A List of 2D MMORPG Games
Although massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) had already been around for at least two years, the term MMORPG was first coined in 1997 by Ultima Online developer Richard Garriott. Since then, the "massive" part of the genre title has taken on a completely new meaning, with games like "World of Warcraft" claiming more than 11 million players worldwide. Most popular MMORPGs involve the same relatively advanced 3-D graphics as any other modern video game. However, if you're looking to return to the more simple roots of the genre, quite a few quality 2-D MMORPGs are available.
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MapleStory
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Produced by Nexon, "MapleStory" bills itself as "the world's first and most successful side-scrolling 2-D online game." Based in a unique fictional universe, you can play as one of four highly customizable main types of characters: Cygnus Knights, Explorers, Hero/Arans or Hero/Evans. And gameplay takes place within any number of ever-expanding worlds. Like in most MMORPGs, you can complete various quests, interact socially with other players and NPCs (non-player characters) and earn and buy various upgrades. "MapleStory" even allows marriage between two characters. Registration and play is free, but you don't have the option to purchase NX money, which you can use to purchase special items and upgrades.
Wind Slayer
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"Wind Slayer" takes place in the semi-medieval fantasy world of Beuritania, where you compete "to become the next warrior of legend." In this 2-D side-scrolling MMORPG, you can choose between six fairly basic character classes, such as warriors, archers and mages, each with two advanced subclasses that must be achieved. The gameplay includes hundreds of quests, as well as optional player-versus-player battles. Like with most 2-D MMORPGs, registration and play is completely free.
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WonderKing
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Created in 2010 by Ryu & Soft, "WonderKing" is one of the newer 2-D MMORPGs. In addition, it also boasts some of the most detailed graphics among 2-D MMORPGs. However, the game features relatively few and basic character classes---warriors, knights, berserkers and paladins---compared to other MMORPGs. You battle various monsters in an ultimate quest against evil, which in this game takes the form of the Sinistry of Devils and a sort of fallen angel named Baalon. Its semi-unique mythology involves heaven and hades, so good and evil play a major role in the game's storyline and ultimate objectives. One neat game feature is the ability to complete quests as part of a group of other players.
Grand Chase
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Based in an alternate, medieval-style universe, "Grand Chase" involves the mythical continent of Bermesiah and a force of righteous fighters also called Grand Chase. As a member of Grand Chase, you must work to defeat the Kaze'aze, the Queen of Darkness, while defending the kingdoms of Serdin and Kanavan. Pokémon-esque pets play a major role in the game, often joining their owners in battle. In addition, each unique pet will gradually evolve over time. The playable characters in "Grand Chase" can be customized in many different ways, and you have the ability to participate in player-versus-player battles of up to six, as well as three-on-three team battles.
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