LaTale http://latale.ogplanet.com Gameplay: http://qtv.freechal.com/movie/QTVMovieView.asp?docid=733496 (takes a while to load) Probably the cutest side scroller game ever, with interchangeable outfits that have a wide wide range. You play as 4 main classes, that each split off into 2 more subsequent classes after a jobchange. Fixed stats, but depending on the class the stats are very different. The characters are fantastic in look as well as smooth in actions. The gameplay does not require 24/7 grind, although it is optional (and most of the highest lvl players do), and instead has many quests and areas of exploration. Balanced pvp included, which means a lvl 10 can beat a lvl 50 if he/she has the skills . Lots and LOTS of events and updates, but every other week. They're trying to build community atm, so lots of video and screenshot contests. They fixed SO many technical errors as well as gameplay that people complained about, now there's hardly any complaints . The updates are what's the most outstanding aspect of this game, the fact that they have such HUGE updates. They literally install an entire field area within an update (new towns, and several fields, and sometimes dungeons). They are also getting very close to keeping up with the development of the Korean version, and the Korean version came out 2 years prior. Most likely there's weekend 2x exp events, and sometimes 2x item events. The community is amazing at Latale, lots of friendly people who will help out if you need it. Originally when it first came out, the better portion of players were from other related MMO's like Trickster and MapleStory, but only the more mature crowd came because advertisement for LaTale was so limited. It is free to play....but the cash shop will lure you in and make you spend money you don't have. They have XP boosters, better outfits, pets, basically items that just make you drool, but it's all in the cash shop. Some of it is timed, others aren't, and you'll quickly be wanting to get your hands on some cash items as soon as you get into the game for a while. On that respect it does diminish the gameplay a bit, but you can choose not to grind and go at a slower pace. Be vary weary not to spend too much if you're going to play Latale (I've seen people spend 1k+ on the first few months when the game was released, now people spend upwards of 3k+ at times). This is what I'm playing the most right now. Ragnarok Online http://iro.ragnarokonline.com Recommended Private Server: http://essencero.com/ Gameplay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE2f21snOCA&feature=related My first RPG love, and one that I will play until it dies. Is that any description of this game other than FANFREAKINGTASTIC? The gameplay is so smooth and wonderful, full of balance and the ease of point and click. 3-D ish, with some 2-D qualities. The character graphics are limited, but considering the amount of movement and different classes there are, and the complexities of those sprites...I praise Gravity. The character lvl up: novice -> 1st job -> 2-1/2-2 jobs -> Tras 2-1/2-2 jobs, then there's extended classes. Lots and lots of choice, and you are in control of stat points, so you can choose from a huge number of class builds. However in recent times this game has seen a severe decline due to the ease of making private servers, and the number of private servers out there. The original game you had to pay for monthly, but now one of their main servers is free to play (with some minor restrictions). Lots and lots and lots of bots on the main servers, because of the horrendous exp gain, and the grinding hours required. It is no longer what it was before in the past, so many things have changed. Go to a private server is my recommendation, pick a mid-low rate server so that you don't level too quickly (takes the fun out of it really). Hit up high rate servers if you want just a quick fun RPG tryst for a night. Lots of customization on private servers, there's a huge community of programmers and artists dedicated solely to private servers (lol eAthena). Be sure you get some gist of the game before you go in though, RO has many ingame functions. Private servers are also up to date with the latest Korean Ragnarok version, which is far far past any other version. This is my fav MMORPG, nothing has beaten it so far. Trickster Online http://trickster.ntreev.net Gameplay: http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/entertainment/watch/v4579560FEMHcyWz Came out in 2006, and did not have a huge fan base until after 2007 or so. I haven't been back to TO for a while, but I hear that things are going better than it did when I left for LaTale. Great gameplay, 2-D but not a sidescroller (it just lacks depth is all). The graphics are good if you're into chibi's similar to MapleStory, they're very midgety but cute. This is a rare type of game because the characters you make differ depending on your chosen gender. There's 4 types of characters that have 3 levels of jobchanges, the last level having 2 options. Stats are predetermined depending on which gender and class you choose. GM's are very active in this MMO, and they come and play games every week (2 days of the week if I'm not mistaken). They have revamped a lot of the ingame systems, and it is no longer as imbalanced as before. There are still many issues with players about the ridiculousness of cash shop, because every week a new more powerful weapon/set comes out. GM team is fixing that, so it would be the perfect time to try the game out if you have never tried it out before. 400 levels seems like a lot but is actually easier to get to than the Ragnarok lvl 99 because of the exp gain rates. There are just so many things you can do besides leveling though. They have drilling system, refining system, upgrading system, pet system, and a whole bunch of other things you can do. Updates are heavy with material, and also every other week. All the ingame events give out very good prizes, and sometimes spectacular prizes, for doing almost nothing (right now there's an event where you just have to log on to get items). I recommend this for casual play and cuteness. (I will add a few others later on because I'm super tired right now, but those are my top 3 recommendations.)
Also, for newcomers to MMO's, just search the game on Youtube to see if it is something you might be into. Here is a video of LaTale. To me it seems kind of repetitive, but maybe it's fun with friends. Would you help me get started Wing? =3 How is it without dedicating a lot of time to it? I play lots of games, and I'm an active clan member so I generally play games that my clan has a server on. I was also accepted today to the closed beta of Cities XL (a SimCity-like MMO, which has gotten fantastic reviews!), so I'll probably be playing that a bit also.
As i mentioned in the other gaming thread, I'd be happy to help out newcomers to any of the above said games, right after my two exams this week XD. Latale is alright if you don't dedicate a lot of time to it, you can level up quickly without doing much in the lower levels (quests are win). It's really good if you get involved in a guild or play with a large number of people. There are instance dungeons that only work if you're in a party so it's always good to have a partner playing with you . You wouldn't have to worry about anything unless you buy timed items. Hehe, I've never truly gotten into Sims, but I hear great things o_o.
City simulators and flight simulators are great once you get into them and learn how to operate everything