One of the most famous and possibly controversial MMOs of our time.
When I first played this game I thought I knew everything, only to find that once I took a break or lost interest for a time I would find myself rushing back to discover a totally new game. The game updates often, almost weekly. Instead of releasing huge packs they release their content quest by quest, graphic update by game mechanic update. It is enough to keep you interested but not large enough to swamp you. Jagex is fairly interactive and it's mods are often patrolling the game and having fun just like you. The game has hundreds of hours of entertainment.
Quests in this game a by far it's finest aspect. Instead of the "kill 10 zombies" or "go to Joe" quest progression that plauged BBMMOs RuneScape has extensive quests filled with puzzles, riddles, and trials that actually make you feel accomplished, especially when it results in openings of areas, crafting, and combat mechanics. Quest have requirements other than just base level and several quest series exist, each more engaging than the next. The quest system is flawless in it's execution.
I am only going to cover graphics briefly, as I think it is rather useless to review a game by it. Graphics are rapidly improving, but still behind other major MMOs like WOW or LotRO. But what do you expect with a game with no download run entirely on JAVA, which almost all computers can use. The game kinda looks like a quilt, some part of the game have not been as graphically updated as others, which can result in an odd transition from place to place. Overall, the game graphics can please those who do not rate graphics highly, but still low end enough to get hate by those who think realistic people and environments are the selling point.
Now this game does have it's flaws, don't get me wrong if I sound like a fanboy. The PvP is an absolute mess. Ever since they tried eliminating it in 2007, only to bring it back a few years later, it has been the bane of the game's existence. They seem to have the issue of constantly changing it to please it's players, but never quite mastering it. Many features require a subscription, which has been rising ever since 2008 when it hopped from $5 flat to $7.95 present. This game gets very limited after 100 hours on FtP, and while they say it is a full game it is only a demo as member only actions are blatantly danced in your face until you buy them. The game has flaws, like everything else.
I love RuneScape, and millions of others do the same. Many will discourage you from trying it, giving it low review score just on one update a long time Vet has an issue with. Try it, I am sure you will be entertained. And who know, if you are impressed enough, you can buy the membership and play the game and all it's glory. The choice is yours.