I found Abysmal Realms in 1997. At the time I was looking for a casual ROM-based MUD in a fantasy setting with a reasonable commitment to RP. I was immediately hooked by the fantastic clan system which creates a wonderful sense of comraderie between players and ensures a constant supply of goals and challenges to overcome. It was everything I could've hoped for. The heroes were brave and strong, and the villains were devious and cunning, and I was thrilled to join them and write my own part of the story.

College took me away from the realms for a few years. I eventually did the MMORPG grind for a few years as well, thinking this was the logical progression of online games. I played 3 of the most popular games for 1-2 years apiece, and though I found enjoyment in them, they always felt like something was missing. MMORPGs have great graphics, pretty cinematics, and fast-paced action, but they're lacking in heart and soul. You may help to bring down the Lich King and get some epic loot, but at the end of the day you're just a player controlling a character. In the Realms you ARE the character. Even though you're limited to scrolling text, it has always been a more immersive experience, and you become much more emotionally invested in your character and the world around you.

I rediscovered Abysmal Realms a few weeks ago, and was thrilled with what I found. Not only are some old faces still around and some fond memories rediscovered, but the world is vibrant with fresh ideas and is improving all the time. The best part of it all though, is that you can be as involved as you'd like. There's a place for the casual player that just has a few minutes to do a quest during the toddler's naptime, or the hardcore player that wants to take command of a clan and change the course of the world.

Whether you're a veteran of the genre or exploring something new, I encourage you to give the Realms a try and write your own story!

The last few years when I would feel nostalgic I would hop on and do a quest or two, never really stuck but this last time when I got on it was different, a few dedicated immortals were doing things to try and get a player base going again, fun events and enjoyable changes, like wolfen getting racial track... ;) So while currently there isn't a huge player base, I for one am going to stick around, cause the game is fun again in a way a lot of games just cant match.

Owner Dennis Reichel has been working hard to revive and revamp Abysmal Realms. There are a few old faces, a few old faces playing new characters, and a few newer players. Abysmal Realms is an excellent ROM based MUD and like the description says, it has many enhanced features. With many of the 'older' player base leaving, a lot has changed as far as player to player and Immortal to player treatment (as forementioned). If you're feeling like a little 'old school' gaming, checkout Abysmal Realms at realms.reichel.net: 4000. Cheerio!

This review is solely and purely my thoughts and feelings on the MUDD called Abysmal Realms and is in no way a reflection upon Mudconnector or any other affiliates.

I am truly sad. This mud was once a golden spot of warmth and joy and now it has changed. If both players AND all the immortals(including all the players who have immortal characters) were to cut back on ego and get back to having fun it would be a strong advantage to heal old wounds on either side.

It frequently comes down to sides when a Mud is soon to dissolve. The players think they are justified in sabotoge and the Immortals feel that the attitude of 'STFU when I say STFU' should be fine since they quote the old adage 'It's my mudd'. Abysmal Realms has no winners. Both sides are horribly wrong. Many have left and many more will come and go. The current situation seems acceptable to all those involved. I'm very sad to lose a game i loved. I say i lost it because after the Immortals read this post I am actually expecting that my characters will be banned. It's usually not acceptable to speak out against immortals or have opinions.

I wish for a Rebirth of Abysmal Realms, one where i could play again. I just don't think that will happen anytime soon.

-Lady Mayren