Free-to-Play Fantasies: MMORPG Titles that Don't Break the Bank

I'm sure you've heard about them if you're into videogames. Massively mltiplayer onine roleplay games (MMORPGs for short) seem to be everywhere. Everquest, World of Warcraft and even Final Fantasy all have some form of MMORPG experiences available for your gaming pleasure. But what if you don't like the cost-per-cycle that these titles ask for?

Good thing there's plenty of free-to-play alternatives out there. This recent, growing type of MMORPG distribution started building momentum in Pan-Asian regions (particularly in Korea, which is already nuts for MMORPGs in general). As this momentum began to grow, it ultimately found its way to many other parts of the world -- and now finds a home even here in North America.

So where, then, do we find the most-worthy-for-our-tastes MMORPG titles in this growing subcategory of the popular format? Herein, I will highlight some of the biggest names in the free-to-play MMORPG space and let you choose which one meets your needs -- in fact, feel free to try them all as more than one could interest you.

MapleStory

This sensational title, published worldwide by Nexon, is perhaps the one title out there with the most-defining characteristics of the free-to-play model. While I have spent only a small amount of time with it, many more already know what MapleStory has to offer -- in fact, with over 87 million registrations (according to IGN) this game is practically synonymous with the free-to-play format on a global scale, and essentially the biggest one in the United States as of this writing. Developed by Korean game studio Wizet, MapleStory combines old-school 2D platforming with an engaging MMORPG design that rivals some of the established premium titles out there.

What you need to know:
Windows Requirements: 9x/ME/2000 or later (Some issues may be present on Vista/7 systems)
Registration Type: Multi-Title Community Account
What's Free: First in-game avatar, client software download, support forums
Premium Options: Cash Shop
Hardware Support Guidelines: 1.5GB HDD Space, Pentium3 1.0GHz
Hardware Support Recommendation: 3.0GB HDD Space, Pentium4 1.8GHz
Where to Get It: maplestory.nexon.net

Mabinogi

Again, Nexon is the distributor -- but this one is a full-3D adventure more along the lines of the MMORPG norm. Unlike some of the other MMORPGs out there, Mabinogi takes its name and theme fron a definitive real-world source in that much of the experience is built on a central theme adapted from Celtic culture and mythology. Activities are a big part of this MMORPG and involve social gatherings, helping NPC characters on a part-time basis (albeit with some repetitive tasks, and generally tied to their posted hiring periods with deadlines for completion), fishing, hunting, and the requisite exploration party mechanic. Musical composition performance and sharing is also big in Mabinogi (with no limits involved, so feel free to implement popular real-world music adaptations -- I actually heard someone who was strumming the intro to a Coldplay song) and it's not unusual to find a group of players huddled around a virtual campfire, sharing virtual treats and engaging in conversation. There is also a progression across various stories for those who want to get deeper into the mythos of the world of Erinn that comprises the in-game environment, and the dungeon areas evoke a Zelda-inspired design with a color-matching twist.

What you need to know:
Windows Requirements: 9x/ME/2000 or later
Registration Type: Multi-Title Community Account
What's Free: First in-game avatar, client software download, support forums
Premium Options: Additional Characters, Pet Companions, VIP Tier, Cash Shop
Hardware Support Guidelines: DirectX 9, GeForce2MX or Radeon 7000, 1GB HDD Space, Pentium3 800MHz
Hardware Support Recommendation: DirectX 9, GeForce4 or Radeon 9000, 2.5GB HDD Space, Pentium4 1.5GHz
Where to Get It: mabinogi.nexon.net

Dungeon Fighter Online

The third and final of my Nexon picks, Dungeon Fighter Online is perhaps the most ingenious MMORPG design yet. Where Mabinogi applies Celtic mythos to a traditional 3D MMORPG fantasyand MapleStory presents a 2D platformer design, Dungeon Fighter Online is based around a 2.5D beatdown-style interface much like Final Fight or Double Dragon but with some MMORPG twists. Though release isn't scheduled for a while yet, closed testing has already been completed and you should expect the public testing to commence in the coming months. That doesn't mean you don't get a chance to preview it: for those in the Pacific Northwest, you can get a sneak peek at this year's Penny Arcade Expo (which also follows a recent appearance at the San Diego running of Comic-Con).

What you need to know:
Windows Requirements: XP/Vista or later
Registration Type: Multi-Title Community Account
What's Free: TBD
Premium Options: TBD
Hardware Support Guidelines: TBD
Hardware Support Recommendation: TBD
Where to Get It: dungeonfighter.nexon.net

Other Titles

Besides the slate of Nexon titles herein, there are various other places to get your MMORPG fix on the cheap. Frogster, for instance, offers up a convincing take on the World of Warcraft gameplay with its free MMO Runes of Magic. Sony Online, which popularized the MMORPG format with Everquest and it's sequel, offers up a family-friendly outing with Free Realms -- as do the imaginative geniuses at Disney with their Pirates of the Carribean MMO spinoff (from the park attraction and movie franchise, of course). Those who like Tetris or Brain Age will enjoy the brain-busting quirks of Puzzle Pirates, while those who want something off-the-trail but still in traditions will enjoy the browser-based Adventure Quest and its odd twists off from the traditional MMORPG design. All of these titles offer their own twists on premium features, offering their picks between microtransaction funding, VIP features or both, depending on the implementation. Details are available on the respective websites for these MMORPG titles, and a list of various choices in the free-to-play arena can be found in this link from IGN.

And while you're at it, you might want to enjoy a bit of shooter action on the cheap when you've had your MMORPG fill in full: Nexon has you covered in that space with the impressive military FPS Combat Arms. (Not every free-to-play title has to be an MMORPG, you know.)