What We Liked..
Fun and fluid action combat
Sandbox world with plenty to do and no loading screens
Free content updates
Populated in-game servers
Excellent graphics
.. and what we didn't
Very grind-heavy and time consuming
Heavy RNG and cash shop reliance
PvP griefing is normal
Genre: war, action, mmorpg, simulation
Setting: fantasy
Graphics: full 3D
PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP
Black Desert Online is an open world sandbox MMORPG that features Asian style graphics and some of the best action combat in any MMO game to-date. The graphics ranging from environment designs to the character creator is top notch.
There’s plenty of content for players to soak their teeth into for both PvE and PvP. Besides the decent amount of class choices, players can also dive into Life Skills, which is a refreshing take on crafting systems within the MMORPG genre. One great aspect of Black Desert Online is that it rewards you for simply playing the game and doing the activities you enjoy most, as players gain a multitude of XP and points to spend that progresses their characters further. The game does offer something for every playstyle.
Overall, Black Desert Online is the poster child and an excellent example of a Buy to Play Asian MMORPG that’s done right. It may have its issues such as the heavy grind and over reliance on RNG and luck, but the game deserves to be played nonetheless.
What We Liked..
Engaging combat system
Fair free to play
Great graphics
.. and what we didn't
Can feel repetitive
Grindy
Dauntless is a free to play monster hunting MMO that lets players hunt solo or in groups to take down the world's most dangerous behemoths. The combat system is deep and tactical due to a good range of weapons and combos available, while fights are engaging as hunts take a long time to complete. The result is a rewarding experience overall. The game offers RPG elements like crafting systems and gear progression to chase, and the world is gorgeous thanks to its marriage of cartoon art-styles with gritty and realistic textures for its monsters, armor and environments. Dauntless is an incredibly polished and exciting alternative to paid monster hunting games out currently.
What We Liked..
Highly addictive combat and game play
Good amount of maps to make up for the small number of game modes
Surprisingly deep progression including skill trees
Crafting and itemization
Good match-making for balanced fights
No pay to win
.. and what we didn't
Long wait times for match queues
Unnecessarily long tutorials
Released in 2013, Panzar is a team-based arena PvP MMO that features eight fantasy RPG classes to pick from, and players can fight on a large variety of maps and modes . Panzar is incredibly polished, and its 3D game play emphasizes on skillful combat that's made interesting thanks to the unique skill abilities of each class that resembles an MMORPG or fantasy RPG game. Expect a group composition to comprise of Tanks, damage dealers, healers and even support roles.
While game play is fun and addictive , the semi-low population causes long queues, especially on non prime time. The in-game cash shop on the other hand is a refreshing take on paying to progress , as Panzar's progression revolves around spending time to enhance your class, and not paying for items outright. Overall, Panzar is still a stellar game that could benefit from a shot in the arm and new players.
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..
Modern Graphics
Funny and laid-back atmosphere
Puzzles!
.. and what we didn't
Some features still need to be polished (the game is in Open Beta)
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.
What We Liked..
Real-time combat
Great graphics and overall atmosphere
Extensive world map
.. and what we didn't
Too much base-building
Occasional issues with voice acting synchronization
Call of Dragons immerses players in the fantastical world of Tamaris, offering a blend of strategic combat, kingdom-building, and immersive storytelling.
As a player, you take on the role of a commander responsible for developing a village, training troops, and taming ferocious dragons and behemoths (!) to aid in battles.
The game features a vast 3.88 million square kilometer 3D map filled with diverse biomes and terrains, ensuring endless exploration and strategic opportunities
Players can choose from various factions such as elves, mages, and warriors, each offering unique abilities and strategic advantages. The game’s combat system is both engaging and strategic, requiring players to carefully manage their troops, utilize different unit types, and deploy powerful heroes equipped with magical artifacts
The game also boasts a robust PvP element, where players can engage in large-scale battles against other players, join guilds, and participate in guild wars.
Additionally, the presence of majestic behemoths like dragons and hydras adds a thrilling layer to the gameplay, as these creatures can be tamed and used in combat, providing significant advantages during battles.
The real-time strategic combat provides a much-needed distraction from the typical base-building mechanics that could otherwise end up being too repetitive.
