While most MMORPGs for mobile will treat you with impressive graphics and hardcore gameplay, some of them remained faithful to classic and old-school pixels. The concept of 2D MMORPGs for mobile is not entirely new yet the formula they use for these retro-inspired games is surprisingly effective. Interestingly, the number of games that feature the same concept is rapidly growing. You might find it hard to emulate classic games like the early versions of Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy on your mobile but you can still find games that are merely inspired by them. Most of these 2D MMORPGs will capture all the classic RPG elements that we all loved and enjoyed. Listed below are five of the most nostalgic 2D MMORPGs that you can find on the mobile market today. These games will surely take you back in time.
The World of Magic
The World of Magic is a very simple and nostalgic 2D MMORPG that will take you to another magical adventure. It’s generally your typical 2D RPG that captures all the exciting RPG elements that we all loved and enjoyed. Not to mention the adorable characters that will remind you of those classic RPGs like Final Fantasy or Legend of Zelda. The graphics are more likely to be compared with the first-gen Pokemon with some Harvest Moon vibe on it. Your goal is to take control of an adventurer and become the powerful hero of them all. You will set yourself on an epic journey, fight against an overwhelming number of enemies, and meet other real-time online players worldwide. If you are up for another adventure, feel free to explore The World of Magic and see how far your journey can take you.
Like most RPGs, the game starts with character creation and class selection. The game offers three basic classes to choose from; Warrior, Ranger, and Magician. Each will vary in terms of their skills and weapon of expertise. After creating your character, the game will immediately prompt you to Woody-Wordy Village where your journey will start to take place. The game follows basic controls but they can be quite tricky. You can navigate around the map using the virtual joypad. Actions can be done using the tap-based buttons on the lower right corner of the game screen. You can start using Skills by the time you have reached Level 2.
The game comes with a very tricky quest system. It is actually the navigation that makes the adventure more challenging. To accept a quest, you have to manually search for the right NPC. An NPC with a question mark indicates an available quest. However, unlike typical MMORPG where you can easily track your quest, this game has a more challenging approach. You can access the world map from the main menu but the map will only show your current location and there are no legends to indicate the NPC nor the location of enemies. This requires you to analyze your quests thoroughly and read every detail as much as possible. Some quests will indicate the correct coordinates while others will mention certain names that you must keep in mind.
The World of Magic comes with NO Auto-Play or Auto-Quest system unlike most modern MMORPGs for mobile today. Everything is done and played manually which gives the game a slow-paced progression. So if you love playing it the old-school RPG way, this game is a perfect fit for you. The drop rate level in this game is not really that generous either so it might also take a while before reaching your target money and purchase your desired item. It is also important to mention that in order to obtain a skill, you must purchase a skill book. The same thing goes when upgrading them. You need to purchase the same skill book to level up and to make your skills more effective and efficient during battle. Of course, The World of Magic will not be considered as an MMORPG without its multiplayer elements. In fact, you will be greeted with an overwhelming number of players right after you start your journey in Woody-Wordy Village. There’s a party system, a guild system, trading, arena, and many other PvP and PvE elements to explore in this wonderful and nostalgic-looking MMORPG.
Mirage Realms
Mirage Realms is another free-to-play 2D MMORPG by an indie developer named Liam Stewart. The game wonderfully features both graphics and gameplay in a very nostalgic way. It is a great homage for those iconic RPGs during the SNES Era. With pixelated graphics, medieval-inspired character designs, and classic jobs, Mirage Realms managed to capture all the exciting old-school RPG elements that we all grew up with. The only notable downside of the game is the lack of music which could have made your gaming experience even more engaging. They could have put a nice depth in the story as well. Nevertheless, the game gives you a remarkable and surprisingly addictive RPG experience. This grindy RPG takes you to an eerie and enigmatic journey as you explore dark woods, dungeons, and creepy caves.
The game starts with a simple character creation allowing you to pick among knight, Mage, and Ranger. Each job will vary in terms of their skills and weapon of expertise. Once done, it prompts you immediately into an empty temple in the middle of eerie woods. The game uses basic controls and greets you with a simple and easily manageable interface. You can navigate around the 2D Map using the virtual joypad and interact with your surroundings using the designated tap-based buttons on the bottom right. The combat system is almost automated. Simply tap the target and the character will automatically attack using its default skill.
