The MMORPGs of 2005, Part One

MMORPGDot is offering up a new feature in which they take a look at the massively multiplayer RPGs that are slated for release in 2005. The first installment includes profiles for such titles as Dungeons & Dragons Online, Guild Wars, The Matrix Online, Middle-Earth Online, and more. A snip about D&D Online:

People have always been asking for more battles against an evil dragon in a dark dungeon; they’re now given the best known incarnation of this fantasy theme: Dungeons & Dragons, a 30 years old pen-and-paper game. The action will take place in the world of Eberron, the latest campaign setting of WoTC. The fact that D&D Online is based on the 3.5 set rules edition will, without a doubt, attract a lot of players who were bewitched by some dozens of RPGs using it, giving D&DO a familiar look and feel. Will Turbine prove itself able to bypass that fact to make D&DO a great game on its own? You’ll soon be able to discover if they succeed as Turbine opens up beta signups in the next weeks.