Reply #6: $15 a month is standard for MMORPGs. [View All]

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

It's not an unreasonable price if you plan to get lots of enjoyment out of it. What these games usually do is, they let you play the first month for free after you set up your account, so you don't waste any money beyond the retail fee for the software. Star Wars Galaxies is one of the crappier games out there at the moment, though.

Many online games (not including SWG, apparently!) will also allow you to pay without using a credit card. You buy a "Time Card" off the shelf at your local EB, Circuit City, or wherever. Access your account information on the game's web page, and type in the alphanumeric code on the card to renew your account for another 2 months, just like putting more minutes on a cell phone. It's completely secure, and costs about the same as you'd pay for those 2 months on your credit card. Just don't forget to buy new cards when your account is about to expire; even if it doesn't get cancelled, you'll be locked out of the game until you make another payment. Another downside is, if you're not paying credit, you have to buy at least one time card to set up your account, so the 1-month trial I mentioned above becomes three months for the price of two.

Like TimeChaser said, try World of Warcraft instead. Or if your son is new to the world of MMOs, City of Heroes or maybe Everquest 2 might present an easier learning curve. Guild Wars doesn't even charge a subscription fee, though I don't know how good it is.