The name of this text-based game is "Lords," but it smacks more of American democracy than medieval feudalism. Not long after a new player logs on, the polite campaign messages start rolling in.
Online Game with a Focus on Society
Each player can choose a "sovereign" and try to recruit as many "vassals" as they want. The relationship is mutually beneficial, and the best players at recruiting a constituency of vassals are often the top placers in the game. This encourages serious players to do a lot of virtual knocking on doors and baby kissing - just like real-life politicians.
This feature is just one of many aspects of the game that make it particularly social and newbie-friendly. There is also the option to create groups with factions, create trade routes with other players and send gifts to curry favor (and block any attacks for a day - effectively allowing players to "kill with kindness.") But most notably, the game resets every player after about three months of gameplay, preventing the overpowered, godlike players that can be so discouraging to those just starting.
