What We Liked..
Intense FPS action
Small download size
.. and what we didn't
Mediocre graphics
Unbalanced cash shop
Similar to other titles
Piercing Blow is a free-to-play MMOFPS from Korea, where it’s been out for a while. It’s low on character customisation, but high on map variety, offering several modes across over 40 maps for you to explore and kill people on. The majority of the environments and scenarios are completely without novelty for any experienced player - all the old favourites are here.
While the game may not feel the need to add anything new to an already successful formula, it does offer fairly decent shooter gameplay. Maps are well designed, even if the Counterstrike-era graphics are mostly ugly, and with a small, undemanding file size, Piercing Blow runs smoothly.
A wealth of guns and weapon upgrades are available to those willing to pay real money for them, a factor that significantly unbalances the playing field. The only other way to unlock decent gear is by playing and winning daily tournaments. Basically, if you’re not already a skilled shooter or ready to pay for a better gun, you’re not going to make it here.
What We Liked..
Well-written and voiced quest dialogue
Polished graphics
Play in your browser
.. and what we didn't
Full screen mode necessary
Simplistic combat
Watch the trailer:
Genre: managerial, strategy
Setting: fantasy, historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvP
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.
What We Liked..
Ridiculously fun PvP battles
Quick match-making
Good graphics
.. and what we didn't
Optimization is a hit or miss
Bland PvE mode
Watch the trailer:
Conqueror's Blade is hybrid blend of medieval MMO gameplay and deep tactical warfare, which places your characters in kingdoms that you'll represent in this feudal age. You'll play as a Warlord, utilizing a chosen class inspired from both Eastern and Western cultures. In its PvE, you'll level up your class, gaining skills and recruiting units for the looming battles ahead. In PvP, expect fun 15 versus 15 siege battles where you and other Warlords fight for regional supremacy that results in better crafting yields, trading opportunities and fame. Conqueror's Blade is a free and unique MMO, but not one without its flaws.
What We Liked..
Fluid Combat
Engaging Story
Fantastic PvP
Great Graphics
Solid Free to Play Model
.. and what we didn't
PvE leaves a little to be desired
Large download
Requires a pretty good Computer
Watch the trailer:
Prepare to team up with friends and take on the world of Tyria in Guild Wars 2, a fantastically unique MMORPG.
With its first major expansion, Heart of Thorns, release in late 2015, ArenaNet’s highly acclaimed Guild Wars 2 has finally implemented a free to play option.
Making it easier than ever to experience the game’s gripping player driven story and visceral action based combat.
So strap in and prepare to experience one of the great MMOs of the last ten years, Guild Wars 2.
What We Liked..
Unique hero system
Large player base
Neat UI
.. and what we didn't
Steep learning curve
Graphics
Genre: strategy, war, managerial
Setting: city, historical
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.
What We Liked..
Easy to pick up and play
Large player population
Plenty of classes
Excellent modding support and community
.. and what we didn't
PvP can be a hit or miss
Trove is a free to play voxel-based MMO that while inspired by Minecraft, offers tons of features that makes it stand out on its own. Players can play between any of the 16 classes available and jump into sandbox worlds to create, destroy or whatever else they want to do in the game's many modes available. Gameplay is fluid enough to pick up even for casuals, and offers good social systems to ensure that playing together is as much fun as going it alone. The cash store offers no significant advantages, and it's a great alternative to the almighty Minecraft.
What We Liked..
Addictive gameplay
Active community
Long PvE campaign
Fun PvP
.. and what we didn't
No crossplay feature
High gap between free and paying players
Genre: strategy, war, managerial
Setting: fantasy, historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP
Hustle Castle is a free to play idle-management RPG that's 2D in nature, taking place in a fantasy medieval setting. Players must build their castle up by constructing and upgrading rooms, each offering progression purposes like food, gold and army training. Dwellers are how players will progress, as these little settlers can be trained and armed, and then sent out on missions in the PvE campaign to bring back all important loot. The game's simple and addictive idle-sim management gameplay will keep you hooked on either the PC or mobile phones. Expect PvP battles, clan features and a cash shop to quicken progression.
What We Liked..
It's Lord of the Rings!
Lots of content
House customisation is fun
.. and what we didn't
Quest and expansion packs must be bought
Weak endgame content
LOTRO is a fun MMORPG for the casual RPG player or the Tolkien fan. The world has plenty of content with many skirmishes to be had, dungeons to explore and raids to wage or defend against. Unfortunately, a lot of this content requires either spending real money or an absurd amount of time to unlock.
The quests of the game and the environments they take place in are visually engaging - picturesque and sweeping or dark and creepy, but always atmospheric.
Hardcore gamers or those looking for a game with challenging end game content, however, should look elsewhere.
What We Liked..
Amazing soundtrack Convincing story Cool graphical ass...ets Simple and fun
.. and what we didn't
The gameplay lacks some depth... ... so it will get boring after a few weeks or months
Let's be honest: In Goddess of Victory you come for those sweet, spicy shooting girls in anime style, but you end up staying for an unexpectedly good lore, storytelling and soundtrack.
The gameplay itself is pretty simple: you shoot at things in 2D, so don't expect a full-featured online shooter like Call of Duty. Fights can (and will) get messy and fun, that's for sure, but the game lacks the depth of a hardcore shooter.
This is where the surprise comes in, because you'll immediately recognize the quality of the soundtrack, the colourful artworks and the solid lore and storytelling, which will immediately create an enjoyable and convincing atmosphere
If you like anime and are looking for a causal, simple game that is not too addictive or time consuming, definitely give Nikke a chance
What We Liked..
Engaging turn-based combat
Rich and immersive storyline
Diverse and detailed environments and lore
.. and what we didn't
No adrenaline with the turn-based combat
Initial learning curve
Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play, turn-based role-playing online game developed by HoYoverse, already known for its flagship game Genshin Impact. Set in a vibrant sci-fi universe, players traverse diverse worlds aboard the Astral Express, engaging in strategic battles and uncovering a rich narrative.
Honkai: Star Rail propels players into a universe teeming with adventure, mystery, and a dash of interstellar whimsy, shifting gears from real-time action to a more strategic, turn-based combat system, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for both veterans and newcomers.
The game introduces you to the Astral Express, a cosmic locomotive that serves as your gateway to a multitude of worlds, each with its own unique aesthetic and lore. From the icy expanses of Jarilo-VI to the bustling, futuristic cityscapes of the Xianzhou Luofu, the environments are crafted with meticulous detail, making exploration a visual treat.
Combat in Honkai: Star Rail is where strategy enthusiasts will find their playground. The turn-based system requires thoughtful team composition and skill synergy. Each character brings distinct abilities to the table, and mastering their interplay can lead to satisfying victories against the game’s diverse array of adversaries. The inclusion of elemental affinities and status effects adds layers of depth, ensuring that battles remain engaging as you progress.
Narratively, the game doesn't shy away from complexity. The storyline is rich with interwoven character arcs, political intrigue, and philosophical musings on the nature of civilization and the cosmos. Side quests and character-specific missions further expand the lore, providing a comprehensive understanding of the game's universe.
However, it's worth noting that, like many free-to-play games, Honkai: Star Rail incorporates a gacha system for character and equipment acquisition. While it's entirely possible to enjoy the game without spending money, progression can be slower, and obtaining specific characters may require patience or luck.