We can all sometimes forget that expansive, entertaining, and, yes, free games are often available on a simple platform, your web browser.
Such is the case with OGame (http://www.ogame.org), a browser-based MMOG by German developers GameForge. OGame takes place in a futuristic setting of colonizing planets through peaceful and less peaceful (massive battle fleets) means.
To colonize a planet, players must spend resources to construct buildings, conduct research into new weapons and technologies, and to build offensive/defensive arsenals. All actions in the game are based on real time; for example, a low-level mine may take only a couple minutes to construct, while upgrading to level 18 can take several hours.
Once the player has their first planet running, the next step is building a Colony Ship and finding a solar system with uncolonized space. OGame even takes into consideration aspects such as the planet’s temperature and size. Once planet space runs out, no upgrades can be completed without expensive terraforming technology.
Where things start to get a little muddled is in the mid-game. OGame is about collecting resources, and the only way to do that beyond mining it yourself is attacking other planets. Because resources are the currency, the best defense is to have no unused resource - either by pouring it into defensive structures, spending it all on upgrading buildings/technology, or shuttling it between friendly planets on cargo ships. That said, pacifist players can scavenge debris fields left over from epic battles, and with thousands of players on each server there is no shortage of space wreckage to be collected. Those seeking a communal experience and more organized warfare will find an established clan system and active forums for each Universe.
The major disadvantage of any free game is what you sacrifice for the price tag. Certain features and bonuses can only be unlocked with Dark Matter, which can be harvested on costly expeditions or purchased with real money. While none of these features are necessary, a few - such as shortcut buttons or the ability to set a building queue - are sure to frustrate players who are forced to manage without.
Like any other online game, OGame is what you make of it. Strategy wonks will enjoy ruling their little corner of the universe. Those seeking new friends will surely do so with players from across the globe taking part. Finally, casual gamers will certainly enjoy a title with as many features as OGame that can be played in as little as minutes a day. If space isn’t your thing, GameForge’s other products offer a wide variety of settings and genres for free play.
Read original article
Forums
