The genre of MMORPGs has been around for a few years. Therefore, today we would like to introduce you to three online role-playing games from the early 2000s that aren’t exactly fresh anymore but are still very enjoyable to play today.
What were MMORPGs like in the past? The genre, as we know it, really traces back to the 1980s/1990s. We previously took a closer look at the history of MMOs. The first game to establish the term MMORPG was Ultima Online, which was released in 1997. Thus, we are looking at games that are at least seven to eight years old but are still a lot of fun today.
It is important that the games are enjoyable, fun, and still have a large community today, so that the MMO aspect continues to exist. Although graphics also play a role, it is not the most decisive criterion.
EVE Online
Release: May 6, 2003 | Platform: PC | Payment Model: Free2Play with optional subscription | Website: EVE Online website
What is EVE Online? The space MMO places you in a huge sandbox. There are hardly any guidelines or restrictions from the developers. You are introduced to the world in a tutorial and then set out on your own path.
You can explore the galaxy, be a pirate, trade, or run your own business, which you can even expand into an empire. PvP plays a significant role. There are often massive battles between alliances and wars that are, for example, based on revenge. EVE Online is like a second home for everyone who loves science fiction and wants to step beyond just being the hero that saves the worlds in an MMORPG.
How long has the MMO been running? EVE Online launched on May 6, 2003, and has now been around for almost 17 years. Nevertheless, updates and larger expansions are still being released. You can even play the MMO for free, although the Free2Play version has some restrictions. You experience the full player experience with the subscription.
How does EVE Online play today? EVE is certainly not an MMO for everyone, but the allure of the game is still as strong as at launch. This is because EVE Online occupies a special place in the genre. Hardly any other online role-playing game offers as many possibilities and freedoms. Whether you want to fight or run a business, EVE Online has something for every playstyle.
Of course, some time is needed to get into it, but that was already the case at launch. In EVE Online, you have the feeling that it really hardly ages. Yes, the game lacks modern features that would appeal to casual gamers, but this MMO is not intended for those players. EVE Online plays today fundamentally the same as it did 17 years ago and is still just as enjoyable. Visually, the game is still decent.
You can also see this in the player numbers. Over Steam, these are according to Steamcharts at over 4,800 players active simultaneously. The peak was at 8,782 players. And that’s only those playing through Steam. EVE Online also has its own client. So you will find plenty of players.
Who is the game suitable for today? EVE Online is still aimed at those who expect a bit more from an MMO. It’s not about completing quests here. You determine what role you play in the galaxy and build a virtual second life where you have to invest quite a bit of time. Those willing to do so can still have a lot of fun with EVE Online despite its age.
Runescape
Release: January 4, 2001 | Platform: PC | Payment Model: Free2Play with optional subscription | Website: Runescape website
What is Runescape? It is one of the oldest MMORPGs. The game relies on a timeless concept. You explore a vast fantasy world where many adventures await you. You experience these either through quests or by exploring dungeons and searching for treasures. You are never venturing alone but are always interacting with other players.
Throughout the adventures, you improve your hero, who becomes stronger through skills and gains increasingly powerful equipment. Crafting also plays a role. Experiencing adventures and team play are at the forefront of Runescape.
How long has the MMO been running? Runescape launched on January 4, 2001. It quickly became a great success. Runescape was even recorded five times in the Guinness Book of Records, among other things, as the most popular Free2Play MMO and the MMO with the most update content.
How does Runescape play today? Runescape has fundamentally distilled the MMORPG gameplay to its basics. There is no grand story being told, the focus is not on specific solo content or other modern features that tend to dilute the genre. In Runescape, it’s about experiencing adventures with friends, exploring a world, and improving your character.
This is just as much fun today as it was 19 years ago. The MMORPG has received graphical updates over the years; the modern version Runescape 3, while not visually what one would expect from a game in 2020, still makes a good impression thanks to the updates and its somewhat comic-like graphics style. There are countless content items and plenty of players.
Exact player numbers are not available, but the servers are always very well populated. According to Misplaceditems, the player count in January 2020 ranged between around 65,000 and nearly 160,000 players. The MMORPG is still doing very well even after 19 years.
Who is the game suitable for today? If you want to experience a classic MMORPG with plenty of content and many players and don’t necessarily need high-end graphics, then Runescape is just right for you. It still revolves around the classic values of the genre such as team play and exploring a world according to your preferences. You will always find players for a group.
World of Warcraft
Release: November 23, 2004 Platform: PC Payment Model: Buy2Play with subscription Website: World of Warcraft website
What is World of Warcraft? WoW is regarded as the king of the genre. Yes, the game is essentially already considered “old iron, ” having almost 16 years behind it. Sometimes one might forget this because the game is still so present and feels quite current.
In the fantasy world of Azeroth, you can expect many adventures. WoW focuses on story and quests that you experience either in a group or sometimes alone. Azeroth has a lot to offer, from dark dungeons to snowy ice landscapes to deep jungles where many monsters and boss enemies await you. The search for loot is also an important element of the game, just like improving your hero.
How long has the MMO been running? World of Warcraft launched on November 23, 2004 (in Europe on February 11, 2005). Since then, seven expansions have been released, with Shadowlands set to launch on October 27, 2020. The MMORPG has opened the genre to a broad audience and remains immensely popular today – not least because of WoW Classic.
How does WoW play today? World of Warcraft has essentially lost none of its charm. Players still complete the content, explore the world, form guilds, engage in PvP, and enjoy the lore and atmosphere of Azeroth.
Blizzard has created a game that can almost be described as timeless. Whether you have little time or take a few hours for a raid, you can always have fun. The search for better equipment, the comparison with other players, and the story are simply motivating.
Additionally, Blizzard managed to create a style with the initially ridiculed comic graphics that has not become outdated even after 15 years. As for player numbers, Blizzard remains tight-lipped, but if there are queues in WoW, they can’t be that bad.
Who is the game suitable for today? WoW is actually the MMORPG. Anyone who is enthusiastic about the genre will find in World of Warcraft everything they desire. The game is not only aimed at genre enthusiasts but is open to anyone who enjoys playing online with others. Here, nearly everyone will find a new home.