Unlike most RPGs, Mirage Realms doesn’t have a navigation system. There is no map to guide you in the game so you must have an excellent sense of direction to prevent your character from getting lost especially when exploring random dungeons. Another unique thing about this game is the fact that it has no quest system. Mirage Realms is all about grinding at the moment. You can freely explore the huge map and attack all enemies nearby. The progress is quite slow and the drop rate is not as generous as it should be but that’s exactly what makes the game a challenge. The game is currently on its alpha stage and despite missing lots of important RPG elements, you can clearly see the game’s huge potential.
Some areas in the game will only be accessible upon reaching a certain level. So the more you progress, the wider the map you can explore. It is also interesting to note that Mirage Realms comes with a unique currency system. Players can collect or loot bronze, silver and gold coins. For every 100 bronze coins you collected, it will be converted automatically as 1 Silver coin. The multiplayer function of the game can be found through a Friend system, trading, and Leaderboard ranks. You can add random players on your friend list and let them accompany you on your journey. You can also trade, buy or sell items and advertise them globally. The game also comes with a comprehensive leaderboard system showcasing the top 100 players in various categories. The game may not be well-crafted yet but I can imagine how great this would be as soon as they applied further developments. Overall, if you are looking for a simple yet addictive 2D MMORPG that won’t hurt your storage, this game is surely a great fit.
RPG MO
When it comes to graphics and gameplay, I guess nothing can be more nostalgic than MarxGames’ RPG MO. For those who have experienced playing classic role-playing games like Crystalis, Willow, and even the earliest version of Legend of Zelda will find RPG MO equally fascinating and fun. There are just too many things to explore in this game and it has captured every classic RPG element that we all loved and enjoyed. The game takes you to an epic adventure where you take control of your chosen hero and explore and open-world while fighting against a seemingly interminable number of enemies along the way.
Unlike most RPGs, RPG MO has no class system but you’ll start the game with a little makeover and expansive character creation. Once done, it will prompt you immediately to the virtual realm where the journey will start to take place. This game may not have a great depth in terms of story and some classic RPG elements might still be missing but RPG MO comes with so many great features to explore. The game has a comprehensive crafting system, forging, farming, mining, alchemy, fishing, and many more. Appearance-wise, RPG MO takes you to a very nostalgic environment. Presented in a classic isometric perspective with pixelated colorful details to match its retro-inspired theme. It is also accompanied by a well-fitting sound effect to complete your nostalgic RPG experience.
You can navigate around the huge map using the virtual joypad and interact with your environment by tapping them or tap the center of the joypad and select specific action you want to perform. Interestingly, the game comes with multiple quest system. The quests are categorized as Kill Quest, Party, and Achievements. Kill Quest often requires you to kill a certain number of specific enemies while Party quests will ask you to join or create an existing team of players and perform certain tasks to win rewards in return. Achievements, on the other hand, are repeatable quests where demands will increase exponentially as you progress.
This game certainly placed grinding at its forefront but the game will not just focus on killing monsters. The broad crafting system will ask you to navigate the world and gather various resources. You chop trees to get logs, you mine ores to forge weapons, you hunt for other materials to build potions, and many more. There is also a pet system that allows you to tame various creatures. The game also has an interesting Minecraft vibe on it as it allows you to build your own shelter using various materials you collected. There’s also a unique Inventory System where you can store items on chests and prevent yourself from losing them in case you get killed in the process. Of course, the game will not be considered as MMORPG without its multiplayer function. The multiplayer elements of RPG MO can be accessed through the trading system and PvE campaigns where you can team up with other players as you defeat bosses or as you raid dungeons. Overall, this game will give you a decent old-school RPG experience like no other.
TibiaMe
TibiaMe is not just nostalgic but probably one of the earliest mobile MMO to ever exist. Tibia ME or Tibia Micro Edition is, of course, based on an online game of the same name. Tibia is one of the earliest and longest-running MMORPGs that started in 1997. It was a massive hit and the game has earned a huge amount of following that makes Tibia a cult classic in MMORPG. Tibia Micro Edition, on the other hand, is one of the earliest games that is optimized for mobile devices. It was launched in 2003 and that time, the smartphones are not even existing yet. It was first marketed for specific phone models such as Nokia 3650 and Nokia 7650 cellphones. As time passed by and as smartphones started to emerge, Tibia ME has ventured to many mobile platforms.
