What We Liked..
Since the game plays itself I can easily make myself a sandwich while watching my character auto-level
.. and what we didn't
The developers' usage of artwork from the main Soul Calibur series to promote their game feels really tacky
Game plays itself to a fault
no sense of progression and rewards don't feel earned
complete lack of engagement
Game Overview
When I had first heard of a Soul Calibur MMO, I was a bit surprised. I never would’ve thought that a classic fighting game franchise would enter the world of MMOs. After all, how would an MMO fighting game work? What else would there be to do that online competitive and non-competitive play didn’t already cover?
And then when I went to the game’s website and discovered that it was a Chinese browser MMO all my curiosity dissipated entirely and turned into disappointment. Chinese browser MMOs have a reputation for being a niche genre of video games, that caters to very specific gamers.
You will either like them, or you won’t; there is no in between. If you like games that you can heavily AFK and or put on auto-pilot, then you’ll probably like Chinese browser MMOs, but if you want your games to be engaging and interactive, then these games are not for you. Soul Calibur is your run on the mill Chinese browser MMO. It doesn’t change the wheel in any way, and in some cases, it actually makes the wheel worse.
What We Liked..
Immersive sci-fi atmosphere
RTS elements
A lot of complexity for hardcore gamers
.. and what we didn't
Difficult for beginners
Small community (but it's still a closed beta)
Watch the trailer:
When reviewing a MOBA in 2015, the n. #1 question to address is: do we really need another one? Is there anything original enough to make it worth playing? The short answer, in Supernova's case, is yes.
Apart from the original-but-not-so-much sci-fi \ space setting (which at least is not the same ol' fantasy one), Supernova brings an appreciated dose of strategy and complexity thanks to its RTS elements: minions don't spawn at predefined intervals to follow the same, computer-defined path, but are controlled directly by players.
You'll have a tech tree to research, and resources to spend to buy the most appropriate units for your objectives, just like in a RTS game.
This really adds a lot of gameplay opportunities, and we're sure that hardcore players looking for a deep, complex game will find in Supernova a great fit.
What We Liked..
Customizing your mechs is lots of fun Fast-paced PvP battles Fast growing community Lots of tournaments and events
.. and what we didn't
Not pretentious graphics
Mech Arena is a fast-paced PvP mech shooter with competitive mayhem for everyone.
Choose from dozens of Weapons and Mechs with special abilities for endless combinations. Fight with friends or compete in a global arena of players, maps, and modes.
Take on the world in the most explosive, fun, and chaotic sport the future has to offer — Mech Arena.
What We Liked..
Realistic Ortiental atmosphere
Rather exciting
Battle system that works well with the game
.. and what we didn't
The game's main shortcoming is its technical qualities
Age of Wulin is a free-to-play MMORPG directly from China off of which all of the game's lore and environment is based. Age of Wulin’s gameplay also has a strong Chinese base, featuring martial art moves and abilities in place of the usual fantasy setting and abilities that are found in MMORPGs.
Once you create your character the game lets you pick one out of eight Schools of martial arts which decide the base attributes to which your character will have access . Luckily every skill is available to each class, leaving the game with a lot of customization.
Periodically Age of Wulin adds new content in the form of competitions which are
essential to your success, building your School based stats and also giving you access to new skills You have the choice to either improve your hand-to-hand combat skills or instead, other equally important disciplines that have their own advantages compared to hand-to-hand combat.
If you're interested in a world of Oriental legend proportions, Age of Wulin is a game you must try
What We Liked..
Retains best aspects of MOBAs
New gameplay elements are excellent
Great graphics
Little use for real money
.. and what we didn't
Difficulty curve is a little steep for newbies
Dawngate is a MOBA released by Waystone Games, a company under the umbrella of Visceral Games, which is under EA. With those names involved, you’ll expect a high quality product and Dawngate does not disappoint. Even in open beta, the graphics are great in this title – vivid and lush, though undeniably similar in palette to the game Dawngate is competing with, League of Legends.
But Dawngate isn’t just another clone in the crowded MOBA genre. It does add some real originality to its gameplay – narrowing down to just two lanes, adding roles for your heroes (called Shapers here) to focus on and granting bonuses to your minions when you destroy enemy Bindings or towers.
There is certainly enough new content being brought to the table here to intrigue any MOBA fan.
What We Liked..
Fluid action based combat
Easy to level
No hidden pay walls
.. and what we didn't
Dated graphics
Player population is moving towards consoles
DC Universe Online is a great superhero MMORPG that's free to play and features many solid systems such as a fluid combat mechanic and deep character customization system to create the perfect superhero.
The world of DC Universe Online is also rich and authentic, which players who've read all the comics and watched the movie adaptations can certainly appreciate. Almost all iconic characters such as Batman, Superman and The Joker make appearances, and in fan-favorite locations such as Gotham City and Metropolis.
Overall, DC Universe Online is a solid MMORPG for a five year old game, and offers hours of fun on the PC or consoles
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..
The DC universe
A familiy economic model
Interesting maps
.. and what we didn't
Unoriginal gameplay
Buggy client
Released in 2014, Infinite Crisis is a new MOBA based on the DC Universe. The game represents a plot moment in the DC storyline that dealt with parallel universes, allowing developers Turbine a lot of creative reach, and giving the game its title.
Virtually every recognizable superhero makes an appearance here including plenty of variations, some of which are pretty… original. While the game has a couple of flaws, as a new title they will likely be fixed as updates are released. The same probably can’t be said for the rather unpolished graphics, which are weak and bland.
Despite this, Infinite Crisis is a decent game. It’s still early days yet, and improvements are likely to come thick and fast. It may not be set to conquer the MOBA universe, but it certainly qualifies for the competition.
What We Liked..
Fun party customisation system
Improvement over previous games
Well balanced cash shop
.. and what we didn't
Overly automated gameplay
Story is still weak
Genre: strategy, action, mmorpg
Setting: fantasy, historical
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE
Knight’s Fable is a role-playing MMO set in a time of knights and gods. While it’s very similar to the previous R2-GTArcade release, League of Angels, the title makes small improvements in the area of story - rife with twists, betrayals and a cast of half-demons, nobles and divine beings. However, it still falls short of being truly great thanks to weak writing and heavily automated play.
Combat and the main quest are heavily automated by the system, leaving almost nothing for the player to do – an odd choice for a game that promised a stronger main story experience. Knight’s Fable does better in its customizable party and beast system, where human and monster allies can be unlocked to aid your character in battle. One of the genuinely fun aspects of the game, discovering and upgrading new allies to watch them kick serious ass in combat was exciting and highly rewarding.
The game also runs very well for a browser title even on slower systems, and strikes a good balance with its unobtrusive in-app purchase options. Overall, a decent title for those who love upgrading and customizing their character and parties, and don’t mind a light combat and questing experience.
What We Liked..
Authentic Naruto world
Recruit characters and fight battles from the TV series
.. and what we didn't
Jarring animated graphics
Passive combat system
Watch the trailer:
Naruto Online is a top-down 2D animated MMORPG set in the world of Naruto. The game is officially licensed and contains popular characters and locations based on the anime series. Players participate in quests and instances, doing battle with bosses from the anime alongside ninjas that you can recruit and build a team with. The PVE and PVP content is decent, but the passive combat system may not be for everyone.
Combat is turn-based but players play a minimal part in the execution of battles. Before a battle, you can select which ninjas to pick and create strategic synergies, but then you can only watch how the fight plays out. Graphics are okay but the animations do not look as good as it should on the 2D world backgrounds. Overall, Naruto Online is still a fun game to play especially for hardcore fans of the anime series.