AdventureQuest Worlds (Windows)

ADVENTUREQUESTS WORLDS is a hack-and-slash MMORPG based on the online game AdventureQuest, in which players can choose to be a Warrior, Rogue, Mage, or Priest. The goal is to battle creatures and complete quests to gain experience points to level up your character as well as to gain items of equipment and weapons.

Browser-based and free-to-play, players simply create an account and jump on in. All movement and interaction in game is via mouse click. All Non-Player Characters will have an "!" above their heads and a clean and simple user interface provides most of the functions and commands a player requires, including animated "emotes" such as dance, laugh, sleep, and wave.

AdventureQuest Worlds is a simple and casual MMORPG, making it a good entry point for kids interested in exploring MMOs. The graphics are engaging, the gameplay is easy to learn. The game is constantly adding content and some events include music and voice-over. As it is a browser based game, the game only saves a character's equipment and experience. All quests and quest items are temporary and unless turned in for equipment and experience points, will vanish when the player logs out. This may result in kids not wanting to log off if they are near the end of the quest so as to not miss items.

One good thing about AdventureQuest Worlds is that the real money shop buys you cosmetic items instead of items that make you stronger in the game. Thus kids are less likely to feel the pressure to spend real money in this virtual world than in others currently on the market. While free to play, a paid subscription opens up additional quests and allows players to have pets.