Managerial games

Developed by Plarium, Sparta: War of Empires offers enjoyable albeit rather typical browser game entertainment, which is a mixture of strategy and war, with a few characteristics that set it apart from its brethren.

In addition to the usual game processes and progression, Sparta: WOE gives you the added option of enlisting help from King Leonidas and his Spartan army, using a combination of strategy and diplomacy.

Graphically, the game is very well presented: the artworks are rather inspired and the environment and design of the buildings work well.
Finally, the fully voiced dialogues and immersive soundtrack add more points to the atmosphere.

Sparta: War of Empires is good title – even if ultimately it does not offer anything special, the setting in historical Greece brings a little novelty of its own, and all the traditional aspects of a browser game are implemented in a convincing manner.

➔ Main points:

• Classical war browser game set in ancient Greece.
• Continuous updates from the developers and special events.
• All the traditional elements of browser-based games are implemented in a thoughtful manner: dialogues are fully voiced and artworks extremely well made.
• Purists of the genre will love this, although it may disappoint people looking for something new.

Stormfall: Age of War is a browser-based MMO strategy game by developer Plarium.
In the game you must create and upgrade your castle, while also building an army to pillage the castles of other players and defend yourself from their attacks.

While the combat mechanics of Stormfall are not particularly interesting, there is enough to do in this well-crafted game to make up for it.
Between the endless buildings, units and skills to construct and upgrade within your castle, and the different kinds of conquests to plan and execute outside it, the game can almost feel too busy for a beginner.

However, this also ensures that you won’t get bored of Stormfall too quickly – there’s almost always something new to learn.

➔ Main points:

• Classical fantasy browser game by Plarium
• You'll have the chance to meet Oberon, the sarcastic, world-weary soldier who will guide you through the quests while poking fun at you, other non-playable characters and even the game itself
• Lots of things to do, even for beginners: events, daily missions, pillages (both PvE and PvP)
• Recommended for people looking for a game to play for more than a couple of minutes per day.

Throne: Kingdom at War is a Browser game, released by Plarium in August 2016. While it does have its little quirks that can serve to be an annoyance to some, its overall gameplay, visuals, and gaming structure make it yet another incredible addition to the avid gamer’s collection. With new players continuing to join every day, it is a game that is well worth checking out, with some heavy addiction warnings in place (coming from personal experience).

➔ Main points:

• Free Browser Game set in a medieval fantasy realm
• Build your own kingdom and watch it come to life
• Assemble an unstoppable army and take other kingdoms by force
• Building takes time (or just some money instead)
• Join an Order and have allies watching your back

Travian is a 2D browser-based military strategy game that was released in 2004 to critical acclaim. For strategy enthusiasts, the game features resource management and empire building in the early game which supplements its mid-game combat and PVP expansion gameplay.

The hero system is a unique feature that allows players to explore an alternate RPG progression, by embarking their heroes on quests and missions to gain powerful equipment which will aid in attacking and defending villages.

While Travian isn't a perfect game it is a staple title that offers hours of addictive fun to players seeking a strategic browser-based masterpiece.

➔ Main points:

• Large player population that makes the game competitive today
• Fun and strategic empire building
• Excellent user interface for a browser game
• Unique hero system to complement kingdom management
• Will keep you addicted daily

Vast Wars is a text-based browser game based on crime and criminal gangs. The objective of the game is to build your town into a criminal empire and train your crime lord to become a powerful leader through various activities such as gym training and sabotage.

The game features plenty of tasks and missions that are time-based to complete, offering rewards, experience and cash for you to advance your character. The game has a lot of players from different countries, and takes into consideration which country you play from which can lead to balance issues.

While the graphics are dated and the gameplay can feel repetitive, Vast Wars is still a decent crime browser game that is easy to learn and can offer small bursts of fun for those looking for a game to sink time into.

➔ Main points:

• Text-based crime browser game that is easy to learn and play
• Offers good fun in short bursts
• Good use of real images
• Large player base and big community

A browser-based strategy, city-building game, Elvenar allows you to play as either humans, or elves, while taking control of your civilization's economy and army.
The game starts off with a Town Hall, but as with other city building games, the settlement can be expanded, constructing roads and buildings in the process.

Elvenar doesn't require a player to over-commit to the game, and you can 'come and go' as often as you like through the day and manage your city step by step. To make things easy, there is no PvP mode in the game, so players don't get attacked every now and then, and don't have to log on and play to defend the city.

