Shattered World is a detailed and massive MUD world that holds endless possibilities of exploration and player goals. The detail and care that went into creating this game by the attentive (not to mention helpful) Immortals, or game coders, is immensely impressive.

Unlike most MUD's, players can 'better' their characters by experience which makes a more realistic approach of 'practice makes perfect.' This in itself is a journey, from killing rats and cats inside the protective walls of Sanom City (the world's most populated city) to eventually hunting down trolls and dragons. Blood-thirsty killing isn't the only way one can improve themselves, however. The game offers several guilds that have specialized skills. For example, a player might be a demon summoner and at first will start out with a puny imp, but with a lot of experience and a little patience, he will advance in his guild enough to be able to summon a mighty Shadow Elf Demon or other such beasty.

There are several guilds that each offer very helpful skills and a player may join a few of these at the same time as long as they are allied so he can get several powers. Our demon summoner may be a mage and a soulstealer as well.

Along with guilds, players have the option of joining a cult which is a player-run 'social group' that offers support among members. Players that are in cults will recieve extra powers, spell point reserves, and not to mention the help of their superiors. This feature of the game offers an excellent roleplaying opportunity since it is, like basically all of the game, is player-run.

Another interesting aspect of the game is the economy. SW runs on something called a zero-sum theory which means that no money is created, but is in circulation among the players, shops, cults, guilds, and so on. Also, the legal system is all player run, consisting of a judge and citizen votes.

There are several goals players can strive to achieve, one may go for the crown while another may attempt to get rich off of a line of weapon shops. Or another yet may work to be the guild leader of the Roc-Riders guild. Whatever a player wants, Shattered World will offer. One thing many consider when choosing an MUD, is how newbie friendly it is. Shattered World was the first MUD I had ever played and every player and Immortal will be more than willing to show you around, get you set up in a guild and cult, help you in a few of the any interactive (sometimes very difficult) quests, and maybe even give you a few coins to get you started. I highly suggest Shattered World to MUD experts or just casual gamers looking for a good time. It really is a superb and unique MUD.