Games in the present

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

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.5

Genre: war, shooter

Setting: fantasy, present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


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.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play battle royale shooter that feels familiar
  • Eight character heroes to choose each with unique skills and progression system
  • Plenty of authentic weapons mixed with funny cooking utensils and magic spells
  • Decent player base with a steady stream of new content

What We Liked..

A fun twist on battle royales

Free to play

Fair way to earn cosmetics

.. and what we didn't

Lack of maps and modes

Queue times are long

Optimization issues

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: MOBA, shooter

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP all vs all


Cuisine Royal is a refreshing battle royale game that pits players against each other either in solo, duo or squad groups on a large open map. The game features similar gameplay to other battle royale titles such as gearing up through searching houses and other buildings on the map for weapons, and moving to secured locations when the safe timer is up. Cuisine Royale stands out by letting players use kitchen utensils like cooking pans, pots and chef knives as part of the equipment players can fight with.

For a free to play game, Cuisine Royale offers some limited character progression through its crafting system that lets you earn cool looking rewards like masks and outfits. While there are three sever locations currently, the player base fluctuates and it can be hard to find matches off prime time hours.

➔ Main points:

  • A battle royale game made unique thanks to its kitchen inspired theme of gear and weapons
  • Three server locations including NA/EU and Eastern Europe
  • Free to play with limited lootbox microtransactions

What We Liked..

Interesting premise for a game

Good use of MMO elements

Nice visuals

.. and what we didn't

Poor performance optimization

Lacks control customization

3.8 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.7

Genre: strategy

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


RAM Pressure is a turn-based tactical squad strategy game in the mold of XCOM. It's free to play and players will pick either the USA, Russia or China to represent. In RAM Pressure players control squads of soldiers which contain up to 4 soldiers, each varying in terms of class and weapon-set. The objective will be to complete PvE missions and PvP battles to eventually grow their squads through experience points and better gear.

➔ Main points:

  • Squad tactical turn-based strategy game that will feel familiar for fans of XCOM
  • Highly detailed environment graphics and visuals
  • Plenty of missions to do solo or multiplayer
  • Free to play with optional transactions

What We Liked..

Gameplay is simple yet complex enough to keep the player engaged

Accelerated time keeps the game moving and interesting

Graphics are engaging and excellent

.. and what we didn't

Dangerously easy to rely on the game shop

Not good on battery life

Very time consuming as you level up

3.8 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.5

Genre: casual, simulation

Setting: city, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: no fighting


Overview

If orange is the new black, then farming is the new popular app. With games like Farmville and Hay Day, players can immerse themselves into the artificial pleasures of farming. This includes things like growing crops, raising livestock, and delivering goods and services to awaiting customers. Like Farmville, Township got its start on the Facebook platform and evolved into a standalone app. But where Farmville and Hay Day focus strictly on farm-building, Township expands the player's reach into other areas of development, like house-building, factories, restaurants, movie theaters, and even a zoo. It blends farm and city building together into something that's less 'nostalgic farming' and more 'farming metropolis'. The game is also quick to catch on to, with a fairly basic tutorial that relies on simple animated GIFs that show the player exactly how to play, but leaves enough room to let the player explore on their own if they want.

With a fairly basic premise ("Congratulations on inheriting some property!"), a simple-yet-complex gaming structure that keeps you engaged, and amazing graphics, Township remains a top contender in the world-building simulation apps out there.

➔ Main points:

  • Blends both city building and farm building together
  • Grow your own crops, take care of your own animals, and sell the wares that you make
  • Build and grow things in real-time with accelerated speed
  • Focus on building your city into whatever you want it to be!
  • Game shop allows player to use real money to advance your level faster

What We Liked..

Fun arcade-style shooter levels

Good graphics

.. and what we didn't

PvE campaign too short

Shallow levels

Aggressive cash store with popup ads

3.7 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.4

Genre: managerial, shooter

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Left To Survive is a free-to-play third-person shooter that incorporates fresh and unique arcade style shooting mechanics with a secondary game mode that involves base management, set in a zombie-filled post-apocalyptic world.

Players will play through a story-driven PvE campaign that contains many different levels where your marksmanship with various weaponry will be put to the test.
Gathering resources and building up your base are the key progression methods, as you need stronger guns and armour to tackle more difficult missions. Other game contents like PvP battles are offered in addition to customization of your character.

While free to play, the cash shop can be obtrusive but overall it's a fun game that offers a nostalgia trip especially due to the arcade feels.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play arcade style shooter
  • Base management sim included
  • Good graphics and sound design
  • Action-packed and fast-paced

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..

Great graphics

low system requirements

easy to pick up

fun

fast-paced gameplay

lots of weapons and character customization options

fair microtransaction system

.. and what we didn't

Sommewhat bland maps

some low res textures

server issues

somewhat low player base

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: shooter

Setting: present, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Developed by Wiple Games and published by Aeria Games, Ironsight is finally available to the public after a year and a half in beta.

Ironsight is unique in that it's not unique. It draws comparisons to Call of Duty both in aesthetics and gameplay because it does look and sound like a Call of Duty game. And believe it or not, that's a good thing.

The Call of Duty franchise has lost its' way, but once upon a time was a great series. A few years ago, CoD was great fun, and Ironsight shows why. It plays like an early 2010s CoD game.

