Gaming might very well be the best form of entertainment to cross over culture barriers without losing too much in the process. Unfortunately for us, MMORPGs exemplify what each culture loves and hates in its games. Whereas titles like World of Warcraft weave a detailed storyline with the actions of your own character, Rising Force Online is an exercise in power leveling and repetition.

Although RF Online is no less in-depth than most of the titles already on the market, it seems like an MMO designed for those who enjoy spending long hours in a cyber-café (which don't really exist in the United States). Although leveling up and non-stop questing for "loot" is the norm, the sheer monotony in RF is ridiculous. As such, it is not the best-suited title out there for an American audience (or for anyone who must work 10 to 12 hours a day). Whereas titles like Star Wars: Galaxies and Guild Wars encourage you to choose a profession and join a guild for social interaction, RF Online is practically the antithesis. Much of your time will be spent solo questing or mining for ore without speaking to anyone. In this respect, Rising Force can be a very personal and almost anti-social experience. Hardly the sort of thing you would expect from an MMORPG.