My daughter and I sat down to load the game which was fairly easy. A simple game client download and within a few minutes the game launched in our web browser. Then we began building our character. We had a choice between humans and pixies with countless combinations of heads, hair styles, hair color, skin tones, makeup, facial paint, clothes, and wings (for the pixie). You can mix a little fantasy with reality to create the ultimate avatar.

Your character can take on different jobs which include adventurer, chef, kart driver, postman, wizard, ninja, brawler, demo derby driver, miner, pet trainer, warrior, medic, card duelist, blacksmith, and archer. The wonderful part is your character is not locked into one job and can switch back and forth between different jobs as often as you wish. Some of the jobs are for members only which requires a monthly purchase of $4.99.

The fantasy game realm is phenomenal! The 3D graphics are extremely vibrant and draw you into the game (see videos below). There are various quests or tasks that keep you entertained. You can play mini- games, raise pets, battle monsters, explore the Free Realms world, play the Trading Card Game, or connect with friends via a social networking area. No need to worry about your child’s safety because there are parental controls and filters for younger players.

The only downfall I found was adjusting to the controls. I’m sure with some practice the awkwardness would diminish. Overall the game was fantastic and it’s FREE!

Free Realms by Sony Online Entertainment

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Release Date: Q2 2009
Genre: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game
Platform: PC and PLAYSTATION®3
Rating: E 10+
Developer: Sony Online Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Price: Free with an optional subscription and
micro-transactions
URL: www.freerealms.com

Game Description:

Free Realms™ is a brand-new jaw-dropping free virtual world where you can do whatever you want, whenever you want! Free Realms™ is easy to access! There’s no need to go to the store and spend money on the box, or take hours installing and patching the game. Get in the game quickly and easily from your web browser, create your character, and be playing in a full 3D game world client within minutes!

Looking for adventure? Unlock Jobs like ninja, warrior and wizard to battle enemies as you search for lost treasure or duel other players. Battles not for you? Teach your pet a new trick, mine for gold, cook up a meal, or race your car! When you’re ready for a different kind of challenge, play a wide variety of completely integrated mini-games, jump into the trading card game or check up with your friends on your profile page. Free Realms™ is the place to join your friends to discover, explore, compete, chat, share achievements and just have fun! In Free Realms™, YOU RULE.

Features:
Play Free or Upgrade: At its heart, Free Realms™ is free to play, but players who want to break through to the next level can purchase a monthly membership for only $4.99 USD. Members and free players can purchase a variety of items through micro-transactions.

Rich Character Creation: With over 30,000 wearable combinations, you can blend fantasy and reality to create your perfect avatar.

Be Whoever You Want: Be a ninja one minute and a kart driver the next! With fifteen jobs available at launch, you can find your perfect job, or try them all! Member Jobs available at launch include: wizard, blacksmith, medic, archer and warrior. Free Jobs include: ninja, brawler, chef, miner, demolition derby driver, kart driver, card duelist, adventurer, postman, and pet trainer.

Kid-Safe: Parental controls allow for the customization of safety options, including pre-canned chat, reporting and filters for younger players.

Fun for Everyone: With so much to do and see it’s easy to find something for you! Start by playing one of 14 different styles of minigames like cooking, kart racing, mining, demolition derby and music conducting. The action doesn’t stop there, as there are over 460 quests for everyone with an additional 240 available to Members. Even though combat is optional, there are 80 free battles and 15 additional Members Only battles—plenty of action for those eager to fight fierce creatures!

Vibrant, Deep Environment: Eight distinct, unique and breathtaking environments for gamers to explore for launch. Areas include the snowcapped mountain villages of Snowhill, the dark and mysterious Blackspore, and real fun in the sun at Seaside.

Connect with Friends: Whether you’re meeting up with old friends or finding new ones, Free Realms™ lets players stay connected through its social networking page. Just log in, see what your friends have been up to, click their avatars and join them in the game!

Trading Card Game: The Free Realms™ Trading Card Game will let players pit a variety of fun characters and creatures against one another in fun, fast-paced combat. Half the game is collecting new cards, to arm yourself with the best line up of attacks and defenses. You can even prove your might in online tournaments!

pictures, fact sheet, and videos courtesy of Sony Online Entertainment

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