Fantastic. Seriously, fantastic. The world created is deep, but not complicated. A few minutes on the wiki (and actually paying attention during chargen) will give you all the info you need to get started. The entire codebase is cultivated to encourage solid roleplay, with character advancement (in the form of 'RolePlay Points') based entirely upon the depth and breadth of emotes, thoughts, and in-character action. Death is meaningful, and in some cases, permanent, attaching value to characters where in other MUDs death is cheap. It is entirely possible to create a non-combatant and have them succeed in this game. It is also entirely possible to create and train a great warrior in this game. The crafting system is layered, but easy to grasp, and the economics are player-driven, with NPC support. All of this combines to create a powerful roleplay environment, and an entertaining game for solo 'grinders'. The cons? For the moment, there is a lack of players. From what I've gathered, the admin and certain players had a spat at some point, and the fallout sent a lot of people packing. That's too bad. However, the few who remain are still friendly and dedicated to bringing the game back. Looking at it, especially in comparison with some of the other MUDs at the top of the list: they deserve to be up there. There are a minimum of bugs, easily fixed (I had one fixed with the help of a builder inside of fifteen minutes), and none game-breaking. All in all, a solid code-base that's just itching for a solid player-base.

Well, when I first started playing Dark Isles, as with most new muds it was a bit confusing getting the mythos worked out. Once I did I pretty much enjoyed myself there. Unfortunately, something has happened at the staff level and the game has suffered GREATLY for it. Several of the veteran players (who played prominent characters in the game) are no longer there and there are actually very very few players overall anymore. Not to mention that even though the staff that left have been replaced. There is RARELY a staff member on, so good luck if you have any questions or need staff help with anything (such as setting your short/long desc during creation). Dark Isles used to be a very interesting game with plots (both staff-run, player run, stuff that just came up through RP etc) running rampant. Now when I do log in I'm usually the only one logged on with really nothing to do. If you are considering this one I would really consider looking elsewhere as currently (late Jan 2011) there is absolutely nothing going on in-game and rarely, if ever, anyone to RP with.

What in the world is the staff turning this game into? I remember a time where it was a fun place to hang out but now everything has gone completely mad. Ideas that I had were denied until they banned me, then immediately on their forums they needed people to play said ideas. Mostly, that irritates me because they can't seem to be adult about anything but that is understandable coming from a Mud Staff. That is usually 90% of the Administration at any Mud. TO be honest, anyone wanting to play... I would suggest you take a look at their forums, http://www.dark-isles.com/forums/ , before getting started. You will notice that they have turned the mud into a taxed militant whatever you want to call it. There are taxes for everything, everywhere. The mud that I once new it as, was terrific... well... until they banned me for not wanting to be their puppet. Yes, this staff is particularly bad about doing that. I have seen it on several occasions. From turning a player into a creature that is hunted (without players permission) to placing a plague on ALL players. Now keep in mind, they will say the plague wasn't life threatening, but the plague was designed so that players lose health to the point that a small rabbit could kill you. Lost stats, health, and they make you suffer it for 2 months. Then staff wants to bitch at you because 'you' personally were fed up with the Roleplay and stopped playing. Furthermore, I again would strongly suggest taking a look at their forums, http://www.dark-isles.com/forums/ , before doing anything on the mud. You will be penalized strictly by staff if you fail to look at the forums and then accidentally do something they don't like... like kicking in a fight for instance.

I have only been playing at Dark Isles for a little over a month, but I can say without a doubt that it already has secured its place as my favorite place to mud. I have played at numerous muds in the past of varying styles. Dark Isles is one that for me as a roleplayer has it all. First off, Dark Isles has been a great roleplaying experience for me. The mud actually does mean roleplay enforced and the world and rp styles reflect the time period and setting of the mud quite well. Everything melds and flows and blends so seamlessly. You don't, as I have seen in some other roleplay enforced muds, have taco huts or burger stands sitting around in a medieval world. Players can be anything from gatherers to crafters with so many roles available for the players to fill in the world. It offers a great chance to be able to try and play a wide range of roles. This is greatly helped by the classless system the game uses. Players gain rpp points through roleplay which then can be used to purchase skills, alternate characters or increase ones stats. I think this creates a much more realistic environment and allows characters to develop and change as time goes on. The great thing is if you ever grow tired of rping or a little weary, you can go out and do other things for a while. You can journey into the wilds and hunt game, or fight demons that plague the forests. You can become a farmer, gather from the lands, be a lumberjack (and it's okay) or even be a crafter and craft items for other players to use or sell. Perhaps it is a small thing, but it means so much to me. The emoting system on Dark Isles is the best I have encountered. It seamlessly integrates targeting multiple people and items as well as incorporating languages into the emotes. I have never found such a good emoting system before and I have fallen in love with it and do not wish to ever mud without it again. And perhaps the biggest thing that stands out to me about Dark Isles is the staff. I can not stress how great the staff on the game is. So many other muds I have played on have been plagued by staff troubles that in the end have ruined the game for some. Here, I have yet to meet a staff member who hasn't been friendly and helpful. They are so great about answering questions or responding to players needs. Not only that, but they are constantly doing things. In the month I have been here I have seen small code updates administered every few days with the game's code evolving and growing. It is wonderful. And I have seen numerous small rp plots ranging from the serious to the somewhat silly (but not out of era and not out of place in the mud) that have been a pleasure to be a part of. I truly think that this is one of the better muds out there. If you are looking for a fantastic RP environment with one a superb staff, you should definitely give Dark Isles a chance.