A great game to introduce yourself to the mmorpg world, but beware, although lackluster in appearance it's addicting.
Don't plan on short term playing sessions on Runescape if you are easily sucked into games or tend to have a large friends list. A combination of the two will have you sticking around far longer then you planned on. Often times when I was trying to quit or limit my playing time I would have a friend ask for help on a quest or a trip to the numerous mini games, causing me to be on all night.
So, you're probably wondering about the game play? Well…
One of the first things you will notice while playing the game is that the graphics are nowhere near the standards of current counsels. Keep in mind though that this game is FREE, and for most a "gateway game", so the game play and social interactions are keys to focus onto. Also, use some sort of mp3 player while playing, the sound quality is like sitting through your last class each day, unnecessarily boring and painful.
Social interaction is a fun part of the game in my opinion, although you can choose to be completely introverted and still manage to do almost everything in the game apart from a few quests and boss monsters, a large plus. I personal achieved 99 fishing, obviously a boring process for those who have played the game, but I was able to meet many great people who kept me interested in the game.
The quests were fun and there's a good blend of hard and easy ones (even when using guides). Quests tend to be my favorite part of a mmorpg so I might be a bit bias, but overall they were involving and somewhat exiting, although an older gamer might find them child-like and easy. You'll find that the game seems to be geared more towards a younger fan base. There are also numerous mini games on which to burn a little time on, although unless you are a high level player, they can be challenging to participate in, especially combat related ones.
The skills are probably one of the most inovative features on the game. you will find a variety of "skillers" and combat oreiented players. The actualy process of leveling up is quite boring a tedious and after the 70's takes what seems like forever to gain any ground. Through some perserverence you will find that a 99 can be quite rewarding while still playing, yet after you quit quite empty. Try setting small goals if anything, and enjoy what you are doing rather they going all out and burning yourself out.
Is members worth it? I would say so, if you're going to spend a lot of time on the game go for the gold. At around 5-10 dollars a month you are able to experience a bunch of new content and areas, adding hours more onto the lifespan of the game.
In all enjoy the game for what it is, a few hours here and there will be more then enough to satisfy most. As I mentioned earlier, try to limit yourself with playing time if you feel you're becoming addicted. I can say I was waaay too into this game for waaay too long and it was truly a big chunk of my life I want back,. I've been sober from it for about 2 years and have recently purchased a 360 which I'm able to limit my time on much more affectively.