MUDs and MMORPGs for Macs
Visit the The MUDdex!
Don't laugh. Lots of really cool and famous people use
Macintoshes. I'm editing this file on a Mac right now. Well, not
right now, but you know what I mean. I've been looking for a good list
of Mac MMORPG's, but haven't found any. If you want something done
right...
- Most text-based MUDs will work on a Mac. The game runs on a
remote server, and all you need for a client may be a web browser or
some other utility that comes with the operating system. Things with
no pictures can be lots of fun. Since they are simpler, they are less
prone to crashes, lagging, and general bugginess.
- Runescape is a nifty
browser-based MMORPG. Since it uses Java, it runs on almost
anything. There is even a low-res version for people with really
slow, old computers. The first time I tried this game out, I couldn't
get through the first door. But other people told me how much fun
this game is, so I gave it another shot. Now I'm learning to set
things on fire. Runescape has free and paid versions. And yes, it
works fine on a Mac.
- ShadowBane was
released simultaneously for Macs and PC's. It is full of crashes and
bugs, but seems to be able to eat peoples's brains anyway. Heck, it
ate mine.
- Everquest has a Mac
version. It is a completely separate server from the PC version,
however. No one expects EQ2 to come out for Macs, at least not any
time soon. EQ1 was out for five years before they released a Mac
version. There are rumors that SOE has stopped doing any maintenance
or other work on EQ Mac. Also, there are some mixed reviews
of this game on Amazon. Don't say
I didn't warn you.
- Worlds of Warcraft was
simultaneously released for Macs and PC's. I have not had a chance to
play it because my computer doesn't have enough umph. But the
publisher is highly regarded by Mac game players, and I expect WoW to
become a new favorite for many.
- A Tale in the Desert is a
nontraditional MMORPG that emphasizes cooperative problem solving over
combat. It looks really cool. I can't play it yet because I will
need to upgrade to OS 10.3. If you click on my ads enough, I will
upgrade and post a review.
- PuzzlePirates will run
on Macs running 10.3 and later. It's Java-based.
- I found Clanlord
via Apple's software locator. It appears to be Mac-only, and has very
low system requirements.
- Vendetta
Online is a space-based MMORPG that runs on Macs, PC's, and Linux.
- Arcane Arena looks like
a fairly simplistic, dungeon-based adventure game. The documentation
isn't all that informative. Maybe I'll just have to give it a spin.
If you know of other mmorpg's that run on Macs, I want to hear it.
Please mail information to lpb+muddex at linnaean.org.