FREE MASSIVE ONLINE GAMES.

[SlipperyDuck]

I know they're not for everyone, but there seems to be quite a lot of BC2 aversion and general Do-My-Own-Thing-anism.
Anyway, each to their own, don't let anyone hold you back.

For the rest, if you're like me and you like the idea of a free game or two that actually has a MASSIVE following, is continually updated etc etc etc, then this may be just the thing you're looking for.

RPG Games are also not for everyone, but I've looked at Vids for both of these and they looks amazing actually:

Runes Of Magic (Apparently a WOW clone that is better than WOW?)
http://www.runesofmagic.com/en/index.html
No Clue if cloning WOW is good or bad, I've never played an MMO, including never having played WOW, but I do like the idea that WOW is really popular and the fact that people who've played WOW and Runes of Magic think that Runes does a better job. Plus it's completely free - who can argue with that.
I'm going to download the 7.5G high def version of the client to get the most out of it and can distribute it to anyone that is also keen to try.

Dungeons and Dragons Online
http://www.ddo.com/ddosupport/download-ddo
This game was a pay-to-play game for a long time, finding a massive BOOST to popularity once it moved to the now FREE-TO-PLAY model. Apparently this is one of the best MMO's around and doesn't try to panda to the WOW ways, rather does it it's own way and does it well. ITS FREE DAMMIT why not try it?
I'm also gonna download the High Def version to try it out...same rule applies as above.

Anyway - Would be nice to try these and play along with a friend or two.....Did I mention that these are all FREE - no charge - gratis?

[Thor_23]

let me know which one you like and I will try and join.

Wanna also mention that LOTRO(lord of the rings online) has also gone free to play and I am currently playing the game.
Would be nice if some grrr joined ?

[J_Th4ng]

As a long time D&D player, I'm certainly keen to check out the online version. Downloading it in High Res, will let you know how it looks and plays once done (if I can drag myself away from Aperture Science!!)

[Megageth]

I'm interested. Lee and Jarrod will you please check bandwidth/system requirements for the games. Be awesome if I could play one off my laptop on contract.

[Thor_23]

here is the link to download the LOTRO free to play client:

http://www.lotro.com/free.php

the system requirements isn't that high and the graphics is nice for a free to play game.
As for bandwidth requirements, I cant find a page that states the requirements.
However from personal exp a 256k line would be more than adequate

[SloDaz]

I am in... i love these games

Moving house at the moment so will be without internet for a few weeks but count me in

[NiteShade]

Count me in too. Lemme know which game is popular and I'll d/l.

Now d/ling DOD.

[SlipperyDuck]

I tried out DDO last night for an hour or so before bed.
It does seem like it could be potentially very good, especially with a party.
When you start, there are a helva lot of Solo missions to get you tutorialized n all that.
From what I've read, all the servers are now located in the USA, so latency could be a problem at some stage....especially noticable when fighting monsters and the monsters "teleport" a little bit - which can get annoying. I'm looking around the intergoogle for more information about servers to see if there'd be one better suited....will see.

anyhoo...downloading Runes of Magic too - LONG download - the 7.5Gb Client has been rather slow to download for some reason or another/whereas the DDO one was purdy quick.

[SlipperyDuck]

Runes Of Magic - WoW (pun intended!)

Very detailed, deep, engaging.....I like it a heck of a lot...reminds me of W.O.W. but bigger....cmagin that???

Anyway...The install files that you download are 7.7Gb...you can then offline install from those...so whoever wants it can copy them....
I don't see a way to do the further patches, since it seems to download an additional Gig or so... (didnt have the actual bandwidth monitor running)
Best thing is there is NO lag, like NONE - was playing on an EU server and it was smooth as silk.
THERES SO MUCH to do with questing and Trades/Skills etc. Zowzers.
This is the one for me...fershure
IT just looks silky and deep.......*shudder*

:edit: Gonna load a bandwidth monitor later to monitor an hours gaming (timed) and report the usage.

[SlipperyDuck]

Seems To Use VERY LITTLE - here are TWO different program measurements (to make sure) of an Hour Session doing quests n stuff in game.....

Looks to be between 7-10Mbytes (up and down combined) PER HOUR....that is seriously NOTHING AT ALL!