War games

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: war, shooter

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.

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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: city, fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


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.

➔ Main points:

  • Establish Your Dominion: develop your village from humble beginnings and assert dominance across the sprawling realm of Tamaris.
  • Epic world map: Explore a massive 3.88 million square kilometer 3D map with diverse biomes.
  • Strategic Warfare: Fight against huge monsters controlling your troops in real time, deploy heroes and equip them with magical artifacts.
  • Narrative Depth: Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of lore and intrigue, as epic quests and character-driven narratives unfold, influenced by your choices and actions throughout your adventures.
  • Visual Splendor: Traverse breathtaking landscapes and encounter intricately detailed character designs, as the vibrant world of Tamaris springs to life with stunning visuals and captivating aesthetics.
  • Available for both PC and mobile devices.

What We Liked..

Excellent graphics

fighting and gameplay seems quite original.

.. and what we didn't

Absence of PvP makes the game uni-dimensional

Buildings look similar to each other.

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: city, fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: no fighting PvE


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.

What We Liked..

Authentic Game of Thrones experience

Refreshing gameplay

Great graphics

.. and what we didn't

Obtrusive cash shop

Difficult for solo players

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


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.

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)

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: war, action, shooter

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvE PvP


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.

What We Liked..

Clean user interface

Rich gameplay

Animated villagers and artwork

.. and what we didn't

No sound or music

Slow progression

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: city, historical, sea

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: all vs all PvP


Ikariam is an animated, historically-themed 2D browser-game that features a rich strategy game experience involving resource management, multiplayer PVP and empire building. The game advances in real time and while progression is slow, the gameplay offers plenty of choices for the player when it comes to being the ruler of their township on an island that is ripe for any plans of expansion.

Graphically, Ikariam is pleasant to look at with good graphics and surprisingly has animated motions of villagers getting to work and constructing buildings or collecting resources. Unfortunately, the lack of in-game sounds and music may be an immersion buzzkill for some players.

Ultimately, Ikariam is a great strategy game that players can play for no cost, even in the presence of an advantageous cash shop.

➔ Main points:

  • Rich gameplay that features plenty of content for empire building lovers
  • Animated villagers and good graphics
  • Slow character progression but well paced learning curve

What We Liked..

Customizing your mechs is lots of fun Fast-paced PvP battles Fast growing community Lots of tournaments and events

.. and what we didn't

Not pretentious graphics

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: war, action, shooter, simulation

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvP


Mech Arena is a fast-paced PvP mech shooter with competitive mayhem for everyone.

Choose from dozens of Weapons and Mechs with special abilities for endless combinations. Fight with friends or compete in a global arena of players, maps, and modes.

Take on the world in the most explosive, fun, and chaotic sport the future has to offer — Mech Arena.

What We Liked..

User friendly

Excellent war and resource sim

Exciting social PVP gameplay

.. and what we didn't

Slow progression rate

Lack of graphics and visuals

No sounds and music

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvP


Developed and published by Gameforge back in 2000, OGame is a web browser and text-based sci-fi war simulator and MMO that many consider to be the "lite" version of EVE Online.

With no visual animations and sounds, the game functions using only texts and graphics. At the beginning, players are thrown into the game and will own a single planet, and they will have to master the concept of resource management and empire building in order to progress and become a force in the galaxy. The game's learning curve is steep but there are plenty of tutorials and guides within and outside the game to assist players.

The main objective of OGame is to be the most dominant emperor in the galaxy with a strong space empire spanning multiple planets and a large armada of ships as an army. The game features exciting PVP with other real players and they have the option to form alliances with a group of players to strategically co-ordinate raids and defenses.

For a veteran browser game, OGame is still going strong as the community is still large and the game is regularly updated with more content expansions being released. There is a cash shop to buy premium currency but there isn't a dire need to get them.

Overall, OGame is a simple and strategic game that can offer space war fans with weeks of enjoyment, especially with friends.

➔ Main points:

  • Text-based browser space MMORPG
  • Addictive resource management
  • Strategic empire building
  • Exciting real time PVP warfare
  • Form alliances to rule the galaxy together

What We Liked..

Historical accuracy and attention to detail

Beautiful graphics

Intuitive interface

Free-to-play model

.. and what we didn't

Slow pace of gameplay

Underdeveloped PvP

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: city, historical, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE


Rise of Cultures is a strategy game for browsers and mobile devices developed by InnoGames. The game takes players on a journey through different eras of human history, starting from the Stone Age and ending in the Middle Ages. Players must build and manage their cities, research new technologies, and engage in battles with other players.

One of the key features of Rise of Cultures is its emphasis on historical accuracy. The game provides players with a detailed representation of the cultures and societies of each era, including their architecture, technology, and military tactics. This attention to detail makes the game both educational and immersive.

In terms of gameplay, Rise of Cultures offers a variety of activities to engage in: you can build and upgrade buildings, gather resources, and train troops, both solo or with your fellow guild companions.

One of the biggest strengths of Rise of Cultures lies in its graphics. The artworks are stylish, beautiful and detailed, and they really bring the historical eras to life. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it extremely accessible to both new and experienced players.

Rise of Cultures also features a well-balanced free-to-play model. While it does offer in-app purchases, you can enjoy the full experience without spending any money, for real. This makes it a great option for players who are looking for a high-quality game without breaking the bank.

However, there are also some downsides...
Some players may find the pace of the game to be slow, as it can take time to gather resources and build up a strong city. Also, the multiplayer component is quite underdeveloped as the main emphasis of the game is on PvE: while somebody could consider it as an advantage, those looking for a hard challenge against other human players are going to be disappointed.

Overall, Rise of Cultures is a solid strategy game that offers a lot of worthy content. Its historical accuracy and attention to detail make it stand out from other games in the genre, and its free-to-play model makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

What We Liked..

Impressive graphics and animations

Nice RPG elements

Diverse range of activities and challenges

.. and what we didn't

Heavy focus on microtransactions

Steep learning curve

Lacks some serious innovation

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: city, historical

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


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!