NOIVAD  First off I have a long standing character in the game. So, I'll answer some of the previous comments.

First off, Clan Lord dropped its monthly fee in January of 2009. All you have to do now if pay the $15 for an account and you get one character slot. $10 gets you another slot. So, it's cheaper and longer lasting than most games for play value.

Yes you do have to invest a lot of time in order to get powerful at this game. It's not a game you can play the hell out of in one month and get to the top, or even in six months. But getting to the top isn't what the game's about. (Though you could certainly play that way, and in a few years be among the top players if you're willing to dedicate time to it.) Note: there's no level cap. That's why it takes so long to rise to the top. You're competing with people that have played many years to get where they are.

The game is really about having fun at where you are, and having fun with other people.

That's why, if you're only in it to "beat" the game you'll be sorely disappointed. Clan Lord was built with longevity in mind.

A lot of the content unfolds (meaning you're able to tackle without falling {dying} all the time) after the first 6 months to a year depending on how well you play, how you train your character and how good your mouse clicking skills are.

And a lot of things past the third circle you can't do alone. This is meant to be a multiplayer dungeon, not a dungeon game where you occasionally bump into other people grinding areas. This makes you actually have to form relationships with people, and get to know them and their characters very well.

This some people see as a weakness that you can't solo the game, but really if you are just there to solo why even play a MORPG? CL accomplishes what most other games can only dream of: building an actual online community, that self regulates itself for the most part.

Clan Lords graphics are sorely outdated: this is true. But it's not about flashy effects either. It's about solid gameplay. The combat system is fluid and dynamic. You only have to gesture to attack, not press a button. Also, facing and positions matter. This is a big difference from games like WoW where you don't have to tdo anything but smash buttons. It lends itself to tons of strategy and tactics you just don't get in other MORPGs.

Training isn't on rails either... you can train different skills and have completely different characters of the same class. Unlike other games where characters start different and end up all the same, CL's characters actually can grow more diverse. Since there's no level cap you character just grows and grows more and more unique.

This game does have shortcomings, but they're certainly not enough to tell anyone to steer clear of it. If you have fun playing it that's all that matters, and clan lord can be as fun as any game out there, even after many years of play because when you introduce true human interaction, and make it a cornerstone of a game, things never get old. If they do, just take a break and come back when you want. There's a good chance CL will still be there whenever you wish to come back.

As far as all games I've played, none have stood the test of time this game has. That's why I give it 5 stars. 3 for features because they could always make it better, but it;s pretty good as is. Playability? Easily 5 stars. Graphics and sound: well they're severely lacking, not the worst but they are quite dated: 2. Stability? I can count on one hand how many times CL crashes in a 3 years: 5.

Great game, great community.  
(Version 6.15)

MRWESTFALL  This is an excellent game if you are willing to spend a lot of time to get something done. This is not a game for people who want to have a quick thrill. It takes a long time to get "good" at this game. There is a ton of things to do and places to explore. No one in the game has seen everything and new thing are added about every two weeks for the players to discover. The gameplay is a combination of mouse movement and text commands. This game was not made to have great graphics and sound, with special effects around every corner. The focus of this game is on its content and its simplicity of play. I am just about to finish off my first month of play and I must say, I have never played anything which has kept me as attached to my computer as much as this great game, Clan Lord.  
(Version v505)

LAUKAR  Clan Lord was a fun game 10 years ago, but it's very outdated for graphics, available classes, options for play, and what you can explore (unless you have a very old, long-standing character). New players can choose from fighters, healers, or mystics. However, mystics are unplayable without friends in other classes and remain very weak with no real abilities until "full mystic" status (for which advancement is controlled by other mystic players and rare - don't bet on ever getting to the top). Fighters and mystics are playable, but any interesting areas absolutely require months of group activity for advancement. Add to that a monthly fee and volunteer GMs who develop what they feel like (and incredibly slowly), and it's not worth your time. That said, the base community (only about 15-25 players now) is usually quite friendly and willing to help (although they do get character XP bonuses for helping new players). It's really a dying game that saw its heydey long ago, with a base community of true die-hards. They love the game because developers focus on high-level abilities (which you'll never have as a new player, until you've spent a few years of playtime building up experience).  
(Version v501)

SHAKEIT  I downloaded this game to compare with other softwares and see what was interesting to me. The graphics on this game werent realistic enough for young teenagers my age and so I was automatically bored when I started it.   
(Version v469)

SCATTERBRAINE  may as well take a look at Minions of Mirth @ http://www.prairiegames.com without monthly fee as well  
(Version v451)

ANAME  I recommend taking a look at Oberin. It's a free, mmorpg (massive online role playing game) and a good alternative to Clan Lord.

http://www.oberin.com/  
(Version v441)

ALTHEPAL  While I enjoyed this game way way way back about 8 years ago. I believe it has long ago dated itself. Its no wonder that the screen shot is of a version almost 200 versions old and I can personally atest that it could also have easily been taken from another previous 100 versions for all the changes that have been implemented. While the interaction with other characters was nice, this can be found in numerous, better, and more up to date games out there currently available. Can it still not do ranged weapons?

