What We Liked..
Fun gameplay and roster building
Good visuals
Plenty of content
No need to pay to fully enjoy all the PvE content
.. and what we didn't
Grinding can be tedious in the advanced stages...
... unless you're willing to spend money in the cash shop
RAID: Shadow Legends is a free to play fantasy MMO with strong RPG elements. Developed by Plarium, it puts players in control of their party of hero characters in combat.
At the game's core is the PvE progression in which you'll embark on story campaigns, dungeons and faction wars in order to level up your heroes and give them better gear.
Combat is turn-based, complex enough to keep it stimulating on the long run, but also easy to grasp for beginners.
You'll recruit new heroes over time (there are hundreds of them!), each one with its own strenghts and weaknesses that can be enhanched\mitigated through the use of artifacts, potions, glyphs and other items.
Only those who will understand how to maximize the potential of their champions will be able to climb the rankings in the PvP arena, the ultimate objective for the advanced player.
RAID features very good visuals: all of the in-game artworks (characters, locations, items, etc..) are beautiful, and this contributes a lot to the lore and atmosphere of the game.
Overall, RAID is a very good and fun MMORPG.
Plarium was known for making top-notch, though ordinary, strategy browser-games... with RAID, they markedly upped their ambitions. While it does feature some of the mechanics typical of the company's browser-based titles (like the Bastion to grow your hub), its core lies in the brand-new RPG elements of turn-based combat and heroes collection, which is where the real fun begins for MMORPG lovers.
What We Liked..
Original setting
Magic rituals!
.. and what we didn't
Graphics could be improved
Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation
Setting: historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvP
Tentlan is a strategy real-time online game played in the times of the pre-Columbian Americas. Starting off with a small settlement in the heart of the rainforest, the players continuously increase their power and influence till they end up developing great empires.
What We Liked..
Plenty of popular heroes to collect
Very accessible
Decent graphics
.. and what we didn't
Cash shop reliant to bypass grinds
Dark Genesis is a free to play browser-based idle MMORPG which lets you collect popular demigods as heroes: if you've always wanted to see Loki, Shiva and Anubis battle side by side against hordes of enemies, then Dark Genesis is the game for you.
Its party battle system will let you unlock and collect a large variety of popular entities that span across different fantasy icons, cultural heroes and more: you'll form a party of these heroes and challenge opponents in PvE and PvP battles through a series of map stages.
Outside of battle mode, the sky castle map is your home base which unlocks new features as you level up, letting you get access to new buildings and infrastructures that will make you progress faster-
As an added bonus, there's a charm to the game with its decent graphics and easy accessibility
What We Liked..
Engaging elemental combat
Expansive and beautiful Open World
Lovely anime-style graphics
Intriguing lore and storytelling
.. and what we didn't
Tempting gacha system
Time consuming grind
Limited stamina system
Gameplay can be repetitive
Dive into the enchanting realm of Teyvat in Genshin Impact, a free-to-play action RPG crafted by miHoYo.
You'll embark in an interactive journey that weaves exploration, combat, and character evolution into an irresistible tapestry. Teyvat is a realm of wonder, divided into regions, each a marvel in itself. Glide across landscapes, dive into lakes, and climb mountains, all while uncovering hidden treasures and engaging with locals. From Mondstadt's ethereal cliffs to Liyue's lush expanse, each region paints a breathtaking backdrop that begs exploration.
Meet over 50 unique characters, each a blend of personality and prowess. Whether the enigmatic Diluc or the spirited Klee, they're more than just avatars – they're your comrades, infusing battles with depth and tales with charm.
Combat is a blend of strategy and spectacle.
Unleash elemental abilities, freeze foes with ice, or ignite them with fire. Assemble teams that complement each other's skills, turning battles into a strategic dance that rewards tactics and awe-inspiring visuals.
In Genshin Impact you can shape the gameplay according to your tastes: you can focus on exploration, character development, or artistic endeavors.... all the possibilities are open depending on how you want to play the game.
No matter which path you'll choose, you'll always get that colorful, anime-like graphical style that is either a love-it or hate-it. If you fancy the genre, Genshin Impact will be up to your expectations.
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.
What We Liked..
Engaging gameplay
Huge customization
Good matchmaking
Cross-platform
.. and what we didn't
Dated graphics
Cash store advantage
War Robots is a free-to-play, cross-platform online multiplayer shooter that offers an engaging, fast-paced 6v6 PvP action.
The game's huge selection of customizable mech robots, map variety and game modes will offer hours of fun without burdening your wallets.
The gameplay starts on the slower side, but at higher-level matches, mechs will dictate the pace - upgrades to speed, flight and more can turn the tide of the battlefield.
Graphics are on the lower end but that's to be expected for a game that's on both PC and mobiles.
The cash store is unfortunately very influential, and mech robots that cost real money will grant players a huge leg up in battles.
Overall, War Robots is a good time if one is looking for some quick PvP shooter action in a world full of mechs.
What We Liked..
A well-crafted world
Convincing artworks
Lots of things to take care of
.. and what we didn't
Same core dynamics of all browser games
Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation
Setting: historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvP
Anocris is a real-time strategy game that takes you into the world of ancient Egypt. Here you will experience the heyday of this mysterious civilization and start your own Egyptian settlement. Will you be able to turn it into a mighty empire and take control over the Nile?
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
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!
What We Liked..
Fun shooting Lots of different levels Fun graphics Convincing pirate atmosphere
.. and what we didn't
We didn't want another city building game
Genre: strategy, casual, managerial
Setting: fantasy, historical, sea
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP
Stormshot: Skull Isle Odyssey is a casual free-to-play game from FunPlus Entertainment (a company you might already know for other games like State of Survival or King of Avalon).
It is set in a world of pirates, hidden treasures, monsters and beautiful beaches, recreated with convincing graphics and dialogues... don't get us wrong: we're still talking about a casual game for PC and mobile devices, so don't expect the immersive experience of a full-featured MMORPG, but for the intended use of this game (killing some time during the lunch break, for example), the technical and story-telling aspects were quite enjoyable.
Regarding the gameplay, Stormshot is basically two-games-in-one: there will be the physics-based strategic shooting puzzles, and the city-building aspect.
The puzzles are the most enjoyable part: they are made in the style of Angry Birds, the iconic game that kinda invented this genre many years ago. There are hundreds of levels, very different one from another, very coloured, fun and sometimes humorous, granting a unique and fun experience every single time.
The city-building aspect is what we already know so well: gather resources, wait, build stuff, wait, wait more time, upgrade stuff, and so on... While many people do love this kind of dynamics, we felt it wasn't really necessary in a game like this, and we would have preferred to just have the excellent puzzles without being forced to play all the rest.
What We Liked..
Classic top down simulation overview
Easy to navigate user interface
Turn based strategy adds an extra dimension to the game
.. and what we didn't
Advanced building options take ages to complete
Graphics are very basic
Players may not be familiar with tile-based combat
Genre: strategy, war, managerial
Setting: city, historical, present
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP
This free to play browser-based game allows you to create your very own empire, starting in the early Bronze Age and advancing towards the Industrial Age and beyond (if you can).
Forge of empires is not just a city building simulation; as your city expands you must fend off other players who attack mercilessly in an attempt to plunder your resources. Cunning, strategy and economic balance all come into play to make Forge of Empires a challenging and enjoyable game.
The free to play model works well here and it is completely possible to experience all features of the game without having to purchase "extras" in order to succeed. A real benefit with Forge of Empires is that game play is really easy-going and there are no lengthy downloads required to play, which is even more reason to give it a try!