Ryzom

Ryzom features open world gameplay. Instead of character classes, it has a unique system for character abilities that allows players to construct custom actions like spells or attacks in detail. The game world is complex modeled, incorporating realistic effects like changing weather and seasons. Computer controlled entities ('mobs') display complex behaviors, and animals will, for example, graze in herds or hunt in packs. Ryzom offers a scenario editor that lets players design their own areas that can be uploaded and played on the official server.

Each character gains levels independently in the fields of weapon-oriented fighting, magic, crafting, and harvesting simply by performing appropriate acts (killing enemies with a sword for fighting, assembling jewelry for crafting, etc.) Each level gained in one of these fields awards the character 10 skill points that can be spent on new abilities specific to that field, on general character improvements, or simply saved.

The independent French game development studio Nevrax began development of Ryzom, and the underlying game engine NeL (for Nevrax Library), around 2000. In October 2002 Nevrax made the NeL engine open source as free software using the GPL. The game launched in September 2004 with the name The Saga of Ryzom and received little attention at the time. The publisher was Winch Gate.

After the initial release, several updates were released as "Chapters", providing new features and content. The first update, titled Changing Times, featured the addition of a merchants system in which players could sell their crafted items using vendors. It also revamped several of the game's key systems, including prospecting and harvesting. On December 13, 2004 the first part of three from Chapter Two: Open Conflict was released, the third on January 13, 2005.

Metacritic rates Ryzom 64/100, indicating "mixed or average" reception. Initial reception ranged from great to mediocre. GameZone rated Ryzom at 8.1, highlighted the innovative skill system, and called Ryzom a "fun game that has some very innovative features", with "good graphics, and great gameplay and concept". GameSpot also acknowledged the novel skill system and friendly community, but rated the game at 5.6 ("mediocre"), being unfinished and needlessly complex. In 2005, the game received the Reader's Choice Award from MMORPG.com for the best game story.