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First Impressions: there's a lot to take in - especially if you've never played a MMORPG before, but having said that it doesn't take long to learn the basics.

After installing and patching the game - a task that can take hours, depending on how busy the patch server is, you choose a starting world and commence character creation. With ten races to choose from (some not immediately available) and each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, plus four basic classes (fighter, healer, mage, rogue), which can be customized at later levels, there's a good selection of options available. You are not limited to one character, either; there are five character slots per account. Once character creation is complete you choose a starting Safehold (a non-player city, where all low level characters reside), and you're on your way!

The interface is mainly mouse-driven, with numerous keyboard functions to support it. Initially, the sheer volume of functions and commands may seem overwhelming, but you can get by on a few basics until you feel confident enough to take on more. There are more windows in Shadowbane than you can shake a stick at; even mousing over buttons and items will call up a window with a detailed description. Not only do they take up a fair amount of screen space, but they can also be distracting. Fortunately, the interface is fully customizable, and you can select placement, transparency and number of windows on screen. Likewise the tutorial, which opens a… you guessed it: window every time something new is encountered (often at the most inopportune moments) can be turned off, or called up when you are able to peruse it at your leisure. Should you require further information beyond the tutorial and manual, the game is supported by a comprehensive and well maintained website: http://shadowbane.en-tranz.com/. Announcements, FAQs, forums and far more can be found here.

When your character gains a level you can tailor it further by seeking out a trainer, which enables you to allocate practice points to the skills and powers available to you. Everything the green adventurer might require is conveniently close at hand: vendors and trainers can be found in each Safehold, as well as areas of low level monsters where new characters can earn their stripes for very little effort. The Runemaster is a goldmine of helpful info, warning where the tougher monsters can be found, and reciting local history for those who are interested. Once your character has gained a few levels and purchased some necessities, they can venture further out from their starting town with increased confidence. At 10^th level (rank 1) you can refine your character further by choosing a profession and acquiring up to three disciplines.

The XP award system is well balanced; as your character's level increases they must defeat increasingly tougher opponents in order to receive decent XP awards. Leveling up for new characters is encouragingly swift, and you won't have to clobber thousands of monsters to reach a respectable level.

Combat is straightforward and simplistic; with an automatic timer system ensuring those with slower Internet connections are not disadvantaged. Weaker monsters do not attack on sight, which, although not very realistic is very handy for newbies who may be struggling to digest a flood of new information.

Your character requires neither food nor sleep, but lost health and stamina are regained more quickly by resting. Of course, while at rest your character becomes more vulnerable to attack…