How to Choose a MMORPG

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs, are a popular form of video games. MMORPGs allow you to live out your fantasies while participating in a community of other users. There are many MMORPGs on the market, so use these tips to choose which MMORPG is best for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider your interests. There is a plethora of MMORPGs on the market, so you can probably find one or two that interest you. If you like fantasy games with elves and dwarves and mighty warriors, there are many options, like World of Warcraft or Guild Wars. If you like superheroes, check out City of Heroes and City of Villians. Try Star Wars Galaxies or EVE Online for a space theme.

2. Ask yourself if you are willing to pay to play a game. There are a few different financial options when it comes to MMORPGs. If you have the money, there are games like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XI that have monthly subscription fees. There are also games you buy, like Guild Wars, and can play for free. You can find several games online that are free to play, like Runescape, that only cost if you want to upgrade or get premium account privileges.

3. Pick a MMORPG that has a community you can fit into. Another important factor to your MMORPG choice is who you will be playing with. If you have friends that are playing MMORPGs, try to get an idea from them of who plays the games they play. For instance, Runescape has a younger, teenage audience while Lord of the Rings Online typically has a little older audience.

4. Make sure your computer can handle the game if you plan to play on the PC. Some MMORPGs are graphically intense so be sure your computer can handle a game before you buy it. Always check the system requirements and exercise caution if your computer barely meets the minimum results. Most Web MMORPGs that run on Flash or Java are not as hardware intensive.

5. Try some games out. Many games are either free or have a free trial. Make a list of some games that interest you, and try them out. Spend a few hours getting familiar with the interface and game mechanics. If the story and game play intrigue you, consider spending a little more time with the game. If you have a problem getting into it, the game is probably not for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Games that have a monthly subscription fee will typically have an older community.
• Visit the websites for some MMORPGs, and see how involved the online community is. This will give you good insight into the game and help you know who plays the game.
• Be careful not to get too immersed into any MMORPG. The nature of these games makes them very addictive, so be sure to have a healthy grasp on the real world.