Many people would probably laugh their asses off if I told them to put away Halo, MGS, GTA or whatever they’re playing and try something new, something with the potential to be more charming than HD visuals, huge explosions or lifelike characters… something that is completely text-based. Just imagine that! Such games still exist and manage to put under their spell hundreds of thousands of gamers all over the world!

No, this does not mean that we’re rioting against next-gen video gaming, nor that we’re snobs who “love” doing what others hate just to be leet-different. The truth is that, as much as we love playing regular, full-blown games, as much as we love playing casual games, we love the text based ones as well. The main reason behind the success of such games (because, believe it or not, they are very successful) is the fact that they generally are free to play. Add to that a solid, hardcore fanbase (which is something many games lack today) and you’ll have your reasons to reconsider browser based gaming. And if you don’t, we offer you three more reasons out of an ocean of possibilities.

Managerzone
Because everybody else is playing Hattrick already. Because it’s the next big thing after Football Manager (yes, the football management game from Sports Interactive). So grab your Mourinho suit, get the tactical notebook out of the drawer and prepare to face thousands of managers with one goal in mind: to be number one. Design tactics, sign players and train them to glory, develop youths and win one division after another in this highly addictive football management game, Managerzone.

Free-ness rating: Although it can be fully enjoyed with no costs involved, if you wish to access all the stats, cups, tournaments and goodies you have to pay.

Utopia
For those who love strategy and role playing games, for those who adore fantasy universes where orcs, undeads and humans can form an alliance, for those who assume the risk of getting so addicted that they’ll wake up at 2 AM just to make an attack, Utopia is a perfect choice. Huge player base, veteran players still there since the game kicked off, a socialization system taken to the next level and one golden rule: teamwork – these are the reasons why Utopia is one of the best text based games out there and, no matter if there are tons of similar games, it still goes one bit higher. For war and honor!

Free-ness rating: The game can be enjoyed completely for free and there are no such things as microtransactions or other costs. A big bonus!

Popmundo
I’ve saved the best for last. Popmundo (the game previously known as Popomundo) is a unique title (or, at least the first of its kind). Initially created as a music industry simulator, it has become much more: a true, complex life simulator. Diehard role playing fans, as well as rock/rap/pop/whatever star wannabes will find Popmundo thrilling and incredibly accurate, offering a huge freedom of choice: you can become the best chef in the world, the most feared criminal, the top charting blues soloist surrounded by hordes of groupies, you can create your own financial empire or become the mayor of a city. You can do anything and everything you can think about. It’s a must try!

Free-ness rating: Although the core game is completely free, offering a satisfactory experience, if you want to experience all the spicy things in the game (from sex to politics), you have to pay for a VIP membership. Well… it appears that best things in life are not free, after all!

Now you tell us which browser based game you consider to matter and why!