Are Any "MMO-Type" Games open to Dial-Up?

[apoppin]

i finally dumped my 56K NetZero - actually i still have it for emergencies at $6.95 a month unlimited - for my main connection to the 'net and got AT&T's Wireless Internet thru my Samsung A437's DUN tethered to my PC via USB for $40 a month.

It will be a couple of years until i get 3G [1.3M/s D/L speeds] to my rural area and have to put up with AT&T's EDGE networks 75-200 kpbs - typically 150+ kpbs when i have a good signal. It's still a hellofalot better than the ~40 kpbs i used to get over my 56K modem.

It appears that pings can be kept under 300ms with a really good signal strength ... it goes over 700ms if the signal drops ... so does the speed ... but ... are there any online MMO games open to me ... maybe something like NightFall?

i can hope ... let me down gently
:brokenheart:

And do any of you have experience with the cell phone "antennas" that go behind it's battery? Do they work at all? i can always use more signal.


UPDATED:

I had to dump my AT&T wireless network

So i am back to NetZero 56K dial-up .. i found however, that my Ping with my wireless service was always ~700ms and my Dial-up is ~100-150ms IF the test sites are to be believed.

So .. i got LotRO for $9.88 including the first month's play online .... and i guess i could also benchmark it ... but the box says "minimum 56K dial-up"

Really ? LotRO is playable on 56K dialup?

i can play Guild Wars OK

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

You can play wow on plain dialup (so I hear).

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: AyashiKaibutsu
You can play wow on plain dialup (so I hear).

Really. Thanks. i am particularly concerned with ping. My 56K dial-up ping is really good but my wireless connection typically gets 500-900ms ... upload speeds are typically about half d/l speeds [40-100kpbs]. It is pretty good for the big d/ls as it is realistically about 4[+] times faster than 56K.

i guess i could try it


edit: Evidently

http://answers.yahoo.com/quest...04222237AAu2tSa&show=7

radical ... so 3 or 4X should be doable if not anywhere near optimum

more ... hmm

http://vnboards.ign.com/wow_ge.../101203098/r101206437/

When the expansion came out, we had to bump up the minimum requirements that we could reasonably support. Developing technology will do this to games. While it is technically feasible to play WoW on dial-up, there may be a number of issues that result from this that we can not reasonably support, due to variations that are out of our ability to change or adjust. The network or ISP that people use can add a number of factors to connecting to the service that we simply can't account for or change in a meaningful way.

This company has always kept a strong ideal to be as inclusive as possible for various system configurations, but there are only so many varieties of configuration that we can provide direct technical support for. With that in mind, it is possible to play on dial-up, just not optimal.

As soon as i maximize my connection i will try NightFall ... since i have the game and it is evidently now free. i might make a MMO player yet ... eventually ... when 3G gets here. i had a little 'taste' of it for 3 months with a 500kpbs connection over Flashbyte Wireless Digital - but they suck worse much than dialup with their continual disconnects, no TS or CS, no replies and high pricing.

*Bingo!* it looks like i might be lucky:

http://games.helpero.com/probl...-dial-up-modem_47.html

Can I play Guild Wars on a dial-up modem?
Yes, you can. Guild Wars was designed in such way that everyone can play it, even if they don't have a broadband connection at their disposal. The game works perfectly on dial-up either if it's a phone connection or a wireless mobile connection.

:thumbsup:

i got Guild Wars - NightFall's Collector's Edition at CC for $8.50 ... i always wanted to try it

 

[skulkingghost]

People play Cabal online with 56k, great game, free too!

 

[Jinru]

Perfect World is probably one of thee best F2P MMORPG's out there. There wasn't much lag when I played the English OB server.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rELm0Xz_eTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPQJhYD-F20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onHldd3Y2J4

 

[OhSnap688]

Conquer Online....it's free

 

[Aikouka]

I used to play WoW on dial-up and it wasn't too bad. Just don't expect to raid . When I was in AV, I had to literally not participate in the main fights because it would just be lag lag lag. So I had fun kiting Horde NPCs all the way from their base to the Alliance base .

 

[irishScott]

I think America's Army can be played over dial-up, but I'm not sure...

http://www.americasarmy.com

Edit: Fixed link

 

[NikolaeVarius]

The Reason that Guild Wars works on Dial Up is that its not really a MMORPG. Its like... a Single player game that happens to have a online lobby.

 

[Xavier434]

We have folks that raid with us on WoW who are on dial up. It isn't exactly the best experience but it works. You will disconnect more often.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: tenshodo13
The Reason that Guild Wars works on Dial Up is that its not really a MMORPG. Its like... a Single player game that happens to have a online lobby.

