This article is originated from www.brighthub.com.
What is the Game Play Like In a PBBG?
Game play in a PBBG can vary somewhat from game to game but will generally incorporate some or all of the following elements:
Hunts or Searches: Many game engines in the PBBG categories will generate some sort of a search or hunt function in which
you go on searches through various areas in the game world to find items, collect money, or other elements that you will need to play the game. You are often granted a certain number of searches or hunts per day.
Battles Against NPC's: Most PBBG's will have a battle system that randomly pits you against an NPC (Non-Playable Character)
to strengthen your skills or gain resources.
PVP Battles: Another feature of many PBBG's is a dice role type battle system that allows you to attack other players and battle to win resources or experience and strengthen your stats. The Battle screen in the illustration on the left demonstrates two examples of how a PVP battle
may play out in a PBBG style game.
Banking System and Economy: Whether it is collecting gold or some other world specific currency, most PBBG games will have some sort of an internal economy and a banking system that allows you to earn money and purchase items that you will need for the game.
Clans/Guilds/Covens: Another common feature of PBBG's is a clan or guild system which helps you to meet other players and advance game play by working on a team and forming alliances against your enemies.
Since every game can be unique there may be several other features such as quests, group missions, homes or world building, etc. so you
will have lots to explore and do in a PBBG.
What Are The Advantages of Playing a PBBG?
PBBG's actually have quite a few advantages over some of the other styles of games available online. For one, because they can be played entirely from your browser there is no need to download any software. This leaves more of your hard drive space free plus it gives you a chance to play from anywhere that you have an internet connection. Since most PBBG's rely on a standard script language such as php, you can even access some of them from mobile browsers on your phone or PDA. This allows you to get your gaming fix from just about anywhere. (Learn more about ways to balance your busy life with your love of gaming with A Parent's Guide to Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities with Gaming)
While some PBBG's offer special items or extra benefits for supporting the game, most of them are free to play.
PBBG's can often be enjoyed by both the average gamer and the more hardcore types since they do
not require you to be present 24/7 to make progress on your character.
PBBG's offer a unique blend of creative control and pre-scripted game engine play so you never get bored doing the same thing over and over again.Where Can You Find PBBG's?
PBBG Project : A Large Directory of PBBG games
Bloodletting: One of my personal favorites.
You can play as a vampire, witch, werewolf, slayer, or angel and it has a heavy RPG element as well with a great community of active players.
PBBG-Portal: Provides a directory of various types of PBBG's from RPG's to adventure.
Also, be sure to check out MMO: Client vs Browser Based Games
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