‘Free Realms’ – Free Online RPG Game!

Online gaming is on the verge of becoming bigger than single player games, so it isn’t surprising to see another MMORPG game being released.

Free Realms is a new ‘Free’ online RPG game (or community?) set up by SOE (Sony Online Entertainment). It’s target players are more along the lines of the younger gamers. To look at it seems similar to that of the World of Warcraft graphics, in that the colours are very vibrant and cartoon like, which I quite like in games like this.

When you first sign up for Free Realms, you get to choose a character, male/female human or a male/female fairy. Not a great choice but something to start with. When you’ve chosen your character you get to select your clothing and hair styles. Again, choices are limited and then you move onto choosing your characters name. You can either create your own or choose some pre-set names like Dongo Silverhorn.

Now, they say Free Realms is a FREE online RPG game, but that’s not true at all. It’s FREE to sign up and play it, but only so far! You have to buy upgrades and items if you want to best things, and there’s also an option to upgrade and pay a monthly subscription, which is hardly free!! As this is based at the younger gamers, will their parents just end up buying everything for them because they’ve been clever enough to hand over their credit card?

If you sign up and play for free, you’re limited to the style of combat your character can use. You can either be a Ninja or a Brawler. It’s only when you sign up and pay that you get all the options which include Wizard, Warrior, Archer and Medic.

I’ve only played it for about 30 minutes, and the controls are very simple and the missions are good to get you used to the controls, which are very basic. To move, click with your mouse and your character moves. To attack an enemy, just point and click using the mouse or a hotkey and your character will just keep bashing away. The first mission you do, apart from running at goblins, is to fight off some more goblins in a picnic area to get you used to the combat style.

As well as fighting there are other elements that people could find interesting like a trading card game or the ability to trade skills.

But there is the annoying side to the game with the very cheesy American accents that always seem to ruin what could be a good game.

I haven’t really had chance to sink my teeth into the game and explore the world and see what type of quests are available. After a quick play around, I’m in two minds over this, but then again you have to remember that this game is aimed at kids.

Free Realms was released just over a month ago and has already gained over 2 million players, and is being released later in the year on the Sony PS3 through the Playstation Network, but nothing yet as to how much the game will cost, it will be interesting to see how it is pitched on that platform, will this end up being an alternative to Playstation Home?

If you fancy a dabble in a free online RPG game, then head on over to Free Realms and have a go, see what you think and let us know by leaving a comment below.

Ender

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