Ranking strategy games

What We Liked..

Excellent graphics and animation

Deep strategic gameplay

Addictive

.. and what we didn't

Requires fullscreen

Slow load times

Questionable cash shop

4.8 out of 5
Editorial vote: 9.5


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


Vikings: War of Clans is a strategy browser game set in the thematic world of Vikings, where as Jarls, players must build their kingdoms, armies and heroes to wage war against each other.

The game offers the traditional, addictive kingdom-building gameplay that we've learnt to appreciate in many games of the same genre, on top of an in-depth progression system and an interesting hero system to provide some much-appreciated variety and additional complexity.

The game also features truly excellent 3D animations that give Vikings: War of Clans terrific scores for graphics and presentation. Our town is alive, and you can see the townsfolk bustling around your buildings, working the forges, mines and farms...
This, paired with the pleasant and thematic soundtrack, really does a great job in letting the player enjoy and "live" the atmosphere of the game.
It comes with some cons though, such as pretty high loading times.

Overall, Vikings: War of Clans is a great browser strategy game that, despite not being able to offer anything new to the veterans of this genre, does provide a top-notch and addictive war game experience to all those looking for an old-school, traditional gameplay.

➔ Main points:

  • A 2017 strategy browser game built under the most classical gameplay standards of the genre.
  • Excellent graphics and convincing atmosphere based on the world of Vikings.
  • Hours of addictive kingdom building and strategic warfare solo or with a clan.
  • Deep progression systems for strategy lovers that offer many different ways to play.
  • Does not require payment to enjoy the full experience, although advantages for paying users are quite visible.

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

4.7 out of 5
Editorial vote: 9.4


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.

➔ Main points:

  • Naval battles simulator focusing on teamwork
  • Good ship variety, with realistic vessels from different nations
  • Great attention to details
  • Fun gameplay

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

4.6 out of 5
Editorial vote: 9.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: historical, present, city

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!

➔ Main points:

  • Completely free to play browser based strategy game.
  • No download required to play, simply sign in via a webpage and away you go!
  • Resources and experience are plentiful, making the cash shop almost unnecessary.
  • Easy going and non-demanding game play.

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.

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.4


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical, city

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

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.4


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..

looks and sounds great

lots of strategy

positioning adds another layer

currently quite balanced

.. and what we didn't

just not as popular as some other CCGs

Bandai Namco brought more microtransactions

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, cards

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: matches or duels


In most collectible card games, the hero, or summoner (or whatever you want to call it), sits out of sight, signified by a portrait, but in Duelyst, your general starts on the battlefield and gives the game its namesake. Battles in Duelyst are just that, duels. It’s your general pitted against your enemy’s general, and all the cards you play are in service of that.

➔ Main points:

  • fun implementation of generals
  • lots of strategic options
  • grid-based movement and positioning
  • great pixel art

What We Liked..

Intuitive UI functionality

Healthy playerbase

.. and what we didn't

Difficult for free players

Localization issues

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, war, simulation

Setting: present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


Generals: Art of War is a free to play browser-based strategy game. Set in a modern-day period in which authentic military elementsdoesn't look modern but if that's not your concern, then gameplay will feel very familiar to veterans. New players can ease their way in thanks to a good tutorial, and the community is large enough to support engaging alliances that is a core feature for team-play in larger warfare. The game does have a cash shop and while beneficial, players can opt to play for free and still make progress.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play modern warfare browser sim
  • Intuitive UI design makes it easy to play
  • Active playerbase to help with group play
  • Heavy reliance on the in-game cash shop

What We Liked..

The Marvel Universe

Free to play and balanced cash shop

Constantly updated

.. and what we didn't

Characters and costumes are expensive

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.7

Genre: strategy, action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvE PvP


Marvel Heroes has a strong foundation with Brian Michael Bendis (author of Marvel comics) and David Brevik (designer of Diablo) on the development team. Although the game didn’t get off to a great start in open beta , Gazillion has since listened to players and done a much needed overhaul. And the effort was worth it - this is a very entertaining game and if Gazillion continues to be as responsive as they’ve been so far, it’s only going to get better.

The gameplay is fun and the story will appeal to many people, drawing as it does from the rich and complex Marvel universe. Add to this a well-balanced cash shop and this title is a must for Action RPG fans and Marvel fans!

What We Liked..

Great Voice Acting

Humorous Dialogue

Solid Strategy Elements

.. and what we didn't

Stiff Combat Animations

Cash Shop

Long Tutorials

Time Sink

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.7


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE PvP


Nords: Heroes of the North is a browser based strategy game published by Plarium Games.
The humorous take on the now pervasive strategy genre does a lot right, leaving only a little to be desired.

Build your Keep, choose your Champion, and become a famed Lord Marshall; then set out to conquer your rivals.

Those hoping for a reprieve from the tedious nature of other well-known strategy outings will be disappointed, however those looking for a solid browser RPG will find an excellent new home in Nords.

➔ Main points:

  • Fast-paced (compared to similar games) strategy browser game with lots of things to do and daily quests.
  • Funny, humoristic atmosphere thanks to the great voice-acting and top-notch artworks.
  • 3 different races: Northmen, Orcs and Elves.
  • Equip and level-up your hero.
  • Ally with your neighbours, or attack and raid them without mercy!

What We Liked..

Excellent graphics

Overarching

quest driven storyline

Huge amounts of objects to be discovered and bought

.. and what we didn't

Way too much loading times!

Repetitive missions

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, shooter

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP all vs all


Andromeda5 is a fully 3D MMO browser game recently released by XS software. The game allows you to travel through the depths of the universe and explore different galaxies. The storyline progresses through main quests which even if not very exciting still make it possible to maintain a good gameplay flow and prevent one from getting overly bored.

In short, the game is a standard free MMO that has dozens of missions (although not very different from each other) which usually involve collecting such and such item or resources.

Graphically, the game is rather pleasant , thanks to the integration of the Unity graphics engine. The ambiance and feel of space in the game is done well, completely in the 3 dimensions. All in a single browser window. Andromeda5 is a good game, but due to some of its defects, it doesn't reach its full potential .