War games

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

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

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

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.

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.

Hawked is a free-to-play online shooter released (in Open Beta) in November 2023.
It catapults players into the heart of X-Isle's untamed chaos, blending humor, mayhem, and the thrill of treasure hunting.

The game's strength lies in its dynamic gameplay—loot, upgrade gear, and engage in strategic battles against both AI-controlled Disciples and other player-controlled Renegades. The map, although filled with lizards, provides ample room for exploration, gearing up, and solving brain-teasing puzzles seamlessly integrated into the environment.

While the aesthetics might borrow heavily from popular trends, the game's quirks and charms overshadow any lack of distinct identity. Movement mechanics and gunplay may need refinement, but the overall experience hints at the potential for a gaming gem.

➔ Main points:

• A 2023 PvPvE Shooter: Featuring modern graphics and a fun, action-packed gameplay
• Humorous Chaos: HAWKED injects humor into the treasure hunt, offering a refreshing take on the PvPvE genre.
• A Playground of Surprises: X-Isle's map, though chaotic, provides ample space for exploration and gearing up, creating an engaging environment.
• Outsmart your Opponents: in HAWKED, it's not just about aim. X-Isle is filled with puzzles and riddles to solve, and your wit can transform into a big advantage.

Rise of Kingdoms is a multiplayer online strategy game developed by Lilith Games.
It takes place in a fantasy world where players take on the role of a leader of a small city-state and must build, expand, and defend their kingdom against other players and AI-controlled enemies. The game has gained a lot of popularity since its release and has become one of the most-played strategy games, especially in the mobile gaming market.

One of the most notable features of Rise of Kingdoms is its impressive graphics and animations.
The game is visually stunning, with highly detailed and realistic character models and environments.
The game’s interface is also user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate through the game and access different features.

RoK offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their cities and armies to suit their playstyle.
You can choose from a variety of different commanders, each with their unique abilities and specialties: these commanders can then be leveled up and equipped with different equipment to increase their effectiveness in battle, adding some interesting RPG elements to the otherwise well-known MMORTS mechanics.

There is of course an alliance system that allows you to team-up with other players, and work together to conquer other kingdoms and complete more difficult challenges. The alliance system also offers a range of benefits, including shared resources and reinforcements during battles.

While the game is free to play, players are encouraged to spend real money to purchase in-game resources and items. This can make the game feel somewhat pay-to-win, as players who spend more money on the game will have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Another potential issue with the game is its steep learning curve.
While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complex mechanics and strategies can take a significant amount of time and effort. This could be either a turn-on or a turn-off based on the type of player that you are.

Overall, Rise of Kingdoms is one of the best games of its kind, so if you like classical and casual MMORTS games like this, you'll love RoK too!

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.

Vikings: War of Clans is a strategy browser game set in the thematic world of Vikings, where as Jarls, players must build their kingdoms, armies and heroes to wage war against each other.

The game offers the traditional, addictive kingdom-building gameplay that we've learnt to appreciate in many games of the same genre, on top of an in-depth progression system and an interesting hero system to provide some much-appreciated variety and additional complexity.

The game also features truly excellent 3D animations that give Vikings: War of Clans terrific scores for graphics and presentation. Our town is alive, and you can see the townsfolk bustling around your buildings, working the forges, mines and farms...
This, paired with the pleasant and thematic soundtrack, really does a great job in letting the player enjoy and "live" the atmosphere of the game.
It comes with some cons though, such as pretty high loading times.

Overall, Vikings: War of Clans is a great browser strategy game that, despite not being able to offer anything new to the veterans of this genre, does provide a top-notch and addictive war game experience to all those looking for an old-school, traditional gameplay.

➔ Main points:

• A 2017 strategy browser game built under the most classical gameplay standards of the genre.
• Excellent graphics and convincing atmosphere based on the world of Vikings.
• Hours of addictive kingdom building and strategic warfare solo or with a clan.
• Deep progression systems for strategy lovers that offer many different ways to play.
• Does not require payment to enjoy the full experience, although advantages for paying users are quite visible.