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..
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..
Graphical presentation
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:
Step into the chaotic battlefields of World War II (and beyond) with World of Tanks, a one-of-a-kind tactical MMO shooter that puts you in control of legendary war machines. With over 800 tanks from nations like The United States, Germany, France, China, Japan, the USSR, and more, you’ll have the chance to command everything from iconic tanks like the Sherman, Churchill, Tiger, and T-34, to prototype designs that never reached the production line.
The choice of your tank will also influence your approach to the game: would you prefer to strike fast and hard with a nimble light tank, outmaneuvering your opponents with sheer speed? Or do you crave the unstoppable force of a heavily armored juggernaut, smashing through enemy lines? Maybe you’d rather eliminate threats from a distance, taking down unsuspecting foes with a precision sniper shot?
Simply commanding your favorite tank won’t be enough to claim victory, though: teamwork reigns supreme. Every battle demands strategy and coordination with your teammates: work together, devise the best tactics, and seize victory on the battlefield.
With dozens of maps inspired by real-world locations, a dedicated community, and an ever-evolving gameplay experience, over 180 million fans are already rolling out into battle. The question is - are you ready to join them?
What We Liked..
Turn-based combat
Family friendly
Good story
Immersive atmosphere
.. and what we didn't
Dated graphics
Arbritrary side quests
F2P restrictions
Wizard101 is a free to play and family friendly MMO that puts players in the shoes of a wizard. In the graphically pleasing world of Spiral, players will use magic that's determined by their school of choice in turn-based combat using a deck of cards which provides for a fun and strategic combat experience.
Questing in Wizard101 feels like a grand adventure that will be familiar to Harry Potter fans, and the game's story is funny and well written with voice acting to boot.
It may be free to play, but the game does have restrictions on the amount of play areas, so players will have to front some money monthly if they want to access to areas and advance the stories.
As a whole, Wizard101 is great MMO that is suitable for kids and adults, providing a lot of magical fun through it's gameplay and story.
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..
Excellent gameplay
Great attention to detail
Beautiful graphics and performance
Customizable modes and difficulty
.. and what we didn't
It can be addictive
Some modes haven't been fully developed yet
Watch the trailer:
War Thunder is an arcade/simulation vehicle simulation game for Windows, OSX and PS4 that takes place during the Second World War. The game is developed by Russian studio Gaijin Entertainment, creator of IL-2 Sturmovik, X-Blades, Blades of Time and Birds of Steel.
In War Thunder you'll dive into battle with aircrafts from six different allied and axis nations – the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Japan and Russia
The game excels in offering a wide range of play experience, from multiple game modes, to varied battle scenarios, to a fairly high level of customization options for your aircraft and tanks.
Choose from classic battles against other players online, cooperative multiplayer sessions and even solo campaign missions.
Fans of flight simulators won't be disappointed by War Thunder's realistic and historical battles, while more casual action gamers will most certainly enjoy the simple-yet-entertaining arcade mode.
The game is very well made - everything from the settings of the vehicles to the smallest details in environments, to the mechanics of large-scale aerial combat and gritty realism of ground combat have been crafted with the player’s experience in mind, including those playing on older systems. The game performs very well and is a treat for the eyes – all in all, an excellent title we highly recommend.
What We Liked..
vehicle customization
earn real money currency on the market
engaging combat
.. and what we didn't
heavy grinding
dated graphics
ultimately light on content
Crossout is an online shooter based around vehicular combat in a post-apocalyptic future. One might go as far as to say that it is mad… to the max. Or at least, one day it might be, but for the moment Crossout is a few interesting ideas bundled into a grindy open beta. So naturally, a lot of what the game is and offers is subject change over time. Until then, though, Crossout is all about grinding for weapons and car parts in order to build a better vehicle to allow you to continue grinding for even better weapons and car parts.
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..
Great graphics
Fun gameplay
Good progression System
.. and what we didn't
Uninspired PvE
Heavy reliance on grinding
Steep learning curve
Star Conflict is an MMO set in space. The player customizes and controls his very own fleet. Take command and complete various PvE missions, alone or with a group. Then pit one of more than a hundred different ships against one another in the game’s stellar PvP battles.
Enjoy a deep meta game. Send your ships out to autonomously gather credits and earn influence for your chosen faction. Complete increasingly difficult challenges and claim your spot on the leaderboards. Whatever it is that you like in a video game chances are you will find a sliver of it in Star Conflict.
The true wonder is that Gaijin’s game does all of this while still being one of the prettiest free to play games to date. If you like space, or video games in general, I recommend giving Star Conflict a go. I’m sure you can find something you love in this diverse a game.