Rose (Rush on Seven Episodes) Online was originally released in 2005 as a subscription based game. Over the years Rose Online has gone through several major updates, the most recent being ‘Evolution’ which introduced improved graphics and a new user interface. On July 29 2008 the North American publisher of Rose Online, Gravity, announced that Rose Online would become free to play.

Character creation in Rose Online is limited to choosing gender, face, and hair style. All characters start out as a beginner class called ‘Visitor.’ Rose Online doesn’t have a tutorial per say but game hints will pop up informing players of the basic controls. Rose has a basic point and click interface which is supported by a hotkey bar. The user interface is not original but is functional and easy to navigate. There are several beginner quests but I recommend ignoring them since characters level up so fast by simply hunting. There are six stats in Rose Online: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Constitution, Charisma, and Sensation. Characters receive stat points every level but the amount of points received increases as well. For example, when you reach level 2, 11 stat points will be rewarded. Upon reaching level 3, 12 points are rewarded. As a certain stat is raised, it will progressively take more and more stat points to increase it. New players don’t have to worry about messing up their stat allocation since Rose allows every character under level 40 one stat reset.

Upon reaching level 10, players will start receiving 1 skill point per level. This is also the level that characters can begin the 1st class change process. One gripe I had with Rose Online is that it doesn’t adequately inform players on how to get to the class change NPC. The lousy mini map and world map don’t help much either. Players have to travel two zones from the starting area to get to the town (Zant) with the class job NPCs. Once you do arrive, there are four classes to chose from: Soldier (warrior), Muse (mage), Hawker (archer/thief), or Dealer (crafter). Each class has several different skill lines, for example Hawkers can specialize in ranged weapons or katars (short blades). Sadly, players will have to wait until level 100 to make the second class change. Each class has two 2nd class choices but unfortunately there is currently no further class change.

Rose Online has a large game world and many interesting features. There are a total of 7 worlds, each with several large zones. Additionally, all players can open personal shops which allow them to buy & sell items at pre-set prices. Another interesting feature is the ability of players to buy and drive carts. In order to drive a cart, players must first complete a quest available at level 50 or higher. Carts can be equipped with various parts and weapons. Rose Online feels like a much more ‘complete’ game than most other MMORPGs covered on MMOHub. This is likely due to two factors; Rose Online’s age means it has gone through several patch cycles and since it was originally designed as a subscription based game, player’s likely expected more content. Despite its age, Rose Online looks great and is one of the better free Asian MMORPGs. The fast grind and rich content earn Rose Online a recommendation.

http://www.roseonlinegame.com/