Ryzom to go freemium on March 9th

If you've played Ryzom before, it probably left a very unique taste in your mouth. Even after several years you would be hard-pressed to find an MMO that has such unique features as a weather system that actually affects gameplay, migrating mobs with predator/prey relationships, a skill-based system that allows players to explore many different activities, mounts and pack creatures that can actually be killed in the line of duty, and such a rich landscape, primed for roleplay! Ryzom is easily one of the favorite games of some of the staff at Massively.

For a while, the game featured a trial island on which players could achieve a fraction of the 250 max levels in the game, but that option was put to a time limit. After March 9th, however, it looks like new players will be able to not only leave the trial island but reach a max level of 125 -- after which all experience stops. Also, a player can continue to enjoy the game like this forever -- for free. It's essentially a unlimited free trial option, and it firmly places Ryzom in the freemium category. Don't forget, though, that the game continues to depend on subscriptions to make money, so feel free to use that option to unlock the entire game.

While there are still many questions, keep an eye on Massively or head to the official site to check it out. The discussion has already started on the official forums!

Reader Comments (12)

I keep forgetting to try this game and I completely didn't know (or forgot) it had a trial-island membership.

Well, this will get me to look at Ryzom more closely now!

I love Ryzom! I don't want to sub anymore because I got a bit bored, but I miss the world. It's a really immersing game. Now I'll definitely visit Atys again.

I don't mind having no skills higher than 125, it will be even more fun to sneak around mean mobs then ;-)

Might have to try it out then!

This game much like other MMO Sandbox games such as Darkfall, Mortal and ofcourse EVE (I suppose) are my dream concept but when I try them they just arn't good enough, shame.

There is a reason Ryzom went bankrupt. Most of it is subpar, and involves endless, endless grinding (the worst in any game I've ever played), the needlessly complex skill system masks sameness of builds, and all crafted armour looks the same.

I will admit though, the tutorial island is excellent, and seems to be the source of all the good press this game receives. The tutorial, of course, was added long after release in an attempt to save the game (by offering a totally different experience). It didn't work.

@Jim Cricket I can vouch for a lot of the grind, which is why I did not make it above level 135 in several years. I just refused to do it, but that does not mean that there was not a TON of things to do.

Roleplay is awesome, exploration is fantastic, and within each of the major 4 sets of skills there are many other skills like specific weapon making, jewelry, actions, combat styles, etc. I never ran out of things to do. Trekking is a sport all it's own! :)

The trial island has not only been improved, but a player could spend weeks on it alone. They have added actual "missions" that explain everything very well, as well as the lore and stanza system. Also, you get to see the creatures and seasons work as they should. Recently they added a jobs system which is more in depth, but still a little confusing for me.

Worth it for sure -- I mean, it's going to be free! :)

Beau

@Beau Hindman

I would disagree on exploration being excellent.

I made the mistake of opting for the Tyker homeland after leaving the tutorial island. It turns out this zone is almost 90% water. You have to _swim_ everywhere at a much reduced movement rate. Needless to say, this was one of the most tedious experiences I've ever had in a game.

Which brings us to trekking.

The only way I could correct the mistake of choosing the wrong homeland was to have a veteran "trek" me through hostile mobs to a zone with more congenial play. It is impossible to do this on your own. I know, I tried ten times.

In an older game like Ryzom, with a top-heavy population, being a noob at the mercy of tight-knit community of veterans like this is not an optimal situation (though everyone was generally nice).

I could have just rerolled a new character. But like I said, the tutorial was so different than the actual experience of the game, it seemed like false advertising.

Again, I'm just mystified at the love Ryzom gets. It doesn't seem justified.

@Jim Cricket

The mainland is very different from the tutorial so I understand the 'false advertising' sentiment.

And it is a massive sandbox grind-fest, minus theme-park questgivers leading you around by the nose. But there are good reasons why it is so loved.

Their harvesting and crafting system is IMO the best of any MMO, and by a country mile. Other MMOs should be copying it.

While it is possible to solo combat, and of course harvesting/crafting can easily be solo'ed, the game is very much designed for group and guild play.

I was actually getting a bit bored and feeling the same you way did a few days after leaving the tutorial. I was beginning to think I'd wasted my money by subscribing. Then I joined a guild and so much more of the game opened up. The experience was wholly different and I completely fell in love with it.

Yes Yes Yes !!!

So many great titles going F2P!

Its a reason i couldnt make myself buy RIFT.

There is just to many Freemium alternatives

FFXI's weather system affects gameplay in a huge number of different ways and if it doesn't already yet now that they're sprucing it up, FFXIV's probably will too.

Is it feasible to experience the player-generated content as a free player? I've always wanted to try an MMO with player-crafted adventures.

@wondersmith The player generated content was VERY cool, but limited and with it's issues. I used to use it as a virtual sound stage to make machinima with. Making missions and sharing them can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.

One of the main issues from before was that the player who created the content had to be online to host players. The host could act as a sort of GM, spawning creatures and stuff. Also, they did not allow XP in the Ring so that turned off a lot of players. Essentially, it was a great roleplay tool.

It's been a long time since I checked into the Ring, though, so it's definitely worth checking out. Heck, ANY free game is worth at least the quick download and character creation. Trust me, I have too many because of this. lol

Beau

Ryzom to go freemium on March 9th

Reader Comments (12)

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 11:07AM Space Cobra said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 11:20AM Niieh said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 11:30AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 11:34AM crainey92 said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 12:46PM Jim Cricket said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 1:08PM Beau Hindman said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 3:20PM Jim Cricket said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 3:40PM DancingCow said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 12:59PM Lobotomist said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 1:01PM Coldbrand said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 1:29PM wondersmith said

Posted: Mar 3rd 2011 2:13PM Beau Hindman said

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