Free Online Adventure Games

The Internet has revolutionized so many different aspects of life, including gaming. Games that were once played alone on the computer are now played online and in multiplayer environments. The adventure game has fully evolved into something greater than the game itself. The social aspect and interaction has made gaming a way of life for many people.

Genre Evolution

Adventure games got their start as text adventures. These games, also known as interactive fiction games, made their debut on both PC and Apple computers in the 1970s. Popular games of the time were Adventure and Infocom. The gameplay was similar to reading a Choose Your Own Adventure book. The game would explain the scenario and you would type what you wanted the character to do. These games required the player to use their own imagination to envision the scene.

In 1980, On-Line Systems (which would later become Sierra On-Line) introduced graphics. This development brought adventure gaming to an entirely new level. Players were no longer forced to imagine the scene; they could experience this 8-bit wonder with their own eyes. Popular games during this time were King's Quest and Space Quest.

Over time, gameplay was enhanced by better graphics and technology. Adventure games continued to grow in popularity until they peaked in the mid-1990s. By this time, players were developing more interest in online multiplayer games. Today, these adventure games are known as massively multiplayer online role-playing games (or MMORPG).

Popular (and Free) Adventure Games

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft, possibly the most popular MMORPG, now offers a no-cost starter edition. This game allows players to create a character and try out the game without having to spend any money. It is a great way to give the game a test drive without having to commit right away.

Pros

Free
Huge population - 11.4 million subscribers as of March 2011

Cons

Maximum level of 20
Maximum of 10 gold
Maximum trade skills of 100 ranks
No trading in the Auction house, mailbox or player-to-player
Communication is limited to say, party or whisper - no public chatting or voice chat. Players cannot whisper to characters without being friends first.
Unable to create or join guilds
Unable to join parties with characters above level 20.

RuneScape

According to Guinness World Records 2011, RuneScape is the most popular free MMORPG. This fantasy-based game has a typical Western RPG look and takes place in a world known as Gielinor. The mystical world is filled with wizards, monsters and magic.

Pros

Java-based game plays in the browser
Graphics run smoothly without major glitches
Free players have plenty to do and are not forced or hassled to purchase a subscription.
Open chat includes word filters and moderators.
Huge population
Large game world
Skill based on progression rather than levels

Cons

Most features require a paid subscription

Eden Eternal

Eden Eternal is a 3D anime-style game that allows players to step into the life of a magic-wielding warrior or magician that is out to save the once-utopia world. Players take part in quests, uncover secrets, and battle other players, monsters and assassins.

Pros

Advanced graphics that load smoothly
Easy-to-use player interface
Fast-paced battles

Cons

Limited skills and items
Repetitive gameplay

Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic offers an experience similar to World of Warcraft. The fantasy world of Taborea comes to life with the high quality 3D graphics. This game sets itself apart from others by offering a dual-classing system. This feature allows players to create completely unique Human or Elf characters.

Pros

Character customization
Dual classing system
Huge game world
Huge population (more than two million players)
More than 600 quests
Easy-to-use interface

Cons

Cash shop can cause game imbalance
In-game currency can only be obtained by real cash purchase

Maplestory

One of the most popular free MMORPGs is Maplestory. This game has a cartoon-like appearance with 2D graphics and a side-scrolling game engine. Having created the trend, Maplestory is a pioneer in free-to-play MMORPG genre.

Pros

Huge community (more than 70 million players)
Regular content updates
Huge game world

Cons

Repetitive gameplay

Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online is a side-scrolling MMORPG featuring 2D graphics. The game features "old-school" style fighting, player quests and six different character classes. The gaming experience is much more casual than other MMORPGs, as each dungeon only takes a few minutes to complete.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay
Several game quests

Cons

Repetitive gameplay
Retro graphics
Interface is not user-friendly

Elsword Online

Elsword is a popular anime-style MMORPG featuring a side-scrolling game engine and 2D graphics. The game is story-driven and filled with action. Players work together to complete different co-op missions. Characters cab also step into the player-versus-player mode to battle and compete for rankings.

Pros

Action-packed gameplay
Different game modes: competition and co-op
Multiple classes

Cons

Repetitive gameplay
Concept is not original

Finding the Right Game

It was once a pretty large financial commitment just to try an online adventure game. It often meant paying a monthly subscription fee on top of the expensive software purchase. Today things have changed. Many of the popular online adventure games are available for free. This allows players to try different games without the stress of a financial drain. They are not all completely free through. Look out for gameplay limitations and in-game purchases while playing for free.