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I'm a fan of games that are wide open so you can go where you want and do what you want. Asheron's Call had that open world I loved but not the gameplay I enjoyed but still I have considered voyaging into it once again (been gone since a friend passed away who was a huge AC fan ..rip titan) but as money is in short supply and I'm trapped in an apartment with nothing to do game-wise I have begun to search for a game I can get lost in.
I loved the early days of Ultima Online and Everquest and currently have a lifetime sub in lotro. I like skill based games more than level based but I know this is something in short supply as far as I know. With such a huge amount of mmo type games out there I thought I would just query this forum for some ideas.
So to sum up:
MMO
Open world in the spirit of Asherson's call
skill based if possible
free to play. I don't have a problem with online stores to support the game if I grow to love the game enough.
Thanks for reading. *salute*
Comments
Definitely go with Vanguard then. Here is a link to show what you can access in the game as a free player vs. subscribed player. https://www.vanguardthegame.com/free
For what it seems you are asking for, I would stay away from Vanguard. It's a themepark with typical progression.
World is gigantic and crafting can be fun, but it's certainly not the other things you seek
Age Of Wulin is waiting for you, not Age Of Wushu which is run by SnailGames USA. Both the same game but the European version has been converted far better than the American version.
A deep rewarding game that spits you out and chews you up very nice way, hard to learn even harder to master but boy it feels good when the penny drops.
http://en.wulin.gpotato.eu/
I agree with Vanguard but it's not skilled based but who cares, it has everything else you are asking for.