The gaming world is a trendy place, and it is rare these days to see any game remain fashionable for more than a few months. There are some notable exceptions, of course, and Threshold, the online roleplaying game, is one of them.
Created over a decade ago in June of 1996, Threshold manages to still hold true to its roots as a text-based roleplaying game (RPG) and keep up with the ever-changing game industry. This is helped out by a dedicated player base, some of whom have been playing since the high-fantasy, multi-user environment made itself available to the public. Additionally, new content is added on a regular basis to help keep the game fresh and alive. Player feedback is encouraged, and staff is always looking for ways to incorporate user suggestions into the game.
Roleplaying
At Threshold, roleplaying is not an option but a requirement. Players are expected to remain in character at all times so as not to disrupt the fantasy environment. But if you like the chance to get to know your fellow gamers behind their masks, don't worry. There are several areas in the game dedicated to out of character chat so that you can meet other players if you so choose. However, these areas are splintered enough from the game itself that you can make the decision to never use them and maintain true anonymity.
Environment
The environment of Threshold consists of over 10,000 rooms with more being added all the time. There are dozens of unique areas with a wide variety of challenges designed to keep the interest of players of every level. The roleplay itself is very player-driven although the staff does introduce global plots on a regular basis to assist in stimulating creativity.
High Points of Threshold
Threshold is a highly developed world with a number of opportunities for the player to customize his or her character. The following list gives a few of the highlights of these possibilities.
- The complex legal system is completely run by those characters involved. Players serve as judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officials as well as thieves and murderers.
- The highly developed religious system is centered around twelve Gods and Goddesses, each with their own clerics and followers. These clerics are responsible for running their respective churches and converting other characters to their faiths.
- A very unique clan system allows players to develop their own causes and charters to promote within the game.
- A rigorous business and economy within the game allows players to own their own shops, create new businesses, and put as much focus on being a merchant as they desire
- Fourteen different guilds give the player a wide array of options to choose from. Among these guilds are the classic fighter, mage, cleric and thief but the player can also decide on a more distinctive class such as alchemist, necromancer, paladin, or templar.
- When creating a character, there are ten races from which to pick: human, elf, dryad, canis, catfolk, scorpien, salamae, kestrel, gnome, and dwarf
- Politics plays a huge role in the game, but you can decide to what extent you want your character to be involved in that foray. Players have the option of choosing to swear fealty to various kingdoms or even running for public office.
On top of all this, Threshold is very friendly to new players - both those who are completely new to roleplaying and those coming from similar themed games. It's free so there is no reason not to try it out. The simple instructions for joining the game are listed at here.
