A fun online multiplayer game to play, and a great introductory MMORPG.
RuneScape is a browser based java multiplayer game that anyone can pick up and play. It's a fun, free, regularily updated game that can hook anybody in.
Graphics: 7/10
With this game, it's hard to rate it's graphics. Generally, you'll hear "These graphics SUCK!" and, you could consider this true. But only if you are comparing the graphics to other MMORPGs. But, you have to consider the fact that the game is made with Java code, and is browser based, unlike those other, large filed, download games. Considering that, the graphics are quite decent, but can still be improved.
Gameplay: 6/10
The gameplay is what you'd expect from an MMO. You kill, you gain experience, and you level up. With RuneScape, though, the levels progressively get harder and harder to gain, and take more time to get. Now, you may be thinking, "What's the difference with other games? Don't they do that too?" or, "Wait, why is he saying this? Isn't it obvious?" or possibly "This guy is dumb..." but there is a difference. The experience spacing is much farther inbetween then other games. The level cap (for all but one skill) is 99. The total experience from 1 to 99 is roughly 13,000,000+. Depending on the rate of experience, this can take from a month to a year to gain. But, as they say, it's worth at least going halfway.
The gameplay is repetitive, and, surprisingly, it's this repetition that hooks you in, and makes you want to reach the end of it. Many of the players' goals are a 99 for various reasons.
Audio: 9/10
Here's one thing they did well in the game. The audio. At the beginning of RuneScape in 2001, the audio wasn't what it is today, nor is anything else in the game. But, with constant updating, everything was progressively improved, and audio not the least. You will find yourself hearing the sounds of a forest, perhaps a bird chirping, or perhaps the inhabitants of a swamp. Or, you could listen to the bustling city sounds. There is many, realistic sounding... er... sounds, and there is more improvements to come.
Interface: 8/10
The interface is quite simple. You've got a minimap in the corner, a menu bar at the bottom right, with various menus that can appear with a click of the mouse, and to the left of that, the chat interface. The chat interface isn't very unique, but it is a good system. You can switch between different chat types, such as public chat, private messages, or perhaps the messages the game sends you in the game tab. It's very easy to understand, and in the first five minutes of the game you'll easily figure out what most things do, interface wise.
Other: 5/10
The downfall of this game, is, ultimately, the player base. Don't be surprised if you're greeted with immaturity, and that is because of the ease of acess to the game. To make an account, all you have to do is sign up, which takes about 30 seconds, and then begins chatting away. Although the game is aimed at age groups of 13+, teenagers, young adults, adults, you'll find that, on first appearances, the majority of players are text chat utilising ~12 year olds. It is infrequent you'll find a mature player, as they will usually hang around, as some say "Their own kind*". It is worth looking for them, as they can make the multiplayer aspect enjoyable.
*This is only stated by those not of their "kind".
Overall, I give this game a 6.5/10. It's gameplay is addictive, it's graphics are good, considering, and the interface is great. It's community may not be the best, but, then again, what community is perfect?