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..
Good storyline
15 classes and sub-classes and challenging missions.
.. and what we didn't
Graphics have a room for improvement.
The world of NosVille has turned to chaos and your character comes in with tremendous power and fighting abilities to bring it to peace.
You'll have a number of NosMates (computer-controlled characters) to help you in this quest, as well as pets. Over the course of the game, you will also gain access to different cards that will give your character newfound skills.
NosTale comes with a number of unique classes and their interesting sub-classes with each character possessing special abilities depending on which group they are from.
To make the game less gloomy and more fun, you can train pets as well and make them get involved in missions too.
With all these features and so much more, NosTale really promises to be an excellent adventure for you.
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..
It's Star Trek!
Wandering through space is a joy
Good representation of galactic battles
Great character customization system
.. and what we didn't
Some repetitive quest types
Unworthy animation
Star Trek Online is an MMO developed by Cryptic Studios and inspired the eponymous television series.
Chronologically, it is set thirty years after the conclusion of the events of Star Trek: Nemesis and drops us in the middle of the rekindled conflict between the Federation and the Klingons, without forgetting about the Borg, always lurking in the background.
Character customization is very good and allows you to choose between three different factions, with numerous races for each, and three distinct classes between them.
Customization also extends to physical appearance and choice of skills.
During the game we will have the opportunity to complete assignments on foot or aboard our personal spaceship.
On foot, the game seems like an action/RPG hybrid where we directly control our character through a third-person view.
Aboard the ship, however, we will have the opportunity to fight and to explore the surrounding area.
Graphically the game is very good but is lacking in some technical fields, one of which is the animation in the third-person sections.
All in all, it's a good game for fans of the genre and a great game for avid fans of Star Trek.
What We Liked..
Lovely soundtrack
Combos-based gameplay
Private servers that keeps things interesting
.. and what we didn't
Very dated graphics
No new content
Slow experience gain
Released in 2004, Metin2 is a Korean free to play MMORPG that allows players to pick one of three kingdoms to represent as factions, and embark on slow progression journey to becoming a master combat fighter. The game's combo-based action combat is revolutionary for its time, making open world fighting a pleasure especially against waves of enemies.
When it comes to gameplay, the PVE content is mediocre as questing is largely uninteresting, but the game's focus lies largely within its exciting PVP modes.
The game does look very aged and dull in comparison to newer MMOs, but there is a certain nostalgic factor in addition to an emergence of private servers that has been keeping Metin2 relevant today. Overall, Metin2 is a pioneer of Asian-style MMORPGs and it's worth checking out for the combat and PVP, and since it's free, all you have to lose is just time.
What We Liked..
Unique MMORPG experience
Social friendly community
Plenty of content
Mobile version available
.. and what we didn't
Restrictive free trial
Dated graphics
Star Stable Online is a free to play MMORPG that's all about horses and female heroines.
Players create their characters and horses, and are taken to Jorvic, a fantasy island in which you'll quest, raise and train horses, and grow your heroine and stable while making new online friends.
The game has been around since 2011 and contains thousands of quests, but quantity doesn't mean quality as most of the questing mechanics are old-school in nature and mundane.
Gameplay mechanics are rather clunky when it comes to horse control, but key systems like racing are fun to participate in.
The game while free does have a limited trial up until level 5, when a payment becomes necessary to continue playing.
Overall, it's a unique MMORPG for younger audiences and horse lovers alike.
What We Liked..
Well-diversified races
PvP component
interesting lore
.. and what we didn't
Technically now obsolete
Some mechanics need updating
Few customization options
Lineage 2 is the continuation of the timeless Lineage released in 1998. Despite the "2" in the title, this second episode of the saga represents to all intents and purposes a prequel to the original game, being set 150 years earlier than the events narrated in the progenitor.
For better or for worse, Lineage 2 is a title strongly anchored to the time of its release, dated 2003, and playing it today means coming to terms with gameplay mechanisms belonging to another time, and which could displace new players more accustomed to modern variations of MMORPGs.
If you manage to go beyond the anachronisms implicit in the game mechanics and an outdated technical sector, however, Lineage 2 will show itself to you in all its magnificence, making you discover a fascinating world with a lore articulated, a rewarding progression system and PvP mechanics capable of sucking up large portions of your free time.w