There are several classifications of role playing games based on the format used for playing. The most traditional, of course, is "pen and paper" -- like D&D, Champions, Travelers, etc. Each game system may fit into one or more genres (Fantasy, Science Fiction, Western, 4-color comic, etc.)
With the advent of home computers came the CRPG (computer RPG). Games like Might & Magic, Morrowind, Freedom Force, Advent Rising, and the classic Baldur's Gate. These are sometimes further defined by viewpoint -- that is, "First person" (as if looking out their eyes) or "Third person"/"overhead."
With the humungous popularity and ubiquitous presence of the internet, a third format of RPG came into being -- Online RPGs. These also are usually split by interface base -- i.e. text or graphic.
Many of the graphic interface games have come to be known as Massive Multiplayer Online RPGs, or MMORPGs. From the classic "Ultima Online" and "Everquest" to "World of Warcraft" and "City of Heroes," these games are exceptionally popular because they give people the chance to interact "live" with each other while in character. Since getting a newer computer, I play in a "free" online game called "Fiesta", that is your basic Fantasy world. I put the word "Free" in quotes, because while it is totally free to sign up and play, I can almost guarantee you will be spending real money on the game for various special items and accessories. I have written a basic walkthrough to the game. It details some of the costs, etc. of the game. For advanced users interested in item costs, etc., click here. I am waiting impatiently for "Champions Online" to come online this summer! (2009)
The second type of online games are text-based. There is little (if any) graphics, and you type in actions, communications, etc. The two most prevalent styles are "live," and forum or email based.
An example of "live" I will discuss today is called "Legend of the Green Dragon" (LotGD)
You go onto the free LotGD server, and have preprogrammed action commands that limit what you can do and where you can go, and open areas for "talking" in character.
You start with basic stats (Attack, Defense, HP, Forest Fights, and Travels) in a city based on your race, go into the forest to kill monsters that are hilarious in name and tag line, and then gain experience points, gold and gems. Each city (all visitable) has common features like a bank, and unique features that make each worth travelling to. Gold is used to buy better weapons, fun stuff like drinks (which give various buffs), and hats, and mounts/familiars. Gems are also needed for mounts, and for specials like mercenaries, jewelry, and tattoos. Experience gives access to higher levels, until you reach level 15. Then, you seek the Green Dragon. If you kill it, you gain a "Dragon Kill" (DK) and "Die" (finish the current life). You start over, able to rechoose your race, and to allocate a bonus point in one of your stats. Every "DK" gives more bonuses, and access to more powerful mounts. This is important, because mounts give "buffs" (bonuses) to your Attack, Defense, and base Forest Fights. They also (depending on the mount) help attack your foes or heal you, etc. These helps only last a certain number of turns each day and then the mount "wears out." The LotGD server runs a game day every 12 hours, so you can play twice a day if you choose.
Review: The game can get a little repetitious; but between the opportunities for acting in character, extras like Clans to join (I am an officer in the Paladin Clan ), other specials, and the challenge of trying to get a DK in the shortest time possible, I find it fun overall and fairly quick playing -- though the playing time extends the more DKs you get. At ~80 DKs, it takes me about 35 minutes to run through my "daily routine" each game-day I log on. One of the drawbacks to the game is automatic log-off if you don't take an actionable command for a while; but once you log on again, it takes you right back to where you were -- as long as it is the same game day.
LotGD is family/child friendly, extremely well moderated, and, best of all, free (though paypal donations are encouraged, and you gain special features by donating).
The second type of text-based game is "forum" or "played by email." I prefer the forum-based games, with their greater interaction between players, to cluttering up my already overloaded email account. There are many forums, but the one I use most is called Roleplay Online (RPoL). Let me give a disclaimer: There is a section of mature content. They warn all players and visitors, and segregate that section, but there is no age verification. I should also note, though, that games are checked, and those focused solely on "sex play" are deleted, and the gamemasters banned. The purpose of the site is to role-play in the traditional sense.
