Ryzom

I reckon that the availability of this forum to non reg members doesn't penalise anybody, the regular forums are full of fans of the game, so any information would be a bit biased as opposed to here.
The game is very good, but to get the most out of it, I recommend joining a guild, as the later stages of the story are guild based.

TBH, I posted negatively about the game originally (I got it on release) but once I joined a guild I was more pleased with it, then i found a guild more suited to my style of play, so I joined them and now I really like the game. We are a pretty social guild and help each other out with weaps/armour etc.
If you get the game, keep an eye out for us on Fyros, we would love to have free thinkers join as opposed to fanboys.
Samsara Guild, do a /tell Valda message if you're interested. Kostika is our leader, do a /tell to her either.

I'm on most evenings after 9pm (uk time) look forward to hearing from you

BTW, when you start, you will be on a newbie island to learn the basics of the game. I wouldn't leave there until you can kill at least most critters one on one. In Pyr (the next stop) the same critters will eat you alive.
I dont know how you feel about characters, but Fight is easiest to learn and progress. Crafting and Foraging are more interesting (and make more money). Mage is a subjective thing, I didn't like it, some ppl love it...go figure

A Roleplayer at heart huh? You are going to have fun