... i got Guild Wars NightFall set up last night ...
... did people really pay $70 for the collectors edition?
:Q


Hellgate is like GW MP ... i wanted to like Hg:L multi ... but it lagged even on a fast Broadband connection

============================

Originally posted by: Xavier434
We have folks that raid with us on WoW who are on dial up. It isn't exactly the best experience but it works. You will disconnect more often.

But at least i am not on 56K dialup anymore ... disconnects are rare if the signal remains at or over '3 bars'
[i guess you would call it ISDN speeds ... ~228K dialup speeds]

... that IS progress ... maybe i will join you as a WoW addict.

 

[apoppin]

Well, AT&T's wireless network is largely down since yesterday evening
:roll:

so just for the hellofit i decided to try GW Nightfall on 56K ... it takes a while to update and load it but it plays FINE on 56K dialup!! ... i imagine it will be perfect for 228K dialup.
:Q

where the hell have i been?


i have some catching up to do

 

[chizow]

Lots of games will play fine on 56k dial-up as long as you have decent ping times and a stable connection. But bandwidth usually isn't the problem. For MMOs obviously ping times are very important but a reliable connection that isn't constantly dropping you is more important imo. Just can't do much if your connection isn't reliable, especially in the case you're relying on others or others are relying on you in an MMO environment.

Anyways, I've played FFXI without any problems on dial-up when I was on extended travel. It was actually designed for the PS2 and its 56k modem originally so its netcode isn't very bandwidth intensive. I'd try whatever game you're interested in and see how it plays, if it doesn't work out you can always cancel your sub. Nice thing with most MMOs is they have either free trials or a free month with game purchase to see how the game performs without investing too heavily into it.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: chizow
Lots of games will play fine on 56k dial-up as long as you have decent ping times and a stable connection. But bandwidth usually isn't the problem. For MMOs obviously ping times are very important but a reliable connection that isn't constantly dropping you is more important imo. Just can't do much if your connection isn't reliable, especially in the case you're relying on others or others are relying on you in an MMO environment.

Anyways, I've played FFXI without any problems on dial-up when I was on extended travel. It was actually designed for the PS2 and its 56k modem originally so its netcode isn't very bandwidth intensive. I'd try whatever game you're interested in and see how it plays, if it doesn't work out you can always cancel your sub. Nice thing with most MMOs is they have either free trials or a free month with game purchase to see how the game performs without investing too heavily into it.

i wished i had asked about this 8 years ago


i actually tried a few MMO games back then on 56K dialup and the results were awful ... but then i was also changing ISPs like socks. i finally settled on the *best* one in my area a few years ago - which is also the very cheapest - NetZero {"high speed" } for $6.95 a month. It is damn stable and rarely disconnects ... even the ping times are often very low ... shocking low for dial-up. But large D/Ls are excruciatingly PAINFUL.

i *wish* there was some way to parallel my 2 DUN connections ... i know there are modems that will do this with two 56K lines. At any rate, this EDGE network connection opens some doors that were pretty shut before and i can always connect *anywhere* my cellphone gets a signal.

 

[videogames101]

EVE Online

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: apoppin
Well, AT&T's wireless network is largely down since yesterday evening
:roll:

so just for the hellofit i decided to try GW Nightfall on 56K ... it takes a while to update and load it but it plays FINE on 56K dialup!! ... i imagine it will be perfect for 228K dialup.
:Q

where the hell have i been?


i have some catching up to do

Most online games actually don't require a whole lot of bandwidth to play well. They require low latency and a stable connection. Obviously more bandwidth is helpful, particularly for downloading content and the like but for the actual gameplay there usually isn't a lot of data flying around. 228KB should be more then enough, provided it has sufficient upload bandwidth as well.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: chizow
Lots of games will play fine on 56k dial-up as long as you have decent ping times and a stable connection. But bandwidth usually isn't the problem. For MMOs obviously ping times are very important but a reliable connection that isn't constantly dropping you is more important imo. Just can't do much if your connection isn't reliable, especially in the case you're relying on others or others are relying on you in an MMO environment.

