You can’t just work on your portable laptop!  You have to have some fun from time to time.  What I’m talking about today is a fantastic game that all of you can play for free: Kingdom of Loathing!  Don’t let the name fool you – loathing was just a random word the creators shoved in since they couldn’t think of a name when they first created it.

So why should you want to play this game?  Well, one great reason is how much the development team listens to the players.  The game’s creator actually regularly posts on the forums, asking for the player’s opinions on game play mechanics and updates.  A regular player’s opinion actually holds a decent amount of weight, especially if they can win others over to their side.  Unlike most games the development team isn’t looking for ways to hook people into the game – they are instead looking for how to make the game more enjoyable to all the player base.  With regular updates both large and small, they certainly succeed at it.

The main reason I play is how quirky the game is.  It’s basically a RPG, but one unlike any I imagine you’ve played before.  Classes are very strange, like the pastamancer, disco bandit, and turtle tamer.  There are a huge number of areas, ranging from the orcish frat house to the penultimate fantasy airship.  Every area you can visit is filled with a huge amount of character.  Some are interesting.  Some are funny.  Some are downright hilarious.  What’s more is that almost everything is a reference.  A large part is pop culture references, but to really understand all of them you have to be quite knowledgeable.

Another reason why many people keep coming back to this game is the depth of the game play.  On many levels, it’s simple – just point and click.  Combat consists of attacking, using a skill, using an item, or running away.  Where it gets complicated is in the number of skills and items.  There are a huge number of both, and more are always being added.  Skills help you in combat, heal you, and some even let you make food and drink.  Food and drink is vital, since it lets you extend the limited amount of time you can play per day.  And once you beat the “final boss” you have the option of starting over at level 1 while retaining one skill you have learned.

I really think that anyone who likes games can find something to love in KOL.  No matter your play style, it’s a fantastically fun game anyone can enjoy.  The only thing that is lacking is graphics – the entire game consists of black and white stick figures.  But I think you’ll find that instead of detracting from the game experience, it adds to the charisma and charm of the game.  Try it out for yourself at http:www.kingdomofloathing.com!