Threshold is a fantasy-based MUD with a strong emphasis on roleplaying. It has a well-defined and complex structure, with race, guilds, clans and religions all having importance within the socio-political system. Unlike some roleplaying MUDs, there is also plenty of action in the form of fighting, games, and quests, along with the inevitable enjoyable friction between players of different guilds, religion, clans, etc.
Roleplay is a fundamental aspect of Threshold and is of a high standard. Players stay in role and there are plenty of plots and storylines happening constantly. There is inevitably some player killing, but this is done completely in character and in role. Hack and slash it's not, its more of a fight and think place.
In my time playing Threshold, I have reached the dizzying heights of being the Guildmaster of Thieves, had the dubious honor of having the majority of clans and guilds hunting for my head along with the rest of my clan, helped defend the realm against demon hordes intent on reaching godhood and have simply helped newbies find a shortsword and some leather armor, and have even taught them to fish.
There are stacks of races, ranging from the standard Tolkienesque to some animal-morphed races. The racial cohesion is extended through the existence of racial languages and actions. There are the standard guilds and a couple of extras (such as Necromancers and Templars). Each guild has its own set of additional abilities and skills and related help files, so the guild choice is really indicative of the role that you intend to play within Threshold.
There are a plethora of quests that are all fun, and provide an opportunity for players to challenge themselves intellectually, become renowned, and gain prominence and fame throughout the realm. These many quests are completely optional, and are not required for advancement.
I can heartily recommend Threshold to those players out there that are interested in a well formatted, cohesive game that is played strictly in character. Do you dare miss the opportunity at playing this fantastic game?
Michele McDonough writes: "While games like WoW and LOTRO seem to be dominating most of the MMO world, there is still a decent-sized group of people who prefer text-based games like Threshold RPG. Often, these text-based games offer a little more in terms of flexibility and creativity. That is, you're not restricted to the pre-designed graphics already incorporated into the game – you're free to use your imagination and experiment a bit with well thought out text descriptions and actions.
Threshold RPG is a text-based MMORPG that has been in operation since June of 1996. During the last 13 years, the game has seen a lot of evolution while still remaining true to its core principals. The one thing that hasn't changed over the years is Threshold's dedication to the roleplaying environment. In this game, roleplaying is not an option – it's a requirement. This makes the MMORPG very attractive to those who don't want an intensive roleplaying situation disrupted by players uninterested in this aspect of the game."
You should see the women who play the game.
;)
Threshold boasts almost a 50/50 split men to women.
And the women who play are very, very pretty!
Yeah hitthegspot. Check out the game's actual web page (especially the religion section):
http://www.thresholdrpg.com
Then get on the game and get to know some of the players.
Required roleplaying attracts hot chicks!
Excellent review.
Thank you for sharing this.
This just goes to show there are great games out there that many of us have yet to learn about.
Nah, that's not the reward for dying. The reward for dying is far more... interesting. But, there's not a player of Threshold who's not VERY familiar with the death picture; which must say something about the game, because people still want to keep playing after they die - unlike many games, where a death is discouraging enough to make you quit the game and go play Tetris.
A good review of an even better game. Here's to hoping the text-based player's community will be around for a long time to come.
This game has kept me rapt for almost eight years now, it constantly evolves and changes, with politics and diplomacy sitting hand in hand with combat and spellcasting.
From BrightHub: "Threshold RPG is a text based, role play required MMO that is one of the most unique games on the internet. Staying in character is actively enforced (though out of character channels exist) and you must be 18 years or older to play. This article looks at some of the recent additions to the game.
Threshold RPG Continues to Strive for Excellence
Threshold RPG opened to the public in 1996 when the internet was unknown to most and text based games were the state of the art. 13 years later it retains its popularity due to an incredibly engaging world, a rich history, and a mature player community that takes role playing to a high level. Not content to rest on its laurels or its success, the staff of Threshold are always adding new features to the game. This article looks at some of the more recent additions."
It is really amazing that an old school game like this continues to thrive.
It must have an amazing community of players to keep on trucking, as well as some very devoted developers.
I definitely have to check it out.
Agreed.
That is some SERIOUS longevity.
Imagine the real game history after 13 years. WOW
Indeed. The community is probably what makes the game so amazing. Of course, the game is what attracts the community, so I guess it is a which came first, the chicken or the egg type thing.
Threshold's community definitely keeps people coming back for more. Having played on and off for almost 10 years now, I can say that it's the people who play the game (and of course the game itself) that keep me coming back.
It's like my little home on the internet :)
Unlike some games, which last a long time but have high player turnover, Threshold has many of its players remaining for years - quite a few have been playing for over a decade. Because the game is constantly having new content added, it's practically impossible to exhaust it through playing; it is possible to paint your character into a corner, but even then you can just create a new character and explore some new aspect of the game. I've been playing for nearly seven years, and there's heaps that I've not seen.
wow i didnt even kno their was/is a game like this i should check it out and see what its about
Definitely!
Report back here with your opinions.
Tell us what you think, what you experience there, and all that jazz.
Tabula Rasa had the tech along with HellGate: London but if word of mouth and a strong community don't keep players coming back it doesn't matter how savvy the game is.
Great point. The borked up chat of TR made it so community really never formed - a darn shame. :(
As for Hellgate: that idiotic subscription for a Diablo clone strangled it in the crib.
I have enjoyed threshold for many year. The game keeps growing and evolving at incredible rate enhancing and adding new features. I expect it will continue to deliver it's top notch entertainment for many years to come.
What are some of your favorite new features? Tell us about them. It really is awesome that a game as old as this continues to evolve and grow.
Nice review, dude.
If you want a true role playing environment with a rich world history and a great community, Threshold RPG is your game.