Anyways, I've played FFXI without any problems on dial-up when I was on extended travel. It was actually designed for the PS2 and its 56k modem originally so its netcode isn't very bandwidth intensive. I'd try whatever game you're interested in and see how it plays, if it doesn't work out you can always cancel your sub. Nice thing with most MMOs is they have either free trials or a free month with game purchase to see how the game performs without investing too heavily into it.

i wished i had asked about this 8 years ago


i actually tried a few MMO games back then on 56K dialup and the results were awful ... but then i was also changing ISPs like socks. i finally settled on the *best* one in my area a few years ago - which is also the very cheapest - NetZero {"high speed" } for $6.95 a month. It is damn stable and rarely disconnects ... even the ping times are often very low ... shocking low for dial-up. But large D/Ls are excruciatingly PAINFUL.

i *wish* there was some way to parallel my 2 DUN connections ... i know there are modems that will do this with two 56K lines. At any rate, this EDGE network connection opens some doors that were pretty shut before and i can always connect *anywhere* my cellphone gets a signal.

"Shotgun" dialup modems actually wasn't that unusual of a configuration 'back in the day'. I believe there was support for it built right into windows 98 dialup networking. It of course requires that you have two phone lines to your house, and it won't actually improve your ping times or probably connection stability though.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: chizow
Lots of games will play fine on 56k dial-up as long as you have decent ping times and a stable connection. But bandwidth usually isn't the problem. For MMOs obviously ping times are very important but a reliable connection that isn't constantly dropping you is more important imo. Just can't do much if your connection isn't reliable, especially in the case you're relying on others or others are relying on you in an MMO environment.

Anyways, I've played FFXI without any problems on dial-up when I was on extended travel. It was actually designed for the PS2 and its 56k modem originally so its netcode isn't very bandwidth intensive. I'd try whatever game you're interested in and see how it plays, if it doesn't work out you can always cancel your sub. Nice thing with most MMOs is they have either free trials or a free month with game purchase to see how the game performs without investing too heavily into it.

i wished i had asked about this 8 years ago


i actually tried a few MMO games back then on 56K dialup and the results were awful ... but then i was also changing ISPs like socks. i finally settled on the *best* one in my area a few years ago - which is also the very cheapest - NetZero {"high speed" } for $6.95 a month. It is damn stable and rarely disconnects ... even the ping times are often very low ... shocking low for dial-up. But large D/Ls are excruciatingly PAINFUL.

i *wish* there was some way to parallel my 2 DUN connections ... i know there are modems that will do this with two 56K lines. At any rate, this EDGE network connection opens some doors that were pretty shut before and i can always connect *anywhere* my cellphone gets a signal.

"Shotgun" dialup modems actually wasn't that unusual of a configuration 'back in the day'. I believe there was support for it built right into windows 98 dialup networking. It of course requires that you have two phone lines to your house, and it won't actually improve your ping times or probably connection stability though.

of course i remember that ... it would almost double your surfing and D/L speeds at the expense of ping and instability ... not to mention the cost of another phone line and also *tying* it up.
--i would of course like to use that 'additional 56k' .. to add to the speeds i am getting ... but that support is nonexistent. As it is, i just forward my cell phones' calls to my now *completely free* landline ... i like it

now if AT&T would only get their data stream back up ... it was out network-wide for a good portion of today and still out in many places in SoCal ... so i'm back on 56k [tonight]

thanks for all the replies .. now i have a LOT of choice
:thumbsup:

 

[Throckmorton]

I don't think AT&T's user agreement lets you play games. Can you get EVDO?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
I don't think AT&T's user agreement lets you play games. Can you get EVDO?

Why not?


What does "unlimited" mean?
-i didn't see anything about D/Ling pron either
---this isn't a "work computer" belonging to someone else ... it's my rig and my unlimited data plan

and ... no ... eventually th ey will change it over to 3G ... best of all, i am "locked in" to $40 a month on a 'grandfather clause'
[like my 1000 anytime minutes for $39.99 ... they'd LOVE for me to change anything]

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
I don't think AT&T's user agreement lets you play games. Can you get EVDO?

Why not?


What does "unlimited" mean?
-i didn't see anything about D/Ling pron either

this isn't a "work computer" belonging to someone else

I saw that on the agreement for 3G. It specifically prohibits playing games.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
I don't think AT&T's user agreement lets you play games. Can you get EVDO?

Why not?


What does "unlimited" mean?
-i didn't see anything about D/Ling pron either

this isn't a "work computer" belonging to someone else

I saw that on the agreement for 3G. It specifically prohibits playing games.

strangely ... i didn't get any ToS
... they set me up with a 'weird' - but cheap - data 'tether' plan. it is unlimited.

You will find it *nowhere* unless you are an AT&T manager
i used to get nervous every time i called because no one was familiar with it; since then they went over it to see if they could disqualify me somehow ... no luck ... it's a keeper ... the other plans start at $60 a month

as to EVDO, it just isn't available in my area ... i have to wait for 3G
... probably a couple of years ... cable may get here first ... but then i am probably getting a notebook and will keep the data plan anyway.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
I don't think AT&T's user agreement lets you play games. Can you get EVDO?