They have many genres, from Pokemon to horror, and everything in between. I participate in six different games. I play in four, and moderate (gamemaster) two. Of the ones I play in in, one is a "free-form" game based on the Pokemon TV series. Free-form means that no dice-rolling is involved, and during conflicts, players simply describe what they do and what impact or effect they think occurs. It takes a more mature player to do this well, since -- in my experience -- it seems some players simply can't stand to lose, even if you have an obvious advantage, and the gamemaster (GM) has warned against making your character either unhittable or invulnerable. This is not my favorite type of game because I like randomness and interactions seem forced sometimes. However, for those that hate "crunchiness" (number-crunching/dice-rolling) in games, this would be the way to go. The other three games I play in, and the two games I moderate, are all based on the Heroes 5th Edition game of "Champions." In this game, you play a comic book superhero. Style ranges from the Golden Age or Pulp (1930's) through classic 4-color (60's and 70's), and even what is known as "Dark Champions" (1990's) with heroes like the Question. The games I play and moderate are all 4-color.
The most "active" game I play (in terms of how often people post) is called "Freedom City," and I play a second-generation mutant young man (early 20's) with water-based powers. Think of a fire hydrant on legs. A description of this character, known as Geyser, can be seen here: Geyser description. As you can see from this description, character creation involves a lot of thought and creativity. You must not only come up with a coherent character concept, but interesting flaws and a detailed history.
The other two games I play in are not currently active, though I hope that one of them will become so again in the future. In a game called "Boston Heroes" (guess where it takes place!), a one time archaelogist who found an undiscovered tomb with a mystical suit of armor was bonded to it when he touched it. When wearing the suit, he is turned into an avatar of the Mayan god of night. As such, he uses his powers of shadow and the weaponry to clear the night of "those who would abuse its peace." For the description of Nightshade, look here: Nightshade description. The third game involves a UN-like organization with a group of superheroes who help enforce the international decrees and protect the interests of the world from supervillains seeking world domination. This character is a mutant, female Israeli soldier whose name is "Helek" (a transliteration), and who is a top notch teleporter. Capable of teleporting several miles with some time and concentration, this proud nationalist's real strength is in short range teleportation/ combat applications. For her description and character conceptualization, check here: Helek description.
Playing takes time and creativity, it is true; but GMing is a whole other ball of wax. The time is exponentially greater as you need to coordinate 4-8 players, devise the world history, set up the scenario details, and come up with the villains to face. Using prewritten resources and even modules can be a great help, but any adventure must be "tweaked" for a particular group of players. This is especially important (IMO) when playing online, where it is so easy to simply drop out it bored with the pace/topic/ storyline of the game. Well written prose and engaging descriptions are crucial for helping create that "willing suspension of disbelief".
One of the games I created from scratch. It is called "What's in a name?", and I (with the humor I hope inculcates the game) run it under the nom de plume of 'Windbag'. The game is set about 20 years in the future, in an alternate timeline where the continuous underground nuclear testing (not global warming!) has changed the crust of the earth, warming the earth below the surface and causing some of the disasters that were later described in Gore's bogus movie "An inconvenient Truth" (my story came first :P) Along with new coastlines world-wide, the increased radiation has caused the genesis of a new set of mutations in humankind much like you find in classic comics such as "X-men". And like the setting in the X-men movies, mutants are often hated, always distrusted, and a persecuted minority. In the new coastal city of Rampart, a group of heroes with a mix of mutants and non-mutants has formed to promote peace and harmony. The actual game intro is below, and the full world history can be found here: Rampart History.
| It’s the year 2025, and mankind is discovering something. There are always consequences to actions taken. Here in the US, in the city of Rampart, a team of heroes has come together in order to promote peace and harmony. Together they fight crime, prejudice, and terrorist style attacks to keep the city of Rampart safe against the forces of evil. They are... "VIGIL"! This champions game (based on the 5th ed sourcebook) is intended to be a somewhat suspenseful yet totally four color super hero genre game. Please feel free to visit the threads to see what is developing next. |
A synopsis of the group's story thus far can be found here: What's in a name? synopsis.