War games

What We Liked..

Modern military setting

Great dialogue

Graphically good

.. and what we didn't

The usual mechanics

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: managerial, strategy, war

Setting: present, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP


Soldiers Inc is a free-to-play strategic management game set in the near future, in a land where there is an ongoing war for control of resources.
In between the quests that we will be assigned, we will turn our little camp into a base of operations in all respects, with reservoirs, troops, vehicles, and ammunition.

The Plarium title simply brings the formula that has already been proven in many medieval strategic games into a futuristic world, where battles are fought with guns instead of hand-to-hand.
Graphically, the game holds its own, presenting detailed scenarios with dozens of animations that make each scene believable.

Soldiers Inc is a well-done strategy game: fun, but as often happens, it doesn't offer anything new to the genre.
Of course, it offers a new setting; it's up to you to decide if that is enough.

➔ Main points:

  • - Futuristic war\strategy browser game
  • - Join the great war for predominance on oil rigs and other resources
  • - War has never been funnier: Plarium's humoristic approach pervades every aspect of the gameplay, thanks to the fully-voiced dialogues and grotesque quest characters.

What We Liked..

New universe based in ancient Greece

Available directly via Facebook

.. and what we didn't

Pretty similar to games of the same genre

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5


Watch the trailer:

Genre: managerial, strategy, war

Setting: historical, city

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP


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.

What We Liked..

Great graphics

Fun gameplay

Good progression System

.. and what we didn't

Uninspired PvE

Heavy reliance on grinding

Steep learning curve

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: action, shooter, war

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Star Conflict is an MMO set in space. The player customizes and controls his very own fleet. Take command and complete various PvE missions, alone or with a group. Then pit one of more than a hundred different ships against one another in the game’s stellar PvP battles.

Enjoy a deep meta game. Send your ships out to autonomously gather credits and earn influence for your chosen faction. Complete increasingly difficult challenges and claim your spot on the leaderboards. Whatever it is that you like in a video game chances are you will find a sliver of it in Star Conflict.

The true wonder is that Gaijin’s game does all of this while still being one of the prettiest free to play games to date. If you like space, or video games in general, I recommend giving Star Conflict a go. I’m sure you can find something you love in this diverse a game.

➔ Main points:

  • 2013 MMO Shooter with great PvP action
  • Fair business model
  • Intense Combat.
  • Great looking graphics, and awesome progression trees.

What We Liked..

Realistic strategic warfare

Long-term game

Rewarding social aspects

.. and what we didn't

Unattractive graphics

Very slow progression

No sounds and music

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: fantasy, historical, city

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


Thirty Kingdoms by Bytro Labs is a free to play empire building strategy game for web browsers. As the ruler of your kingdom, the gameplay will have you look after your provinces by managing your resources, building new structures from well fleshed out tech trees, and players will need to expand by taking over hostile territories. To do that, players can build up an army of various units and send them away in real time to do battle, and the outcome is decided by multiple realistic factors such as army morale and terrain.

The most interesting thing about Thirty Kingdoms is its level of realism, and actions such as moving armies and building structures will take a long time to complete. Game progression will be slow which means that not everyone will enjoy it. However, the game does provide multiple socializing options that allows for diplomatic and cunning styles of play.

Thirty Kingdoms is a good immersive kingdom building game that offers hours of fun that lasts for prolonged periods of time. While the graphics are minimal and there are no in-game sounds, players who enjoy strategy games without the hassle of additional downloads or slow internet will definitely find something to like in Thirty Kingdoms.

➔ Main points:

  • Long-term empire building that feels realistic
  • Immersive and strategic gameplay
  • Fantastic socializing options that helps diplomatic gameplay
  • Good variety of buildings and army units to build
  • Minimal requirements for a browser-based game

What We Liked..

Deep immersive gameplay

Amazing visual graphics

Cooperative gameplay through Orders

.. and what we didn't

Serious advancement costs time/money

Battery life on mobile devices

On-screen extras can get overwhelming

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5


Watch the trailer:

Genre: managerial, mmorpg, strategy, war

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP


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

What We Liked..