IMHO, it almost seems as if those that are still playing this game seem to be digging a deeper hole of vestment that only seems to narrow their view of the game and what else is available out there. Could be an intersting sociological study. Sorry if this seems harsh.

Paying a monthly fee on top of the initial fee seems a bit foolish at this point. Maybe is this was a shareware $20 game it may be a bit fun to run around in, otherwise I would have to say no.  
(Version v435)

68KMLA  Was fun for a while, but requires too much team organization to get anywhere. You can't advance by yourself. As well, too little development goes on to warrant the monthly fee.

Thank God for Animal Crossing.  
(Version v426)

LYONHEART  Best Game Ever.

May not be 3D, but eat your heart out Battlefeild 2.  
(Version v408)

ANONYMOUS  In this age of visual everything it is beyond me why any developer would not upload a few screen shots of the program they are trying to promote. Sometimes seeing the screen shot is enough to make me try something. Visuals, Visuals, and more Visuals. Basic sales 101 my friend.  
(Version v379)

ANONYMOUS  I eagerly await the day this is opensourced, including the server. Maybe in two years, maybe in ten. I can wait. This is this best chatroom ever.  
(Version v379)

ANONYMOUS  The interface to this game is one of the best. It seems cartoonish and is not as sexy as those 3D interfaces, but it's incredibly efficient. The community is what is really good about this game.

On the down side, this is a game with only two classes: fighters and healers. Don't get fooled by the sales pitch about magic or mystical abilities: there is nothing that any other games would call magic, and mystics (a 3rd class offered but not really supported) are totally useless and most game masters (and most of the players too) despise them.

The other down side of this game is the incredibly slow developement process. Add to that the fact that development is often contrary to what the majority of the population wishes for. It's developped by unpaid volunteers who basically work on whatever strikes their fancy. As such it's not developped in a consistent manner and things often feel improvised.  
(Version v375)

KILAGAR  I have played this game for over two years now, and now I am ready to say that this game isnt the same. When I started playing, I loved the game. But now after countless updates and $200 down the drain, I wish I never learned about this game. Everything gets repetitive, sure you can have friends, but that gets boring too. So I say this for future players, dont think you love this game when you start, let it sink.  
(Version v347)

ANONYMOUS  I'm proud of my MAC but not when it comes to games. I wish there came a time when I can lounch Lineage2 on my mac.  
(Version v345)

ANONYMOUS  Clan Lord rocks! It's the only game that I've been continuously playing for 3 years. The interface is cartoonish on the surface, but it's incredibly efficient at conveying all sorts of emotions and is a great communication tool. There are many unique features as well (like bards' music) and a lot more depth than might appear at first glance. Plus the community is great and it's non-PvP so collaboration is strongly encouraged.  
(Version v345)

ANONYMOUS  I'd not go so far as to say Clan Lord is "bad," but from the looks of things, and how people describe it, it's basically a cross between a MUD and and MMORPG, and while that's decent and all for some, there are a lot of decent, free MUDs out there that'll give you the in-depth role-playing experience.  
(Version v343)

ANONYMOUS  The worst things about this game: the graphics and sound. Most of the people commenting will never play this game. They will look at a screen shot and say, "oh what a piece." The benefits- you can play this game virtually on any mac made. All you need is a 56k. It is far too addicting. There have been people playing this since 98' The world is always growing or changing. I believe the game started out at like 4mb, now it is somewhere like 30+mb. Try the demo. Unlike other games, they don't need a flashy graphics system to sell it. What matters is content and this game has it. Look for me at puddleby- Rhone, proud member of Clan Destine. "we were never here!"  
(Version v335)

ANONYMOUS  .

This game proves why it sucks to own a Mac when it comes to games.

On a PC, you would be laughed at for trying to charge for this shite...but sadly, on the Mac, we have very few choices.

Damn you Steve Jobs! :P  
(Version v331)

ANONYMOUS  Its kewl but yah not free so click here! Outwar  
(Version v323)

ANTHONY  sucks need final fantasy 7or8  
(Version v323)

ANONYMOUS  ignore all pointers to www.outwar.com, people are just using these comments to try to boost their own outwar characters.

Here's the skinny from outwar.com:

" Once you create your character, you build them by getting friends to click your secret link. The more people you get to click the link, the more money your character will generate. "  
(Version v323)

RPG FAN  yeah its good.. but its not free :(... so check out Outwar instead.. its free.. here is a working ULR: http://www.outwar.com/page.php?x=1996286  
(Version v323)

ANONYMOUS  Hum Cl ... why not ... but i prefere to play mud ... MUD POWA :)

a french mud ... (not mine) valinor.no-ip.org:6022  
(Version v323)

ANONYMOUS  Actually outwar is the best. Go here to check it out

http://www.outwar.com/page.php?x=1892450  
(Version v317)

J03  This game stinks, play Runescape 2 instead... besides better graphics, it's free!  
(Version v313)

WINTERWILLOW  In response to Dogma

Yes you can download the files from the webpage (application, data file, and sound file). The files are hidden a bit but they are there. With the game being updated every 2 weeks the auto update is nice to have.

