Online Games - Wenjin XU

Online Game

An online game is a video game played over some form of computer network, using a personal computer or video game console. This network is usually the internet or equivalent technology, but games have always used whatever technology was current: modems before the Internet, and hard wired terminals before modems. Online games can range from simple text based environments to games incorporating complex graphics and virtual worlds populated by many players simultaneously. Many online games have associated online communities, making online games a form of social activity beyond single player games. A second advantage of online games is that a great percentage of games don’t require payment. Also third that is worth noting is the availability of wide variety of games for all type of game players.

Here are the elite games from the MMORPG, Online RPG, Online Strategy, and Online Shooter genres. This feature is made by our staff while the Top 10 Online Games are voted on by player.

1) World of Warcraft

The best online game today that you have to pay for with over 10 million subscribers. The entire MMO industry has reach huge heights of popularity thanks in large part to World of Warcraft.

2) Counter-Strike

 

Better graphics and technology continue to drive the popularity of this vaunted first person shooter. Tops the original CS in nearly every way except Steam. Although it started out as a mod to Half-Life, Counter-Strike has developed into one of the greatest Internet games ever. 

3) Guild Wars

Simply the best Free MMORPG today. Not quite as good as World of WarCraft game-play wise, but Guild Wars' lack of a subscription put its over the top in this category. 

4) Team Fortress 2

Innovated the shooter genre with cartoonish graphics and outrageous characters. Best of all, online game play is free.

5) RuneScape

RuneScape is proof that graphics are not required to be popular. RS has been drawing in players for years with simple graphics as it continues to be a leader among free MMORPGs. 

6) Second Life

Love it or hate it, there is no denying the overall impact that Second Life has had on media, business, and even culture. SL has made people millionaires and has appeared on various TV shows such as The Office. 

7) StarCraft

Ever wonder where the term "Zerg" comes from? StarCraft started that term has been extremely popular ever since. The sequel will probably be even more popular when it is finally launched.  

8) Neverwinter Nights

You don't even have to like the original campaigns to enjoy countless hours of gaming bliss with NWN. Internet players are driving the value of this top RPG by making thousands of different modules for everybody to play. NWN also redefines the Online RPG genre by opening up the possibility of player-made MMORPGs.

9) Diablo 2

Although this game looks ancient compared to some of its recent counterparts, the Diablo 2 community is still alive and well on Battle.net.

10) Age of Conan

Although not for everybody due to its content and high system requirements, Age of Conan may end up being the biggest new MMORPG since World of Warcraft. AoC's combat system and mature themes could innovate the industry for years to come.