How do you make a choice when it comes to selecting an MMO? Do you prefer a completely online MMO, or do you prefer the one which can be installed directly into your PC? Let me compare the Browser-based and the Downloadable MMOs for you.
The types of MMOs
You all must be familiar with the term MMOs and MMORPGs - Massively Multiplayer Online games and Massively Multiplayer Online Role Play Games. Who isn’t aware of these addictive games that allow you to play with other real players online, not having the automated computer as an opponent? But how do you choose which MMO game is better for you?
Broadly speaking there are two types of MMOs – Browser-based MMOs and Downloadable or Client-based MMOs. Browser-based MMOs are those which do not require a download. All you need is a stable and working internet connection and a good Internet browser. As long as you fulfill these requirements, you can simply create an account and play these games. Downloadable MMOs however require a game client to be downloaded and installed on your PC before you can log on and play them. Which one is better? Let me just explain their features for you.
Graphics
Downloadable, client based MMOs generally have an advantage when it comes to graphics and aesthetic appeal. The best part of playing a client-based MMO is that you would be awed by the excellent dynamic graphics that are available to you. Just look at any of the screenshots (sample pictures) of the popular MMOs and you’ll see what I mean. World of Warcraft, Saga, City of Heroes, Second Life, EVE Online, and Warhammer Online — these are some of the popular MMOs that require a download.
Screenshot from a downloadable MMO - SAGA
System requirements
Regarding system requirements, the Browser-based MMOs definitely win out over the Client based ones. There is rarely a need to check your graphics card and almost definitely no need to worry about disk space. All you need is a regular web browser and preferably Java and Flash Player installed.
You can rarely enjoy a Client-based MMO if your graphics card is outdated or if your system does not meet or exceed the game's basic requirements. For one, the game would not install properly. Otherwise, it may simply freeze up at the oddest of times or may even cause a system crash. Further, many of these games perform extremely poorly at anything lower than their recommend settings requirements (forget minimum hardware requirements). Lag, system slowdowns, crashes, graphical artifacts, and other problems are common unless you have hardware that is near their recommendations.