Rappelz (Windows, Mac)

RAPPELZ is a free massively-multiplayer online game (MMOG) that allows players to explore a mythical fantasy world as one of three races: the Deva (beings of light), the Asura (representing darkness), and the Gaia (humans). After choosing a character and customizing his or her appearance (to an extent), players embark on quests and defeat computer-controlled monsters to receive money and items, and earn "Job Points" to allocate towards learning new jobs levels, skills and special abilities. Like most MMOGs, players can go adventuring with others in informal groups or by joining a guild, and can fight other players through player-versus-player (PvP) combat.

One of Rappelz's few unique features is an "immorality system," that penalizes anti-social behavior like engaging in PvP combat with low-level players (in other words, bullying) by reducing the offending player's movement speed and attack and defensive power.

Perhaps because Rappelz is free to play instead of charging players the usual monthly subscription fee, it has a throwaway feel to it in many respects, lacking the depth and attention to detail found in the very best MMOGs. There's very little about Rappelz that distinguishes itself in any way from other similar offerings. A murky good versus evil story doesn't do anything to suck the player in. Nor does the largely unimaginative "go here, get that, then bring it back" type of quests doled out by characters that lack charisma and speak in stilted and grammatically dubious dialogue like "If you dare to attack it, you had better make up your mind. You have to pay huge price." Rappelz is a good intro to MMOGs for players who want to get their feet wet without coming to a monthly subscription, but in terms of fantasy MMOGs, it doesn't hold a candle to any of the big guys.

Available on: Windows, Mac
Available online
Genre: Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG)
Developer: gPotato
Released on: November 3, 2006
Price: FREE
ESRB Rating: NR