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The world outside Warcraft

8 million people play World of Warcraft and like the national debt, the figure is going up every day. With the huge popularity the genre is now receiving it's easy to think that the monthly subscription fee to Warcraft is the be all and end all of online RPGs. But really, Warcraft just scratches the surface of a much bigger iceberg. Read on and we'll show you a few different worlds you can happily inhabit for a virtual lifetime.

Anarchy Online - PC

Don't let the name fool you. Rather than running amok in city centres, throwing shopping trolleys through the window of Primark (although that does hold a certain appeal); this futuristic sci-fi adventure takes its lead from the likes of Blade Runner. It depicts a quite mature, dark vision of the future. But you do get to own your own spaceship - once you've earned enough in game money, naturally. Tough on beginners but extremely rewarding as the game progresses.

Star Wars Galaxies - PC

Does exactly what it says on the tin. This epic game from Sony emulates the Star Wars Universe down to every last detail. It's a tricky interface that takes some getting used to, but once mastered the world really is a massive Stars Wars theme park to explore. Take to the stars and engage in mammoth space battles, train to be a Jedi, become a bounty hunter or just chill and have a few beers in the cantina on Tatooine. Use the Force and decide for yourself!

ArchLord - PC

If you ever feel that you really are a cut above the rest then ArchLord may be just the game for you. Published by Codemasters, a company better known for the likes of Colin McRea Rally and army shooter Operation Flashpoint, comes a game based in a familiar fantasy setting of Orcs, swords and sorcery. The punchline with this title is that one player alone gets the chance to rule the entire world. How cool is that? But the best bit is that since the initial launch late last year the lovely boys and girls at Codies have decided to slash all playing costs and make the game absolutely free to play! Egotists on a budget should look no further.

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - PC

The newest kid on the online RPG block, Vanguard once again treads the well worn footsteps of the fantasy RPG. It's a little close to World of Warcraft if you ask us, especially with the flying mounts element and the overall fantasy setting. But it also has a larger dollop of realism mixed in through the ability to apparently own property and vehicles in addition to getting involved in gameworld politics. It all sounds quite grown-up if you ask us.

Phantasy Star Universe

The only online RPG to make the list that isn't PC-based, this arcade-like title comes live and direct from the Xbox 360 - similar to a PC, except it just doesn't crash as often. Create a squad of up to six players to explore the universe and conquer multiple quests. Choose from over 200 weapon variations in over 20 weapon categories for melee, technique, or ranged-type combat. Search for lots of rare items, level up and to a degree at least, develop your character. The game is a little like an RPG-lite and offers a great introduction to some of the fundamentals of the role playing genre, without having to invest too much time.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Xbox 360, PC, PS3

Ok, so we're cheating a bit with this one as this game is a solely offline experience. But if any of you wannabe RPGers want to feel what its like to play an online equivalent then you can't go far wrong with this superb game. It's quite simply the best console RPG ever made - with a level of detail, gorgeous visual flair and feeling of complete freedom that leaves so many other games standing in awe.

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