The story of MMO-oldtimer Ryzom can be quite depressing and the game has seen its fair share of rough times and an untimely cancellation. But under a new management the game actually seems to be getting back on its feet and currently you are able to sign up for an account and play for free. You will have to pay sooner or later, but right now you can at least try out the game before you have to open up your wallet.
Personally I am downloading as I write and I'm very much looking forward to checking Ryzom out again. It was actually one of the first MMOs I tried out, but back then I had the patience of a five-year-old high on sugar and never really got into it. These days I got the patience of a 27-year-old high on caffeine, so hopefully I'll actually be able to get somewhere this time around.
With Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning on the horizon, my Vanguard-guild wondering where I went, Caldari para-militaries asking to get blown into tiny pieces in EVE and Wrath of the Lich King rumored to be released in or around November this year, I am not really sure when I will be able to find the time to try out a new MMO. But I have been hoping for Ryzom to return from the dead for a long time now, so I wasn't able to stay away...
If you want to give Ryzom a try, head over to the official webpage to sign up and download the client. Registration is closed now and again in order to keep the population in check, so if you are unable to create an account just wait for a bit before trying again.