to play on high experience servers to avoid the stagnation experienced on the officials servers.

Recently, Gravity has given Ragnarok Online new life by releasing official free-to-play servers. These servers are supported by a micro-transaction based Kafra Shop. Free players have limited access to services like the Kafra Teleport feature and weapon/armor upgrades but the chance to play RO again for free is definitely one former players shouldn’t miss. Nostalgia, here we come.

3. Gunbound

Ah Gunbound. Who doesn’t love this cute, anime styled worms clone? The concept is simple enough. Players select from a range of vehicles, each with different attack mechanics, and take turns blasting at each other on 2D maps. Originally hosted by Softnyx then ijji, Gunbound is now back to being published by Sofynyx, the originally developer.

Gunbound first reached America in 2006 and Europe in 2007. The game has steadily increased its list of mobiles which now come in all shapes and sizes. The frog mobile shoots a green slime that either rolls forward or backwards upon landing, the venerable ‘Boomer’ shoots a boomerang which is difficult to aim but deadly in the hands of a master.

What makes the Gunbound so attractive to both new and old gamers? Like all great games, Gunbound is easy to learn but difficult to master. Newbies can play the game among themselves and laugh as they continue to miss one another or get in lucky shots. Experts enjoy the game for its infinite variety and skill-based gameplay. Onlookers may think you’re playing a childish game but anyone whose experienced Gunbound knows that it is a deep and rewarding experience.

2. MapleStory

Nexon’s 2D side-scrolling MMORPG has an addictive effect on Western gamers. Originally designed to appeal to young Korean gamers, MapleStory has attracted a much older audience in America. Middle school and High school students across the nation play MapleStory, many going so far as to spend money in the game’s optional micro-transaction funded shop. Major news stations have even covered the game and how some players steal from their own parents to flash out their online avatars.

What is it about the cute, repetitive MapleStory that makes it so endearing? The fact that it was the first major free-to-play game to reach US shores has definitely helped it establish a player base but it isNexon’s dedication to the game that explains the game’s continued growth. Entire new continents and classes been added to the game since its original 2005 release.

Don’t let the complete lack of PvP and childish graphics stop you from playing MapleStory, even if it means having to keep it a secret from your friends.

1. RuneScape

The browser based MMORPG by Jagex has enjoyed tremendous success since release but still gets a ton of heat on the internet. Often the butt of jokes, it’s not uncommon to hear lines like “this looks like runescape ololool” on gaming forums.

First released back in 2001, RuneScape has received steady content releases since. In 2008, the graphics were vastly improved to bring the game in line with more recent browser game releases. While RuneScape has always been available as a free-to-play title, most features are only accessible by paying members. Subscriptions run at $5 a month and there are currently hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

So what makes RuneScape so attractive? The simple gameplay combined with skill based character progression mean characters can master all available professions. There’s no need to make multiple characters which means players feel more connected with their avatar. The ability to jump between servers makes it simple to play with your friends and is a feature that more recent MMORPGs should be aware of.

By, Erhan Altay