Engine MUDDL Initial release date 1985 Mode Multiplayer video game | Genre(s) Fantasy MUD Platform Cross-platform | |
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Developer(s) Multi-User Entertainment MUD games MUD1, Nuclear War MUD, Infinity, BurningMUD | ||
MUD2 is the successor of MUD1, Richard Bartle's pioneering Multi-User Dungeon, Rather than a sequel, it is the result of over 20 years of continuous development, and is still largely based on the game's original code. The worlds very first MUD!
The game is nominally a roleplaying game, with a very strict set of rules, character classes and levels. Character progress up a ladder of 11 levels until they reach the traditional MUD goal of wiz (wizard or witch).
Characters move between locations, or game rooms, using compass directions, and basic commands such as GET LONGSWORD, GET DIAMOND, KILL DWARF WITH LONGSWORD. Points are scored by dropping treasure in the room known as the swamp, killing an NPC, or killing another player. The game also includes magical powers, which are gained through a mystical artifact known as The Touchstone. The small side effect of this is that touching the Touchstone may kill you, with the likelihood of death decreasing as you get higher in level. In order to make Wizard, one must also complete seven of eight tasks. Among 'Wizzes' many powers is the ability to instantly kill any player in the land, using the much-vaunted Finger of Death, or FOD. Of course this is heavily moderated by the Arch Wizards.
The game's levels are laid out as follows:
It is generally acknowledged that the biggest challenge in the game is other players, and highly skilled players that have made wiz will actively test "mortal" players to ensure they have the required level of skill to complete, and then manage the game as an Immortal!
Much of MUD2's long-running appeal comes from its much-celebrated depth, and its wide-ranging gameplay, as it contains large elements of puzzle-solving and exploration, as well as elements of skill, chance, and humour.
MUD2 has had its slogan "You haven't lived until you've died in MUDII!" engraved in the minds of countless fans. It can be played today through Telnet or many fan based clients. The front page of MUD's website has been featured in magazines and still reads a description featured in many articles:
One dragon. One king. One very annoying talking sword ... Welcome to MUDII, the latest incarnation of the world's very first MUD! Here you'll find an immersive, original world of fantasy, battle and exciting gameplay. A MUD, or multi-user dungeon, is a role-playing, text-based, multi-player adventure game. MUDII is set in a world called 'The Land' and is a timeless, fantasy realm of open pastures, vast forests, tormented seas, and deep, subterranean passages. MUDII has been in continuous development since 1985 making it the longest-running online game in existence. Come battle with goblins, drink from the fountain of knowledge, slumber amongst intoxicating lotus flowers and swim with a mermaid. Travel to the furthest reaches of your imagination ... You haven't lived until you've died in MUDII!