Before I started on Geas, I played most of the other big, popular MUDs. They all were the standard fare; pick a race, pick a class, kill the monster, level up, get skills deal. No real focus on the individual character's progression, since you couldn't stray outside the skill list. And since everything is just raw numbers, you are struck with no real wonder or awe. Or at least, I was.

And then I played Geas. Right off the bat, you pick a race, pick how you want them to look, do an optional tutorial, and then you're off to explore. No channels to turn off, no trainers to find, no level-specific dungeons to find, because hey, there are no levels!

The skills are learn by doing, so if you want to be a swordsman you get a sword and find something to kill (there is plenty). The combat system is deep and intuitive with specials and toggles, everything working off of your skills, what you wear, etc. Incredibly realistic. Also, the combat itself has no numbers. Based on the weight of your weapon and how strong and agile you are, you attack every x seconds and then, depending on how skilled you are, and your stats again, you might hit the enemy. Or, their armor might deflect it.

You might be saying to yourself, 'Well, how is this different than MUD x?' Trust me, it is. You just have to try it to see it. Did I mention there are no stock rooms? Also, there are guilds in the game which offer special powers that are, for the most part, player run. There's so much in this game I can't think of it all. It's been so long since I've played a different MUD that I probably take all the great things this one does for granted.

Roleplay is mandatory, by the way, so please keep that in mind. Hmm... that's about it. If you are looking for a different experience that will keep you playing forever, Geas is for you.