Runescape: A Great Introduction to an Online Role Playing Game

Runescape is a free online role playing game, more commonly known as a Massively Multi Player Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). It's very easy to learn how to play, and runs through a simple Java program, unlike many complicated current MMORPG's that require the user to download many megabytes of files. It's produced by a company called Jagex, and is free to play, although you can become a paying member to access more of the online world.

I came across Runescape over 3 years ago, and was hooked. I had never played an MMORPG before, and Runescape was a totally foreign experience for me. I created an account, and proceeded to spend the little free time I had exploring the game world. What I found was a delightful little game, which ended up sucking away many hours from my live. I'd heard how addicting these types of games were, but it wasn't until I actually sat down firsthand and started playing that I found out.

If you never have played an MMORPG before, then you might be a little confused by all this talk of an online 'world.' Basically, an MMORPG is like an offline role-playing game, only you are in a persistent game world that is still around when you log off. You and hundreds of other real people are all playing together on the same game, at the same time, and you can see and talk to them, even trade and fight with them. The overarching 'goal' (if there really is a goal in these games) is to become more proficient in different activities, be it fishing or fighting. The more time you spend fighting, the better your character gets at it, and gains 'levels' from the experience received from fighting. A little confusing, but it all makes sense one you give it a try.

Runescape doesn't stray too far from this basic format. It's very easy to pick up, and that is possibly why it is so popular. You can choose to start out as a character that you get to customize, and then, after a brief tutorial on the basics, you are let loose in the game world.

The graphics aren't the prettiest on the market today, but for a free game they are not too shabby. The emphasis here is on game play, and not on flashy effects like those found in Guild Wars or World of Warcraft, two other very popular MMORPGs. It's a good way for someone who has never played a MMORPG before to start, as was the case with me. While I eventually moved onto other games, I'll never forget the time I spent exploring the enchanting world of Runescape.