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..
Incredible graphics
Wide variety of warships
Satisfying in game Co-op system.
.. and what we didn't
Some long range torpedoes are not accurate
Heavy learning curve
Watch the trailer:
Genre: strategy, war, shooter, simulation
Setting: historical, sea
Graphics: full 3D
PvP: matches or duels PvE PvP
World of Warships is a tactical naval war MMO game developed by Wargaming. The game can be downloaded for free and features a number of majestic vessels and warships from the navies of different World Powers.
As the game progresses players can buy new upgrades and improve their ships in order to cope with the ever increasing competitive nature of high sea battles. The realistic 3D graphics of World of Warships are another one of the game's numerous merits and help to make it a must-try experience for any RPG gamer. Even those who may not necessarily be fans of the genre.
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!
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..
Graphical presentation and awesome tanks
Very tactical game
.. and what we didn't
Beginners may have a hard time with the game's level of difficulty
Watch the trailer:
World of Tanks is one of the first and only tactical MMOs set in the unstable theatre of World War II with over 150 tanks from either The United States, Germany or USSR.
The system of personalization in the game allows you to try all of them, one by one.
Would you prefer to destroy your enemies with powerful wind gusts aboard a light tank or would you rather crush them with one of the more burly options? Or would you like to take your enemy by surprise with a sniper tank?
It's all a matter of preference in World of Tanks. And each player will have their own.
But simply being at the controls of your favorite tank will not be enough to win. Here, everything is a matter of team-play: you all work together and create the best tactics to lead the team to victory. So what are you waiting for? Play!
What We Liked..
Highly realistic
Engaging squad play
Authentic weapons and vehicles
.. and what we didn't
Faction balancing needs work
Can be buggy
Genre: war, shooter, simulation
Setting: historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvP
Enlisted is a free to play MMO First Person Shooter from Gaijin Entertainment that blends realistic and historic battles with dynamic squad play features amidst the backdrop of World War II.
Each player can control a period-authentic squad of soldiers, swapping to each one in real-time during battles to complete objectives with other players and their own squads.
The inclusion of vehicles and airplanes in campaign matches based on real battles ensures that both enthusiasts and casuals alike are in for a warfare spectacle.
Players improve their squads with XP from matches and wins, which in return offers better squads to enlist, vehicles to summon and weapons to equip.
Mastering these three aspects of the battlefield and learning when is the most opportune moment to swap will be key to victory. Enlisted can be played without spending any money but an optional Premium Account can be purchased to quicken XP gains.
Overall, it's a fantastic title that offers a great experience for a WWII shooter.
What We Liked..
Magic and superpowers makes things interesting
Retains familiar gameplay
Character system offers long term goals
.. and what we didn't
Premium is pretty expensive
Graphics
CRSED is a grotesque battle royale online shooter that lets you play as one of eight unique hero characters, and each one will offer a different combat style thanks to their skills.
Unlike most generic battle royale games, CRSED has littered its maps with ritual sites offering mythical superpowers and magic abilities (that of course bring advantages to the players who use them), alongside traditional weaponry and... yes, the frying pan.
There's plenty of progression with skill trees for your characters, new seasonal content to keep things fresh, and a cosmetic shop to dress them up when you want to look fancy.
CRSED offers the familiar battle royale gameplay experience with a much-appreciated touch of humour.
What We Liked..
A hack'n'slash done well in the comfort of a browser
Proven and fun gameplay
Graphically fantastic
Lots of action and a vast gaming world
.. and what we didn't
At high levels solo players will have a tough time...
... just like PvP lovers who don't plan to spend real money
Watch the trailer:
UPDATE: since June 2017, the game isn't easily playable via browser anymore. Only a few combinations of browsers and java versions will keep working, but everyone will still be able to play the game after downloading its client.
Drakensang Online is an excellent free hack & slash, published by BigPoint, based on a famous and popular series of role-playing games.
The game has many typical features of a MMORPG (such as skills, level-ups, crafting, etc...), with the welcome addition of a combat system based on combos and dodges, just like a typical third-person action game (anyone who knows the Diablo saga will certainly find it all very familiar).
As well as the ability to carry out the plot quest (either alone or in the company), there are also different PvP modes (including an original "Storm the fortress 6vs6") for those who prefer a competitive game.
The various available classes are well diversified from each other, and ensure a different gameplay depending on which is used, thus ensuring also a great replay value.
One of the highlights of the game is its impressive graphics, capable of displaying a great number of details in a simple web page.
Drakensang Online is really a well-done game: varied, entertaining, technically clean and able to keep the player glued to the PC for hours.
A title that should not be missing in any “free” gamer’s collection.
What We Liked..
Simple to grasp
Easy mechanics
Short game duration
.. and what we didn't
Long queue times
Low playerbase
Needs more progression mechanics
Lack of customization and maps
Battle Arena is a free to play 2D multiplayer shooter from ShadowWolf Games, available for download on Steam. The game offers a singular mode, five different characters, and over 15 unique weapons that players can use and power up during matches. For a platform shooter, games are tentatively short, and players don't require any FPS experience whatsoever. Unfortunately, progression systems and unique customization options are far and few between, meaning there isn't much to keep you playing beyond the easy matches.
What We Liked..
Strategy and ARPG layers that work
Tons of systems and progression
Big community
.. and what we didn't
Expensive cash shop
Eternal Fury is a free to play browser-based strategy game with a twist. While raising your kingdoms, armies and alliances are all key gameplay features, you'll also need to upgrade your singular hero ruler, with RPG-like gameplay system in place that offers a good time.
Battles are fought on both maps - the kingdom world view and in arena-style battles that shakes up the usual boring and monotonous gameplay. While free to play, Eternal Fury's cash shop is a mixed bag and borderline hovers over what's fair.