It has plenty of weapons and drones for you to have fun with, and the action is fast-paced. You can log on a place a few quick games before school or you can play a couple dozen games over the course of a few hours.

The microtransactions in this game are very tame, and it's more than possible to play this game and never spend a dime yet still be competitive. Ironsight is easily one of the most balanced F2P MMOs that I have played in a while and sets a stellar example for F2P MMOs.

➔ Main points:

  • Downloadable F2P MMOFPS with PVE but thrives on its' PVP content
  • More than 100 weapons at your disposal
  • Simple gunplay, fast-paced action
  • The fairest microtransactions in an F2P MMO by far
  • Server instability issues at times;
  • Somewhat low player base
  • Call of Duty fans, this game is tailor-made for you

What We Liked..

Free to play and mostly fair

Good graphics

Runs well on modern rigs

.. and what we didn't

Low player population and long match finding queues

Input lag issues

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: war, action, shooter

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


notmycar is a free to play vehicular battle royale game, featuring fast cars and deadly weapons in fast paced matches using familiar battle royale mechanics. The game is in early access beta, meaning that more features and gameplay improvements will be added over time. There are limited game modes available, but players can expect brand new rewards from progression systems like XP levels up, or they can be purchased from the Season Pass and Cash Store.

The game runs very well with excellent graphics and presentation. Gameplay is fluid and fun, but suffers from occasional input lag in which skills don't react fast enough to make a difference in vital moments. The playerbase is also low for a game that's fairly new. Overall, notmycar is a fresh entry into the battle royale genre and one that's worth a look if you enjoy pimping out cars.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play vehicular battle royale game that doesn't feel like a clone.
  • Only two game modes available which is solo and group play.
  • Progression is rewarding without spending money but it is a grind.
  • Very good graphics and game feels fluid and fun.
  • Low population for a new game is a worry.

What We Liked..

Historical accuracy and attention to detail

Beautiful graphics

Intuitive interface

Free-to-play model

.. and what we didn't

Slow pace of gameplay

Underdeveloped PvP

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: city, historical, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE


Rise of Cultures is a strategy game for browsers and mobile devices developed by InnoGames. The game takes players on a journey through different eras of human history, starting from the Stone Age and ending in the Middle Ages. Players must build and manage their cities, research new technologies, and engage in battles with other players.

One of the key features of Rise of Cultures is its emphasis on historical accuracy. The game provides players with a detailed representation of the cultures and societies of each era, including their architecture, technology, and military tactics. This attention to detail makes the game both educational and immersive.

In terms of gameplay, Rise of Cultures offers a variety of activities to engage in: you can build and upgrade buildings, gather resources, and train troops, both solo or with your fellow guild companions.

One of the biggest strengths of Rise of Cultures lies in its graphics. The artworks are stylish, beautiful and detailed, and they really bring the historical eras to life. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it extremely accessible to both new and experienced players.

Rise of Cultures also features a well-balanced free-to-play model. While it does offer in-app purchases, you can enjoy the full experience without spending any money, for real. This makes it a great option for players who are looking for a high-quality game without breaking the bank.

However, there are also some downsides...
Some players may find the pace of the game to be slow, as it can take time to gather resources and build up a strong city. Also, the multiplayer component is quite underdeveloped as the main emphasis of the game is on PvE: while somebody could consider it as an advantage, those looking for a hard challenge against other human players are going to be disappointed.

Overall, Rise of Cultures is a solid strategy game that offers a lot of worthy content. Its historical accuracy and attention to detail make it stand out from other games in the genre, and its free-to-play model makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

What We Liked..

Available on Steam

Fun and fluid combat

gorgeous art style

solid voice acting

.. and what we didn't

Combat gets repetitive after a while

lack of endgame content

English version has halved exp rates and double energy costs

obnoxious stamina system

too many P2P/P2W elements

server issues and long loading times

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: city, present, sci-fi, anime

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Anime MMORPGs are a rare breed. Good ones anyway, and for use anime and MMO fans, that’s a darn shame. So when a good Anime MMORPG comes around, we play it as long as we can and cherish it more than that all-red Pokeball.

SoulWorker is a refreshing entry into the somewhat sparse Anime MMORPG genre. The art style is just plain gorgeous, and the combat is fast and furious, no Vin Diesel required. And most importantly, the game is fun.

While it lasts at least. The game is still young, but in its’ current state, there just isn’t enough to do. Players will have a blast in the initial hours, but once the serious grinding starts, the fun drops off a cliff. The endgame is pretty nonexistent, and what little there is to do, isn’t very enjoyable. Soul Worker is an instanced based, dungeon hack and slash, and it can get very repetitive very quickly. And the alterations that Game Forge made to the game, make the bad aspects of Soul Worker even worse. In its’ current state, it doesn’t have much in the way of lasting power, but it’s a great way to spend a weekend or two with friends.

➔ Main points:

  • Downloadable Hack n Slash MMORPG
  • Fast and fun combo heavy combat
  • Get repetitive towards late game
  • Very little endgame content
  • English version of the game is a lot harder and more grindy than the SEA version
  • Too much P2W/P2P Elements in the English release
  • Lots of server issues