Understanding text-based MMORPGs and why are they so incredibly good?
Many moons ago, before PCs had graphical abilities, text-based RPGs were run on university networks over super slow dial-up connections. Commonly known as MUDs (multi-user dungeons), many of these text-based browser games have been adjusted for play over the web via a MUD client, or most recently, a modern web browser.
Most text based browser games do not have graphics. Similar to their offline pen and paper style predecessors,such as Dungeons & Dragons, they rely on random numbers, written words and statistics. The game can be played over a slow web connection, and can handle a huge number of users, often referred to as MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). Unlike graphical games, text-based MMORPGs can be played on computers with much lower system requirements, enabling them to be enjoyed on pretty much any PC connected to the Internet. People also play them on modern handheld devices and modern cellphones.
All text-based mmorpg games worth their salt will have the power to create an in-game character, increase their health, wealth, status, equipment, weaponary, trade items etc, and complete tasks in the game. Over the past 3 years, the landscape has changed and with so much competition, expectations are much, much higher and developing a successful text based RPG involves time, effort, regular feature updates and lots of caffeine. The best text web games are massively addictive and retain loyal players for many months or years.
Facebook saw the attraction in text-based games and launched Mafia Wars, Farmville and Frontierville, produced by Zynga.
Although much more graphical than the original text based web games, under the hood, they are really no different to most other text based rpg games.
Torn is a popular text based browser game which has been active for over 6 years. A great place to start experimenting with text based MMORPGs.