What We Liked..
A must-try for all the Star Trek fans Nice strategic approach
.. and what we didn't
The grind
Star Trek: Fleet Command is a new free-to-play MMORTS set in the universe of Star Trek.
You'll be thrown into the chair of the captain of a space fleet, where you'll have to prove your strategic war skills in a real-time space combat experience, both on PC and mobile devices.
Pledge allegiance to iconic factions like the United Federation of Planets or the Klingon Empire, then navigate a 30-year campaign from Lieutenant Commander to Rear Admiral.
With over 50 ship designs and strategic base-building mechanics, the game offers depth and immersion for both Trekkies and strategy enthusiasts alike.
What We Liked..
Zany Shard Card twists
Crisp and readable gunplay
Roles fit varied playstyles
.. and what we didn't
Aggressive monetization bloat
Card RNG can snowball
Balance swings between patches
FragPunk is a free-to-play, team-based FPS that splices hero abilities into a bomb-plant/defuse framework, then throws the rulebook in a blender with its signature Shard Cards
At the start of a match—and between rounds—teams draft modifiers that can bend reality in hilarious (and sometimes horrifying) ways: low gravity, headshots-only rules, or even quirks like boosting allies by shooting them with friendly bullets or crouching to “lay” healing eggs.
The result is a tactical shooter where positioning and economy still matter, but each round becomes a fresh puzzle you solve with your squad’s Lancers, loadouts, and card combos. It’s fast, it’s loud, and at its best, it captures that “one more round” energy better than many modern shooters.
Beneath the chaos lives a very readable shooter.
Weapons kick just enough to reward control, time-to-kill keeps fights spicy without being instantly over, and abilities are impactful without (usually) smothering gun skill.
The main mode, Shard Clash, is Counter-Strike-esque with a twist; if a match ends deadlocked, a sudden-death 1v1 Duel decides it—pure spectacle and a great “clip this” moment.
Maps lean colorful and legible over gritty realism, and the roster of Lancers covers scouts, controllers, duelists, and explosive experts, so you can fill a role even if your aim’s still waking up.
What We Liked..
Amazing visuals
Immersive storyline
Lots of strategy despite the "Idle" component
.. and what we didn't
Gacha system can be frustrating
AFK Journey invites players into the enchanting realm of Esperia, a vibrant world teeming with adventure and mystery. The game falls in the idle RPG category, offering a pleasant blend of strategic gameplay and immersive storytelling.
From the moment players set foot in Esperia, they are greeted by stunning visuals that breathe life into every corner of the world. Lush landscapes, intricate character designs, and fluid animations create an immersive experience that captivates the senses.
At its core, AFK Journey offers a strategic idle gameplay experience, allowing players to progress through various game modes with minimal hands-on interaction. By assembling teams of heroes with unique abilities and attributes, players engage in battles against AI opponents or other players, with an autoplay feature simplifying the process while still offering depth for those seeking a challenge.
A key aspect of AFK Journey is its emphasis on team composition and synergy. Players must strategically build and optimize their teams to overcome challenges, whether facing off against powerful bosses, competing in PvP battles, or navigating the treacherous Arcane Labyrinth.
Deep RPG progression systems allow for customization and strengthening of heroes over time, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Players can of course join guilds, participate in cooperative battles, and compete for rewards alongside friends and fellow adventurers.
What We Liked..
Excellent gameplay
Immersive 3rd person perspective
Other game modes are great fun
Gold sharing system encourages team play
.. and what we didn't
Slower unlocking for non-paying players
but this is nothing new
Smite is a third person MOBA developed by Hi-Rez Studios where you fight as one of the ancient gods of world mythologies, taking out enemy Gods, towers, minions and bases, all while playing in the refreshing new third person perspective.
It wouldn’t be a MOBA without a classic 3 lane map, but Smite has lots of other play options that are actually good fun – something that is sadly missing among MOBAs. Whether it’s the speedy Arena mode, the battle heavy Assault mode or one of the crazier Match of the Day scenarios, there’s plenty to do in this game.
Add to this an unobtrusive cash shop, decent graphics and well developed gameplay and you have a winner. Smite is highly recommended, a free to play title that is as enjoyable and challenging as you want it to be.