Fantasy games

What We Liked..

Well-made backdrops

The anime fans might appreciate it

No one’s making us play it

.. and what we didn't

Practically nonexistent gameplay

Déjà vu exploding from every pore

Dozens and dozens of clones

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE


Taken from a phenomenon popular in the Land of the Rising Sun, SAO's Legend is a free-to-play MMORPG browser game, with no need to download the game client.

The game allows us to choose from one of four classes, composed of classical archetypes which we have become accustomed to, then we dive immediately into the game world without too many narrative frills narrative to slow us down.

What is immediately apparent it is that the development team has opted to offer users a smoother and faster experience, which wastes no time and mainly focuses on expedited progression through the game maps rather than on exploring and deepening the plot.

It’s an experience only suited to more casual players looking for something uncomplicated and can fit in perfectly with the often restricted hours often available to this user group.

➔ Main points:

  • Sword Art Online becomes a free browser game.
  • Fluid and fast playing style.
  • Four playable classes.
  • Inspired and evocative backdrops implemented.

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

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE PvP


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.

➔ Main points:

  • Chinese Browser MMOARPG
  • Uses the characters from the Soul Calibur series
  • Horrible UI cluttered by pop-ups and cash offers. Heavily P2W
  • Very boring combat. The game plays itself
  • Rudimentary, non-compelling dialogue, non-existent story

What We Liked..

Large group PvP options

Extensive character customization options

Beautiful graphics

.. and what we didn't

Flawed level system

Disconnected world

Slow progression

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: all vs all matches or duels PvE PvP


Unlock the mysterious and unknown treasures hidden around the realm of Nexus, in this massively multiplayer, sci-fi fantasy online role-playing game.

Wildstar takes place on planet Nexus, where a powerful race known as the Eldan have disappeared, leaving behind wealth and technology for you to explore - and now it’s completely free.

Wildstar was created by Carbine Studios and went free-to-play on September 29, 2015, removing its required subscription-based feature.
After 8 long months of redevelopment, Carbine is now handing every player a metaphorical key, in which a fictional world filled with action-based combat awaits you.

➔ Main points:

  • Relaunched as a free-to-play online game after a subscription-based start
  • 5 PvP options, including epic 30vs30 fights.
  • A fair and balanced game with no pay-to-win feature
  • Diverse character customization options
  • Choose among 4 different paths (explorer, scientist, soldier, settler) to get path-specific incentives and questing opportunities

What We Liked..

Unique hybrid MOBA and Battle Royale gameplay

Huge roster of playable characters

Plenty of customization

Play to earn

.. and what we didn't

Long queue times

Unbalanced matchmaking for PvP modes

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.8

Genre: MOBA, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, present, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


Eternal Return is a free to play multiplayer MOBA and battle royale hybrid game that's on the Steam platform. With its huge character roster of 59 unique personalities, players select which anime hero they'll use in matches that pits hem against 17 other players in solo, or can opt to team up to be the last ones standing in visually pleasing maps. The gameplay will feel familiar and fun due to popular mechanics, and earning currency to unlock more anime characters will ensure that you always have goals to grind towards. Matchmaking queues are long can somewhat unbalanced in competitive modes, but that doesn't detract away from the fun moments in game, even if you're playing against AI bots.

➔ Main points:

  • A rare MOBA and battle royale combination that works
  • Free to play with play to earn progression
  • Huge roster of characters to unlock
  • Seasonal events and battle passes available

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

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.8

Genre: war, action, shooter, simulation

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvP


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..

The best looking browser game of its genre

No money is required in order to jump in

.. and what we didn't

Amount of resource gathering

Glitches

Horrible soundtrack

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: matches or duels


Anno online is a browser game released by Ubisoft in 2013. This game has evoked such mixed reactions, no single review can reflect its true value. It's necessary for each player to test drive it themselves and form their own opinions on the quality of this title.

On one side, there are fans of the Anno series who, in general, have said that this game isn't that great compared to past installments but on the other side, there's the amateur browser RTS fans who love this game based on its own merits. As far as we're concerned, a little bit of both sides is right; Anno Online can be a pleasure to play for gamers who are looking for a way to amuse themselves in their free time, however, the excessive costs of the cashshop may discourage gamers who plan on investing themselves in the game. With its excellent graphics and gameplay, the game still has a lot going for it, even if it is a little bit on the expensive side for a browser game.

Anno Online breathes a breath of fresh air into the internet, especially to games of its genre. Put simply, it's exactly what one would expect from the Anno series (similar to Anno 1701 and Anno 1404) and in its browser form, Anno is a small revolution for RTS browser games.

What We Liked..

Varied and interesting PvP play

Lots of classes to choose from

Reborn feature boosts replay value

.. and what we didn't

Uninspiring graphics

Very similar to other TQ Online titles

Overpowered cash shop

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE PvP


Conquer Online sets itself apart early from its MMORPG brethren (including its own incredibly similar titles) by offering a large range of character classes to play, though other than choosing the gender there isn't much other customisation available. Still, whether you pick the graceful Water Taoist or the burly Warrior, TQ Online will set you up with a unique set of specialties and characteristics. And, thanks to the Reborn feature, which allows you to pick a new class with better attributes once you hit level 120, you'll get plenty of opportunity to explore all of them.

PvP is where the game really excels, offering a load of modes, challenges and activities for you to battle together or against your fellow players. Most notable is the violent PK Mode, where you can gain experience and gold by slaughtering any player in sight, while also earning yourself a reputation that might see you hunted down by bounty hunters.

Conquer Online's graphics are a let down, blocky, outdated, and made worse by an often cluttered user interface. Another sore point is the cash shop, which allows paying players to get a huge advantage with otherwise unattainable rare items and bonuses. However, a large community of non-paying players helps even this out, and makes the game an overall positive experience for lovers of PvP combat.

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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, action, MOBA

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: city, fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


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

➔ Main points:

  • Nonrestrictive character creation system
  • Good action based combat system
  • The console friendly factor
  • Authentic DC Universe lore and world that stays true to the comics

What We Liked..

Huge open sandbox world

Non-linear progression

Can earn real life money

.. and what we didn't

Real money for faster advancement

Complicated for new players

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: mmorpg, simulation

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Entropia Universe is a free to play, open world sandbox MMORPG that is unlike most games in the genre. Entropia Universe utilizes a simulation-driven gameplay where players are encouraged to explore their new home world planets and progress their characters through activities such as hunting, mining and crafting. There are no traditional quests and a main story, but players can instead take part in a real cash economy, and invest real money within the game to make profit over time.

From a graphic's standpoint, Entropia Universe does look decent for a game made in 2003, and has had it's engine upgraded. However, players who've played modern MMORPG's may find the graphics to be below par, and may struggle with the complicated UI system. Overall, Entropia Universe offers an alternative way to have fun in an MMORPG that doesn't rely on traditional theme park mechanics.

➔ Main points:

  • Deep and immersive open world sandbox MMORPG
  • Players can invest real money and make profit returns
  • Upgraded graphics and game engine to modernize the game
  • Skills and character progression unlike any other MMORPG