Runes of Magic MMO goes into Open Beta

[FunkyJ]

Another fantasy based MMO has gone into Open Beta

This one is free to download and play, apparently...

Runes of Magic - Current news

[Craggles]

Looks interesting, if Gamearena host the open beta client I will try it.

[Basie]

I've been taking a look at this over the last few days. Honestly, as free MMOs go RoM is actually quite playable. I haven't had a chance to check out the PvP yet but it's a WoW clone with some funky twists.

At level 10 you get to dual-class, and swap between the classes to level them. Skills are developed using training points which are awarded for kills, quest completion, and on level up. You have access to your secondary class' general skills while playing the primary.

Crafting and gathering seem well thought out, if a bit WoW-ish.

PvE is perhaps a trifle easy, but maybe it gets tougher at the high end. The game is eminently soloable in the early stages.

Graphics are pretty decent, if nothing earth-shattering. Music is a bit tinny.

They pay for the game using a pay-for-features model which, at least for now, seems not too limiting. For example, you start with two bags and the rest need to be 'rented'. Items can be upgraded using diamonds which are purchased using IRL funds, and so on.

If you're looking for a free game to pass time while waiting on another title, as I was, you could do a lot worse. But then there's also Combat Arms...

[Torty]

I've been playing this for the last few hours as well and enjoying it. Reached level 7 so far so not yet got to dual class. I was in the closed beta but that wasn't so playable as a lot of quests were still in original language (guessing Korean) but so far in open beta not found any non english text so huge improvement. Game has always been very stable.

Torty

[Basie]

Stability is a real plus. When you think about how many released games have totally dropped the ball on client crashes, server crashes and so on, stability becomes a huge selling point.

I mean, honestly developers... get the basics right!

[QueensKnight]

I've been trying this game out a bit. I have reached levels 18 rogue / 16 warrrior.

It has been interesting. Some things I like and some things I don't; but then that is every game I have ever tried.

There does remain some asian characters that need to be translated. But, so far not much. (I can only think of a couple of item names and when you use fireworks.)

I am on Govinda server (US) and I found a guild that has been pretty mature, though they have a couple of younger folks (18 and 19, I think.). (There are US and international versions, so pick whichever, but note that they maintain different forums and websites.) Anyway, I'ld be happy to chat in game if anyone is heading my way.

Later.

[Ryo]

This one is growing on me. I've got a 12/10 rogue/scout going on the pvp server, Krynn.

Intend to go rabid pker around level 18-20. Since Runes puts the aggressors out in the cold might be enough of a challenge to get solidly back into that open pvp predator mentality just in time for Darkfall. After Warhammer I feel like I need to friggin put on warpaint or something it was so casual

Two of us there, if anyone is game.

[Hansuke]

I just signed up QK. I can't download the client today but maybe this weekend. Any helpful suggestions about my setup, like character type etc.?

Is it hard to form a guild? I'm looking into several free/micropay MMO's, but my main motivation is being in a guild of TOG'rs in one of those games.

Han

Originally Posted by QueensKnight

I've been trying this game out a bit. I have reached levels 18 rogue / 16 warrrior.

It has been interesting. Some things I like and some things I don't; but then that is every game I have ever tried.

There does remain some asian characters that need to be translated. But, so far not much. (I can only think of a couple of item names and when you use fireworks.)

I am on Govinda server (US) and I found a guild that has been pretty mature, though they have a couple of younger folks (18 and 19, I think.). (There are US and international versions, so pick whichever, but note that they maintain different forums and websites.) Anyway, I'ld be happy to chat in game if anyone is heading my way.

Later.

[Ryo]

Takes 100k gold, so not easy, at least at the lower levels that I've seen.

[QueensKnight]

As far as suggestions about your character...I would recommend taking a peek at the class forum for the class types that typically interest you.
Class Board - Runes of Magic US Forums

If you normally go for melee types, then focus on looking at those; if magic... etc. Remember that you will get to select a second class when you get to level 10. (So, you can mix melee / magic...) You will then level the two classes independently, by switching back and forth. Some of the skills from whichever class you have as your 'secondary' will be available to you, so there is some strategy to planning out which skills you want available. If you are into developing a highly powerful build, then you will really want to get into it. Otherwise, for the most part, I think most of the classes would be fine together. Remember, you are not locked into your second class until you hit level 10, so you can test out your thoughts. Finally, you might start a second character so you can test out both classes from level 1 - 10. This is good because you will end up playing half the time as your secondary class, so its a good idea to enjoy leveling it. You can always scrap the second character when you are done testing. Since it is relatively quick to go from 1 to 10, it will not feel like a waste, especially as you learn about what you like / don't like. (Also, remember that you may need separate gear for the two characters depending on what classes you select.)

I assume that Ryo is correct, but I never did look into guild creation because I fell into one pretty quickly.

Run through the quest line. They give pretty good gear as rewards. Note that items that are bound to your character cannot be traded away, even to another of your characters. (You may be familiar with this concept, but this is the first time I have encountered it.) There are also items that become bound upon equipping, so keep an eye out for those.

Feel free start threads on the other free / micropay games you are trying out and let us know how they are going.

Later.