Low requirements

Short battles ideal for playing a few quick games

Around 50 units to choose from for each faction

gives players lots of options

Great fun for casual players

.. and what we didn't

Recycled assets and forgettable music

Long endgame grind

Balancing and cash shop issues

Slow matchmaking

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war, MOBA

Setting: historical

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


After being in closed alpha for several years, Total War: Arena has finally opened up to the public. A collaboration between The Creative Assembly and Wargaming, Total War: Arena is based on the famed franchise of the same name but with a twist.

Instead of focusing on a single-player campaign, the game focuses entirely on player versus player combat, with massive 10 versus 10 battles taking place with thousands of units on the field at once.

The Total War series has always had issues with PVP game modes, specifically balance, or lack thereof, and although Total War: Arena is an entirely PVP game, these issues have not been fixed. Be prepared for lengthy queue times and bad matchmaking a lot in higher tiers in particular.

The game's cash shop is relatively mild. Players can have plenty of fun in the lower and mid tiers, however, in the higher tiers, players who spend money will have a significant advantage, and players who don't will be at a significant disadvantage. Balance wise, premium units aren't a big deal compared to non-premium units, but they do offer up increased XP and silver gains. The endgame is almost completely inaccessible to non-spending players, and it is nigh-impossible to reach and stay in the highest tiers unless you spend money in this game.

Total War: Arena is a flawed game with a pretty harsh ceiling for F2P players, but offers up a lot of fun for fans of the genre.

➔ Main points:

  • Downloadable F2P MMO real-time tactics strategy game with MOBA elements inspired by the Total War series
  • 10 versus 10 PVP battles with a 15-minute time limit
  • 4 different factions each with several leaders and dozens of units
  • Unbalanced matchmaking at higher tiers
  • Very long endgame grind - hard ceiling for non-paying players

What We Liked..

Unique hero system

Large player base

Neat UI

.. and what we didn't

Steep learning curve

Graphics

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: managerial, strategy, war

Setting: historical, city

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


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

What We Liked..

Easy To Learn

.. and what we didn't

Can become repetitive

Dated graphics

Unbalanced

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: managerial, war

Setting: present, city

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


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

What We Liked..

Fast matchmaking

In-depth level and gear progressions for long term gameplay

Loads of maps and game mode variety for PvE and PvP

Decent balancing

.. and what we didn't

Occasional cheating and hacking

Real money transactions offer very good permanent benefits

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: action, shooter, war

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvE PvP all vs all


Warface is a free to play MMOFPS that's developed by the same studio responsible for popular game franchises such as Far Cry and Crisis. In Warface, the gameplay revolves around the game's four unique classes, which introduces interesting gameplay mechanics including special movement and most importantly team work through dynamic class skills in order to dominate matches.

The game has a plethora of PvE Co-op missions and PvP modes and maps which is great for replayability. This also helps Warface's deep progression systems, as players require experience and currency gains in order to unlock classes, weapons and gear to perform better in matches.

Boosts and permanent weapon unlocks are available in the cash shop which may turn off players, but Warface still offers a ton of fun for casual FPS enthusiasts who enjoys modern day graphics and gameplay in their shooters.

➔ Main points:

  • Four unique classes that caters to different playstyles
  • Large variety of game modes and maps to play on
  • Deep progression systems with XP ranks and currencies
  • New player friendly which encourages learning and teamwork dynamics
  • Very good graphics and customization options

What We Liked..

Simple but incredibly rewarding gameplay

Beautifully modelled aircraft

.. and what we didn't

Graphically good but not great

Loses out to War Thunder

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: shooter, war

Setting: historical, sea

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


World of Warplanes is an MMO developed by Wargaming and joins the ranks of older title, World of Tanks. The game puts vehicles and land aside to focus on what happens in the skies, putting the player in the cockpit of numerous aircraft.

The game is extremely accessible and you will find yourself making air manoeuvres like a pro in a matter of minutes. The driving mechanics are very intuitive and allow easy and complete control over your craft with just a handful of keystrokes.

Graphically the title is well done, even if it falls short of true excellence. As players who have played World of Tanks might already expect, aircraft are highly detailed and modelled to a level of accuracy that, in some instances, approaches photorealism.

World of Warplanes is a great title and an important addition to Wargaming’s trilogy, soon to be completed with the upcoming World of Warships.