RuneScape

"Non-member Review current as of February 2006"

Runescape is Java-based MMORPG developed by an England-based company called Jagex. Like many other MMORPGs, you make a character, travel across a vast world, complete various quests, and level up different stats as you go. Unlike many popular MMORPGs, you can play Runescape for free or get additional features for a mere $5 bucks a month. You also don't need a state-of-the-art computer to play. I have been playing Runescape since December 2004 and I know first-hand that the game is constantly changing. As such, I am writing this review to give would-be players a heads-up on the current free-to-play (f2p) version of the game amid the multitude of outdated reviews.

GAMEPLAY (7/10)

Runescape uses a simple two-button mouse interface. The left-mouse button makes you perform a default option on whatever object you click and the right-mouse button moves you from place to place and gives you a drop-down list of multiple options to perform on whatever object you click. The control scheme is not difficult to pick up at all and applies to both combat and non-combat activities. A mandatory tutorial for new players breaks down the controls very well so that they are easy to understand in case the game manuals are not enough to help you out.

While the controls for Runescape are not very action-oriented, combat is still an important part of the game. There are three basic ways to fight: melee, ranged, and magic. Melee and ranged are very straightforward. You decide whether you want to fight with Strength, Attack (accuracy), or Defense stats (some weapons will let you choose a Balanced attack that combines the three) then click on the enemy you want to attack. To cast magic, however, there is no Magic Power or other MP-equivalent found in most other RPGs. Instead you must collect runes to cast spells. Just knowing a spell is not enough because you consume runes when you cast spells regardless of whether or not the spell is successfully cast. Once you have enough runes and choose a spell, the game pretty much turns into the point-and-click fare found in melee and ranged combat.

STORY (5/10)

While Runescape's creators have made an acceptable attempt to create a story of Runescape's past; there is no overarching driving force for you to do anything in the f2p game. The closest thing to any story comes in the form of a series of unrelated quests. While some of the quests, especially the beginning ones, are mundane, I will admit that some of the later f2p quests are actually quite fun because of where they take you, who you have to interact with, and some of the stuff you have to collect. However, regardless of how fun the individual quests may or may not be, there are 3 basic facets to the f2p quests:
1) Kill x
2) Talk to x
3) Find x
Since these three tasks are common in pretty much any MMORPG, you may find yourself bored with questing after a while. Without questing, the motivation to do anything is up to whatever the individual player desires.

GRAPHICS (5/10)

If you are reading a review that talks about “Styrofoam-looking” armor, 2D-like graphics, and action bubbles, then you are reading something that is severely outdated. While members can choose to play the Classic version of Runescape that has the previously mentioned features, the f2p game has been much improved and is even getting more graphical facelifts at the time of this review. The current graphics are simple and polygonal, but they are still good, especially for a Java game. Areas are vibrant and varied enough to be impressive and character sprites are well done even if some of them are merely palette swaps.

The interface for playing Runescape is actually well-done and simple. A good portion of the screen is the actual playing area where your character's actions take place. The mini-map at the top right is useful, especially since you can right click on it to move to areas you may not be able to see in the playing area. Beneath the mini-map is a series of tabbed menus that let you see your stats, inventory, spells, and in-game options. The menus are actually well-organized and easy to use. Directly beneath the playing area is a box used for chatting. Here you can see what you and others say in case you miss any message that appear in the playing area. Overall, the interface is logical and user-friendly.

SOUND (5/10)

The sound in Runescape is minimal. You have a few combat sounds, some crafting sounds, and a few magic sounds and nothing more extensive than that. The music is a little bit better though. While the music sounds somewhat tinny and simple, it is varied enough to keep you interested in playing the game for extended periods of time as long as you don't stay in the same place and let one track loop forever. You could turn off the sound and music if you want, but somehow the game just doesn't seem as much fun unless they're on.

PLAY TIME/REPLAYABILITY (8/10)

Many players may have a main account and one or more alternate accounts to support the main. However, one character is more than enough to keep you occupied for a long time, possibly measured in years. The opportunities to complete quests, make money, level up, and reach the Hiscore lists are endless. Basically, you have so many options that it would be hard to find absolutely nothing to do.

COMMUNITY (1/10)

The community in Runescape is horrendous. You cannot go anywhere without being called a “noob” any other number of ridiculous names and phrases, most of which are meant to bypass the in-game censoring. The f2p worlds are swamped with beggars who may follow you everywhere nagging and/or making repeated attempts to trade with you for something even if they are a higher level than you. There are also for too many item scammers and password scammers to count, as well as people who will steal anything you may drop if you're not paying attention.

The worst people, however, are probably in the Wilderness, the only Player-versus-Player (PvP) area in the f2p game. It is understandable that you accept the risk of being Player-Killed (PKed) when you come into this area, but when you are only mining or collecting quest items and someone claims to “own” or “pwn” you when you obviously aren't dressed to fight, you will be convinced that the Runescape community is quite pathetic.

Unless you have real-life friends who play or you join a clan created outside the game, you will most likely want to interact with other players very infrequently because of how ridiculous the community can be. The fact that a Multiplayer game can drive you to play only by yourself is quite sad. Hopefully the Members version of the game doesn't have as many community problems as the f2p.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION (5/10)

In conclusion, Runescape is a decent game that has many good points and a few bad points, most of which are NOT the fault of the creators. Since this review is of the free version of the game, it definitely wouldn't hurt to try it out for yourself.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 02/23/06