First of all, I don't want to make this review the only factor in your decision on whether you play this MUD or not. I have been playing New Worlds off and on. I made two characters other than this one. But I stopped playing because I lost sense of my character's concepts. But I'm back now, and I'm in love with this game, and there isn't anything else like it, so I'm here. It has good things and bad things about it, like any other computer program. So I'll start off with the good.

First, there is plenty of roleplay available. Most of mine has been in the tavern or game area below it, but I also had a good session of RP in the training grounds. I'm stating this to show that immigrants, the game's term for newbies, can find lots of roleplay. It may not always be big either, just helping an immigrant get some new clothes and stuff, but it's great and the community is welcoming. Secondly, you don't hav to hack and slash to level up. Gardening, along with just meeting new people and using the intro command with the people you meet, are good ways to get XP too. Another thing I like is that when a player dies, it's announced to the whole MUD, and I did get some help recovering my stuff after I died. Yet another way to get RP, even if it is just a simple discussion that doesn't last long. Also, the game is really friendly toward blind players, so if you are one, like me, just read the help file on registering and follow the directions in it.

As I said, there are flaws. The leveling system is time-consuming. But if you have a good mixture of determination and having the good sense to stop before you get too fed up, it's quite enjoyable. When you're tired of hunting or gardening, you can head to the tavern and maybe make a few friends there, and get back to earning XP when you're ready, no rush. Another flaw is that everything you're wearing and wielding gets removed when you log off, which leads to some embarrassing situations if you're one of those newbies who is used to only having your clothes taken off if you die or something, but it does lead to some decent roleplay. You might even meet a merchant who can get you a nice outfit. Another flaw I find in the game is there isn't enough of a story that makes the game stand out in the crowd of other medieval games. It's kind of good, since I don't have to learn lore while I'm trying to get settled in and whatnot, but I still wish there was more to work with when it comes to the storyline. But over all, if you're into a roleplay-enforced MUD with a huge playerbase, check New Worlds out!