The absence of a PvP mode in Elvenar is made up for by a truly engaging PvE experience where you can fight battles which aren't fully automated like in many other similar, yet boring games.
The combat is turn based where you have to use a lethal strategy to beat your opponent using an army of fighters with varying skills and abilities.

➔ Main points:

• Pacific strategy browser-game.
• Co-existence of humans and mythical creatures.
• Economy is key to building an army.
• Different types of buildings and unique soldiers introduced.
• No PvP mode, but innovative PvE with turn-based combat system.

Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming is the officially licensed Game of Thrones browser game featuring many places and characters so loved by the TV series fans.

The game is authentic, fun, and quite a challenge.
Kingdom building is what you'll be doing the most, but there are also some very welcomed and interesting gameplay elements like real-time 3D battles (in the style of an MMORTS game).

The graphics are phenomenal and the soundtrack is on par with the amazing one of the TV show.
While it is very unforgiving to solo players, the game shines in group play with its stellar Alliance System that promotes teamwork to reach the end-game and rule the Iron Throne.

Overall, this is a solid free-to-play browser game that every fan of the TV show should at least try.

➔ Main points:

• Free to play browser-based strategy game with RPG and real-time strategy elements
• Authentic Game of Thrones experience thanks to the official license
• Clever diversity in gameplay
• Heavy social aspects with good alliance system
• Very unfriendly to solo players
• Amazing graphics, soundtrack and technical realization.

Left To Survive is a free-to-play third-person shooter that incorporates fresh and unique arcade style shooting mechanics with a secondary game mode that involves base management, set in a zombie-filled post-apocalyptic world.

Players will play through a story-driven PvE campaign that contains many different levels where your marksmanship with various weaponry will be put to the test.
Gathering resources and building up your base are the key progression methods, as you need stronger guns and armour to tackle more difficult missions. Other game contents like PvP battles are offered in addition to customization of your character.

While free to play, the cash shop can be obtrusive but overall it's a fun game that offers a nostalgia trip especially due to the arcade feels.

➔ Main points:

• Free to play arcade style shooter
• Base management sim included
• Good graphics and sound design
• Action-packed and fast-paced

State of Survival is an immersive, zombie-themed survival strategy game for PC and mobile devices.
The game combines real-time strategy, role-playing, base-building and tower defense elements, providing a rich gameplay experience.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must band together in settlements and defend them against hordes of zombies and other players.

Combat happens in real time in full tower-defense style, combining RPG and strategy elements. While you're not fighting, you'll spend your time upgrading your settlement, training your troops, recruiting your heroes and coordinating with your alliance to rule this harsh, zombie-infested world.

Another notable aspect of the game is the rich storyline, which unfolds through a series of quests and missions. Players can explore different regions, uncover hidden secrets, and interact with various characters as they progress through the game. The narrative adds a sense of purpose and direction to the game, and helps players stay engaged and invested in their settlements and characters.

Overall, State of Survival is a compelling and addictive game that offers a unique and satisfying experience for players who enjoy strategy, RPG, and survival games.
With its pleasant visuals, engaging gameplay, and rich narrative, it's easy to see why the game has become so popular among PC gamers.

➔ Main points:

• A unique blend of RPG, strategy, tower-defense and survival elements.
• Convincing post-apocalyptic atmosphere thanks to a rich storyline and pleasant graphics.
• Focus on teamplay: join or create an alliance to maximize your survival possibilities and rule the world.
• Available for both PC and mobile devices.

Stormshot: Skull Isle Odyssey is a casual free-to-play game from FunPlus Entertainment (a company you might already know for other games like State of Survival or King of Avalon).

It is set in a world of pirates, hidden treasures, monsters and beautiful beaches, recreated with convincing graphics and dialogues... don't get us wrong: we're still talking about a casual game for PC and mobile devices, so don't expect the immersive experience of a full-featured MMORPG, but for the intended use of this game (killing some time during the lunch break, for example), the technical and story-telling aspects were quite enjoyable.

Regarding the gameplay, Stormshot is basically two-games-in-one: there will be the physics-based strategic shooting puzzles, and the city-building aspect.

The puzzles are the most enjoyable part: they are made in the style of Angry Birds, the iconic game that kinda invented this genre many years ago. There are hundreds of levels, very different one from another, very coloured, fun and sometimes humorous, granting a unique and fun experience every single time.
The city-building aspect is what we already know so well: gather resources, wait, build stuff, wait, wait more time, upgrade stuff, and so on... While many people do love this kind of dynamics, we felt it wasn't really necessary in a game like this, and we would have preferred to just have the excellent puzzles without being forced to play all the rest.