In response to disenchanted

The population may be going down but that alone is no reason to avoid the game. Once you get past the demo (which is bad) the game has great depth. The smaller community also always you to get to know everyone. You are not lost in a sea of thousands.

The main problems with clan lord is that there is no advertisement and that development (mainly volunteer) has not kept up with the top 10% of the population.

This 10% are the ones who play the most and are pretty vocal about things and seem to be putting out a lot of the negativity about the game.

If you start playing today you will have a game that willl give you a great comunity of players. There are options to be anything from a merchant, bard, tailor, or fighter. You even have a company more interested in making a fun game then a quick buck. How can you not give this game a chance?  
(Version v305)

DISENCHANTED  CL is dying. Don't waste your time either downloading or in the demo. The player base is a ludicrous 30 players online on a good day. Ridiculous to spend the money or time on this dog.  
(Version v298)

DOGMA  The OS X version seems to be only available on the developers website. Shame they failed to mention this - as well as the rather clever though annoying way it updates the graphics and sounds. I would prefer to download such large files at my own leisure - not through the game itself.  
(Version v288)

YUGOHUGO  Just started playing on 4-19-03 and I really am starting to enjoy the game. Don't let the basic look of the game fool you, it's deeper than that. You will feel the sense of community as soon as you start playing, and it will make you feel like you matter there. Nothing like helping other players and in turn having them help you. I am looking forward to exploring the game nightly and sometimes even think about it while at work during the day. Look me up if you ever get there, my name in the game is "Ruggles". And the rest of the reviews are right, the demo is nothing like the game do not judgeit based on that!  
(Version v280)

AKISHA  I have been playing Clan Lord for almost one year. It is the best game I have ever played. I am no where near bored with it. I give this game five stars for playability because of this. Sure the graphics might look a bit cartoonish, but, get over it! I give four stars to graphics and sound because they are not too horrible. The gameplay is simple, but offers many possibilities. I give 5 stars for features because of this. In eleven months, the game has not crashed once! That is five star stability!  
(Version v244)

ANONYMOUS  why does classic start up when this is advertised as OSX ready???  
(Version v234)

GARIBALDI  I've been playing ClanLord since 1999. The game is updated every 2 weeks and auto-dowloads the newest client, graphic and sound files when updated. In the game you create a character and can choose to be a Fighter, Healer, or Mystic. The ClanLord world is huge! It takes a bit of learning to get started, but it's worth the effort. In short, ClanLord is a game you will find yourself going back to again and again.

Hooya!  
(Version v226)

KARDIA  This is one of the most lasting games I've ever played, having played for over 3 years, and many of the other players have been playing for as long or longer. Your character will slightly progress even when offline, and there is no level limit, which nearly all other games have. This is definitely one of these "love it or hate it" games, however. The demo is absolutely terrible, too, and is not a good representation of the real game, which is about half social interaction and the other half the actual game. This game is very, very nice and stable. Never had it crash, and there have been very few bugs with the client.  
(Version v222)

WELTALL  This game is very fun at first. The world is huge, you can go to different islands, fight giant spiders, and even fight aliens. The only thing that gets in the away of this is the repetitive gameplay. Once you get to the higher circles (levels) the game starts to get repetitive. If you are looking for a game with mages that casts fireballs and so on, this is not the game for you. There are no real attack magic spells in this game. All you usually do is mostly stay in town for hours waiting for something to happen. This game is not really for role-playing, but more like making friends. The graphics are pretty good because the world is very huge. Well, overall, i'd give this game about a 5 out of 10.  
(Version v214)

STDIOH  Tells me this, when I try to create a demo caracter: "You have version v181, the latest version is v181. Please get the latest version at www.whatever.org".

I guess it's back to Diablo and Baldur...

(All grades will be 1, since it didn't even start)  
(Version 181)

GAFGARION  I actually wasted my time downloading Clan Lord... I honestly wonder what fun it is when the only thing that there is in a game is sitting around, listening to other people talk about Diablo. There is no role-playing in this... No one cares about you.

The engine is outdated and unstable... Bug fixes have not seemed to actually fix bugs.

And the gameplay? HAH! Give me Lance ANYDAY!

Graphics don't make the RPG, the role-playing makes the RPG... That's why I love MUSHes, MUDs, the old-school Final Fantasy series, etc... and that's why I hate Clan Lord

For anyone who's a true RPG player, skip Clan Lord... Don't even bother downloading the demo, you get killed almost instanty when you step outside...  
(Version 179)

MR PUDDING  This is a game for someone who likes RPGs for the socialness of it. The graphics arn't the best (though there are alot) and sound can be repetitive. But the world is huge, and you can make friends rather well.  
(Version 171)

MR PUDDING  This is a game for someone who likes RPGs for the socialness of it. The graphics arn't the best (though there are alot) and sound can be repetitive. But the world is huge, and you can make friends rather well.  
(Version 171)

MR PUDDING  This is a game for someone who likes RPGs for the socialness of it. The graphics arn't the best (though there are alot) and sound can be repetitive. But the world is huge, and you can make friends rather well.  
(Version 171)