Why not?


What does "unlimited" mean?
-i didn't see anything about D/Ling pron either

this isn't a "work computer" belonging to someone else

I saw that on the agreement for 3G. It specifically prohibits playing games.

this is the best i could find:

http://www.wireless.att.com/bu...ect-comp-table.jsp#pda

where?



i also told them what i wanted it for

here you go ... the ToS i never 'signed'

Prohibited and Permissible Uses: Except as may otherwise be specifically permitted or
prohibited for select data plans, data sessions may be conducted only for the following purposes:
(i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets,
email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales
force, and field service automation). The Data Plans and Features MAY NOT be used for any
other purpose. While most common uses for Intranet browsing, email and intranet access
are permitted by your data plan, there are certain uses that cause extreme network
capacity issues and interference with the network and are therefore prohibited. Examples
of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) server devices or host
computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts,
automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P)
file sharing; (ii) as a substitute or backup for private lines, landlines or full-time or
dedicated data connections; (iii) "auto-responders," "cancel-bots," or similar automated or
manual routines which generate excessive amounts of net traffic, or which disrupt net
user groups or email use by others; (iv) "spam" or unsolicited commercial or bulk email
(or activities that have the effect of facilitating unsolicited commercial email or unsolicited
bulk email); (v) any activity that adversely affects the ability of other people or systems to
use either AT&T?s wireless services or other parties' Internet-based resources, including
"denial of service" (DoS) attacks against another network host or individual user; (vi)
accessing, or attempting to access without authority, the accounts of others, or to
penetrate, or attempt to penetrate, security measures of AT&T?s wireless network or
another entity's network or systems; (vii) voice over IP; or (viii) software or other devices
that maintain continuous active Internet connections when a computer's connection would
otherwise be idle or any "keep alive" functions, unless they adhere to AT&T?s data retry
requirements, which may be changed from time to time. This means, by way of example
only, that checking email, surfing the Internet, downloading legally acquired songs, and/or
visiting corporate intranets is permitted, but downloading movies using P2P file sharing
services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, web
broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited. Furthermore, plans(unless specifically
designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device
(through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/PDA-to
computer accessories, Bluetooth® or any other wireless technology) to Personal
Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose.
Accordingly, AT&T reserves the right to (i) limit throughput or amount of data transferred and/or
deny, disconnect, modify and/or terminate Service, without notice, to anyone it believes is using
the Service in any manner prohibited or whose usage adversely impacts its wireless network or
service levels or hinders access to its wireless network, including without limitation, after a
significant period of inactivity or after sessions of excessive usage and (ii) otherwise protect its
wireless network from harm, compromised capacity or degradation in performance, which may
impact legitimate data flows. You may not send solicitations to AT&T?s wireless subscribers
without their consent. You may not use the Services other than as intended by AT&T and
applicable law. Plans are for individual, non-commercial use only and are not for resale. ...

i don't see "games" ... but then i am getting dizzy reading this ... and in case you mention it ... my plan is not subject to the "5GB limit" ... i asked already


they don't want you sucking up all their bandwidth ... coincidently .. after i finally connected this weekend their entire AT&T USA data network went down ... and it still isn't back up in my area
:Q

it IS coincidence

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: chizow
Lots of games will play fine on 56k dial-up as long as you have decent ping times and a stable connection. But bandwidth usually isn't the problem. For MMOs obviously ping times are very important but a reliable connection that isn't constantly dropping you is more important imo. Just can't do much if your connection isn't reliable, especially in the case you're relying on others or others are relying on you in an MMO environment.

Anyways, I've played FFXI without any problems on dial-up when I was on extended travel. It was actually designed for the PS2 and its 56k modem originally so its netcode isn't very bandwidth intensive. I'd try whatever game you're interested in and see how it plays, if it doesn't work out you can always cancel your sub. Nice thing with most MMOs is they have either free trials or a free month with game purchase to see how the game performs without investing too heavily into it.

IIRC, FFXI bandwidth is capped at 56k.

 

[apoppin]

OK ... so my Data Stream is still down from AT&T ... 2 days now

so i called them up ... besides crediting my account $20 for my "inconvenience" [damn i love AT&T wireless :heart:] i learned that AT&T doesn't want you to *host* games
-you can play them
-just no bandwidth hogs ... no P2P ... no D/L'ing movie after movie

thanks for all your replies