Pardus is a free MMORPG with no download set in outer space. Pilots have a ship which they can equip for trade and battle or defence. Many different types of vessel can be bought later in the game as pilots accrue experience and credits. There are numerous star systems in which to travel and plenty of action. Players can build businesses, own star bases or become bounty hunters. And yes, there are space pirates; and yes you can be one if you want.
Part of the genius and the frustration of the game is that each player gets only 5,000 action points every day - 25 every six minutes. This means several things. First there are no 36 hour game-play marathons, everybody has the same opportunity and it tends to make players think more about how they use their time. Also no-one wants to be floating around with no Action Points at the mercy of the bad guys.
The game is clearly addictive as demonstrated by the large community of players. Furthermore it seems to offer valuable life lessons whether the player realises or not.
Patience is necessary. No-one becomes expert in a day and it is necessary to plan ahead for some things like building a space farm or chemical lab. These things take not only cash and materials but supplies to keep them operating too.
It is often best to join an alliance. As in life, many hands make light work and friends can step in and help if the going gets tough. There may also be strategic defence reasons for banding with others. If you want to forego business and rely on your ability to exterminate Gorfanglings and the like or deliver secret packages within a limited time then the choice is yours.
If one's ship is destroyed - it could be one of the space creatures breeding in the galaxy - or by an experienced pirate, there is a chance to be cloned and come back fighting, albeit a little poorer the following day. Escape pods can be purchased which act as insurance in the event of some catastrophe. So comes another valuable lesson - there is always another day. With the remnants of your ship around you it may be hard to see, but next day you have most of it back and your friendly alliance may advance some credits for a refit if you are stuck for cash.
Trade and battle are two sides to the game. Sooner or later everyone tackles both. It is easy to settle in to a rhythm of delivering essential supplies to a planet but in the end one realises it there is more to life in Pardus than accruing wealth. Does that sound familiar?
Pardus is a game that attracts teenagers and oldies too. There is a reason for this. It's a compelling game with a fine community. But don't take my word for it.