Appearance-wise, TibiaME comes with a simple yet nostalgic game interface. It features three separate panels. The play area on the uppermost part, the navigational map on the lower left and the Inventory on the lower right. The game takes you to the virtual world of Aurea which is now on a verge of chaos after the dark forces threaten the place. Now, King Ayion, the ruler of the land, has called together all heroes of Tibia to help him defeat the evil and bring the land back to its former glory. The game is an absolute visual delight that treats you with colorful cartoonish graphics and animation. You can freely navigate around the map using the virtual joypad and interact with your environment by tapping them.
The game starts with a simple character selection. You can select between two classes; Wizard or a Warrior. Once done, it prompts you right to a battleship where your journey will start to take place before deploying you to the first village. Like most MMORPG, TibiaME comes with an elaborate quest system that you must accomplish sequentially in order to progress. In the entire course of the game, the player will be asked to perform numerous tasks, fight against an overwhelming number of enemies, and explore creepy dungeons. The combat system works automatically. The character will attack all the approaching enemies but you can always switch to a new target by tapping it directly.
There are so many areas to explore in this game. There are numerous dungeons to raid and many different types of monsters to defeat. The game also features an impressive weaponry system and allows you to easily switch from one weapon to another in no time. TibiaME also has an impressive drop rate system that gives you higher chances of looting rare items. Just be mindful that items can only be equipped or worn if you have met all the required attributes. You must also pay attention to your skills and upgrade them as needed to make your character more efficient. As far as the multiplayer elements are concerned, TibiaME will not disappoint you at all. The game comes with many PvE and PvP campaigns. You can trade items with other players or better yet add them on your friend list for long term engagement. You can also join Guilds and enter various PvP tournaments and if you’re doing great, you might as well find your name among the game’s Top 100 players worldwide. If you are up for an epic MMORPG adventure, feel free to explore TibiaME and see what else this iconic game has to offer.
Mystera Legacy
Mystera Legacy is another Free-to-play Sandbox MMORPG that takes you to an epic adventure. Interestingly, this game features lots of retro-inspired elements that will, somehow, reminds you of classic RPGs like RuneScape and Legend of Zelda. The comprehensive crafting system, on the other hand, is seemingly based on Minecraft. Mystera Legacy doesn’t follow any story but you’ll take control of your chosen hero and engage yourself on a series of action-packed journeys. The player will be asked to explore and scout for various items in order to survive the challenging environment. You will also be asked to craft and build items from different resources. Mystera Legacy successfully captured all the classic RPG elements that we all loved and enjoyed. From retro-inspired graphics down to epic dungeon crawling adventure. Name it! This nostalgic 2D MMORPG has them all.
The game comes with 10 servers worldwide. Pick the one that suits your location and you will be prompted immediately to the Newbie Village to start your epic adventure. Interestingly, it has no class system and you can wield almost any weapon that you can craft. You can navigate around the sandbox world using the virtual joypad and interact with your environment using the designated tap-based buttons. It comes with no Auto-Quest or Auto Pathfinding system so this game requires a lot of button-smashing especially when engaging in combat. You are also armed with special skills that you can use when you have enough myst (obtained by killing mobs). Players can also use the myst to buy upgrades allowing them to improve the character’s attributes, inventory storage, or learn new skills.
The game wonderfully puts grinding at its forefront and the level progression is quite slow. There is also a Quest system that will ask you to perform various tasks. Most of which require you to gather resources or fight a certain number of enemies. The tricky part of Mystera Legacy, however, is the fact that it has no navigational system. There is no map to guide you and the only way to reach new places is by exploring. The crafting system, on the other hand, is what makes Mystera Legacy absolutely special. In this game, you can only obtain weapons through crafting and it will require you to look for all the needed materials. Much like Minecraft, there’s also a hunger meter that you must always pay attention with. You need to collect food or better yet cook them to fill up your hunger meter faster. It’s truly a great RPG experience that is also packed with a decent number of multiplayer functions that can be accessed through trading and party system. Absolutely worth a download!
The best part of having these 2D MMORPGs is that it gives you a satisfying RPG experience while not consuming much of your phone storage. They may not have visually-striking graphics like most modern MMORPG for mobile today but they can easily take you back in time and allow you to experience how a classic MMORPG is done and played.
