The top ten free rpg games are:
1) Rubies of Eventide
Basically the depth of a MUD with 3D graphics. The best game today for players who love to delve deep into an online RPG but prefer graphics over text.
2) Renaissance Kingdoms
Very deep online RPG with strong economic and political elements. You can run for a political office and the game's website will announce your victory if you are elected.
3) Pardus
Great space game where you can be a pilot, trader or pirate.
4) HoboWars
Definitely one of the most original RPGs yet. You play as a bum and interact with other bums.
5) Kingdom of Loathing
One of the funniest games on the entire Internet.
6) Ninja Wars
Fun theme that is done well. Players can be one of 4 types of ninjas and can collect bounties on the heads of other ninjas.
7) Wheel of Time MUD
High quality MUD about one of the best fantasy novel series ever.
8) TerraWorld
2D RPG with a large focus on PvP combat and player ladders.
9) Frog Life
Text-based game with many off-the-wall features that significantly add to the game's replay value like its very own sports league called FLCTF or Frog Life Capture the Flag, Robot Wars, Car Jacking, a stock market, its very own arcade, and even its own version of UFC.
10) Adventure Quest
As can be seen by its review page, some people love it while others definitely hate it. Either way, AQ is one of the most played Online RPGs around.
Retail RPGs
Guild Wars
1) Guild Wars - GameOgre Review
A ton of gaming value here since there is no monthly subscription and Guild Wars plays like a MMORPG.
2) Neverwinter Nights
From thousands of player-made modules to the possibility of creating a free MMORPG, NWN sets the standard for all other retail RPGs to follow.
3) Diablo 2
Simple game play that quickly satisfies a thirst for plenty of action and treasure makes Diablo a tough game to beat in the Online RPG realm. Throw in the online playability of Battle.net and you have the recipe for one of the greatest selling PC games of all-time. However, it can still not compete with the total gaming value of NWN.
4) Titan Quest
Surpasses Dungeon Siege and even Sacred as the top action RPG since Diablo 2.
5) Sacred
Sacred boasts a massive non-linear world that can easily devour most of your free time.
Pay to Play MMORPG(Massive Multi Online Role Playing Game) are
1) World of Warcraft - Game Lair
The best MMORPG yet because WoW mixes the right amount of depth and simplicity better than any other game in the history of the genre.
2) Eve Online
The best sci-fi MMORPG with player-run corporations and a thriving economy.
3) Lord of the Rings Online
Very smooth launch with a very popular beta phase. Already one of the most popular MMORPGs with good population levels on all servers. Plenty of solo content adds to the game's already tremendous mainstream appeal. Given time, do not be surprised if LOTRO develops into a strong number 2 behind WoW and could eventually be a serious rival to the current MMO king.
4) Final Fantasy XI - Game Lair
The second best fantasy MMORPG after WoW with a quality story, great game play, and large subscriber numbers.
5) City of Heroes/City of Villains - Game Lair
Combined, City of Heroes and City of Villains are easily the second best MMORPG for casual gamers. With the addition of the well-balanced villain types and the use of bases, City of Villains completes the potential that fans have been craving for ever since City of Heroes launched. To top it off, hardcore gamers now also have a reason to like CoH/CoV with its ultra-quick PvP.
6) EverQuest 2
Yet another major fantasy alternative to Word of Warcraft. Has nice eye candy and depth, but falls behind both Lord of the Rings Online and Final Fantasy XI.
7) Dark Age of Camelot
Has usually been one the best major MMORPG for PvP combat due to its 3 realm system. Also, DAOC has remained one of the steadiest MMORPGs over the years in terms of quality. However, the game is starting to show its age and other MMOs have incorporated similar or better PvP systems.
8) Anarchy Online
One of the best examples of a gamewith a bad launch that came back to have success. Had momentum with a great expansion pack called Shadowlands, but failed to follow-up. Tried to innovate again by being one of the first pay-to-play MMOs to offer a free-to-play option.
9) Dungeons & Dragons Online
Instead of offering all the usual MMO features such as PvP and crafting, this MMORPG instead provides a high quality gaming experience through well-written quests. Improved a little recently by catering more to solo players.
10) Vanguard
Once an eagerly anticipated MMO that was plagued by bugs and unfinished content when it was released. Vanguard is targeted towards more hardcore MMO players and has significantly improved from its bad launch. On the downside, the game has probably missed its chance to ever break the top five.
Free MMORPG are:
1) Guild Wars - Game Lair
Excellent MMORPG that can be bought in stores, but does not have any monthly fees. Will likely be a leader of the Free MMORPG (no subscription fees) genre for years to come.
2) Rappelz
The best looking freebie with an extensive pet system.
3) RuneScape - Game Lair
Most players either love it or hate it. Continues to gain popularity with MMORPGers on a budget despite having its share of critics.(You can pay if you want to be a member.)
4) Sword of the New World
One of the most innovative MMOs in years. Players can control 3 characters at once and all the characters of a player are a family. In addition, sports some of the best looking graphics in the genre.
5) FlyFF
Fun cartoonish game with a theme that revolves around characters flying.
6) Maple Story
One of the few MMOs that looks like a console game. This game has no races but each of MS's 4 classes has their own specially-themed city.
7) Supreme Destiny
If you want a free MMO with amazing 3D graphics, this is one of the top games to try.
8) Silkroad Online
Solid Fantasy MMO with a great historical theme.
9) 9 Dragons
The best in the martial arts MMO niche.
10) Fury
The best way to experience PvP without grinding or a subscription.