So here I was, on a Saturday evening, bored out of my skull and searching for things to do. All of a sudden, a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) called Runescape flashes before my eyes. I thought, “Hey, why not. No harm in trying a free game.” Suddenly, I had created my character, and was off exploring a virtual medieval world. I appeared before a rather large castle, in a place called Lumbridge, according to a nearby monk. After gaining my bearings, I explored, carrying with me a few essentials: A loaf of bread, a dagger, sword, shield, pickaxe, and a few gold pieces. It was not long before I left the safety of Lumbridge and was assaulted by a highwayman.
“Your money or your life!” he exclaimed.
After a short scuffle, I was left badly wounded and running for my life. Fortunately, I survived with only a few scars, as well as a new-found hatred for highwaymen.
Stumbling across a bank in a small village called Draynor, I deposited my gold, as I had found no use for it yet. After overhearing a few gossips, I heard there was a quest to be had inside the rather spooky looking Draynor mansion, the residence of Count Draynor himself.
This was a short story of my experience on Runescape. About an hours worth to be precise. Runescape, owned by JagEx, is an addictive game for those above the ages of thirteen looking for an enjoyable pastime. Inside you fight monsters and demons, as well as gaining skills such as mining and woodcutting, as well as fishing and cooking. In the game, you can follow any line of life- an experienced warrior looking for adventure, a master craftsman looking for a way to spend his vast fortune, a veteran mage scouring the lands of Glienor (the setting of Runescape), a noble prince trained with a bow, even a sneaky thief! Runescape is a massive time killer. After around four years of playing, I wouldn't say I regretted it. Although, sometimes I wish I hadn't spent so long on my character, I look back and recall joyous memories of gaining that new level, or making my own armour, etc.
Although there is a serious side to this game, in a simple message: Its addictive. There are thousands of children and adults alike, (although less of the latter) who spend almost every waking moment in the land of Runescape. This is a serious problem, which requires a lot of willpower and determination to combat. I believe through my experience that Runescape is an incredibly enjoyable game, as long as a reasonable amount of time is spent on it.
Runescape offers a huge portion of its content to FTP, (Free to play) members who can enjoy vast amounts of features for free, which lasted me around three years of fun. Although after a while, you may want to subscribe to members, costing around £3.20 a month at the time of this publishing. Paying members get around 500% MORE content, in everything from mini games to new skills (such as thieving and herblore) to new monsters to kill.
Many people dislike Runescape, either through prejudice, or a negative experience playing it, such as being killed and losing a large amount of time regaining lost items, or even through negative media. I hope after reading this article I have informed you more about this wonderful game, and perhaps you may give it a go.
Tinny Tinbot,
A weathered mage in the land of Glienor, (with a bit of a dodgy past!)
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