Fantasy games

ArcheAge is a free-to-play (with an optional subscription) MMORPG developed by XLGAMES, published by Trion Worlds, and created by the Korean game designer, Jake Song. You might remember him from Lineage, a game he helped to create way back when. Park originally envisioned ArcheAge as a “sandpark” MMO, meant to mix the openness of a sandbox game with the more structured approach of a themepark MMO, but as time went on, the game became more theme and less sand, with a fair amount of paying-to-win.

➔ Main points:

• Great graphics, higher system requirements
• Houses give you a place to rest your feet
• Interesting justice system.
• 120 Classes

Black Desert Online is an open world sandbox MMORPG that features Asian style graphics and some of the best action combat in any MMO game to-date. The graphics ranging from environment designs to the character creator is top notch.

There’s plenty of content for players to soak their teeth into for both PvE and PvP. Besides the decent amount of class choices, players can also dive into Life Skills, which is a refreshing take on crafting systems within the MMORPG genre. One great aspect of Black Desert Online is that it rewards you for simply playing the game and doing the activities you enjoy most, as players gain a multitude of XP and points to spend that progresses their characters further. The game does offer something for every playstyle.

Overall, Black Desert Online is the poster child and an excellent example of a Buy to Play Asian MMORPG that’s done right. It may have its issues such as the heavy grind and over reliance on RNG and luck, but the game deserves to be played nonetheless.

➔ Main points:

• Addictive fast paced action combat MMORPG
• Excellent character creator and graphics
• Huge open sandbox world with no loading screens between zones
• Free content updates and expansions
• Large population and active in-game community

Blade and Soul is a Korean MMORPG recently published by veterans of the MMO industry, NCSoft.

Originally published in Asia, a little over four years ago, the long anticipated game finally makes its way westward. Fans here in the west have long been clamoring for Blade and Soul: the flashy anime inspired graphics and the apparent innovation of its highly touted combat system make NCSoft’s newest experience seem like an amazing proposition.

The question though, does it live up to all the hype? In many ways yes, the game’s combat is reminiscent of classic combo based fighting games, making each encounter engaging and unique.

The graphics are great, if a little dated. However optimization issues and lag run rampant, PvE is somewhat lack luster, and gearing at max level can be a bit of a chore.

The game is a mixed bag, it does some things right and some wrong, however the things it does correctly may be enough to outshine its rougher aspects by the standards of some players.

➔ Main points:

• 2016 Free to Play MMO
• Action Combat
• Fun 1v1 PvP
• Great Environments

Bleach Saga Online is a browser-based MMORPG with a fantasy setting and Anime style. It was launched on july 2014 by GoGames

The game’s plot happens in the manga universe created by Tite Kubo, which means you may run into, meet, interact and even play as many of his best-known characters.

➔ Main points:

• Original Story and anime style
• Three classes to choose from
• PvP arena
• Turn-based automated combat
• Guild system

Blood Rites is a free to play Asian fantasy MMORPG, first released in 2011. The game features a tab-target combat system, four classes and plenty of progression systems to sink your teeth into. These include weapon enchantments and the more popular Elf companion system, which lets you increase attributes with pets. In the content department, the game's PvE dungeons and raids is where you'll have the most fun, as opposed to the unbalanced PvP modes and a bland story and questing experience to level cap. Graphics and visuals doesn't do Blood Rites any favors, but players actively looking for a classic MMORPG won't mind that too much. Elswhere, the in-game cash shop can be obtrusive if you want to be a competitive player, but otherwise the game is completely playable as a free title.

➔ Main points:

• Fully free to play without any restrictions
• Only four classes but plenty of growth systems to make up for it
• Aging graphics and game engine
• Fun PvE group content to counter the bland questing

Conqueror's Blade is hybrid blend of medieval MMO gameplay and deep tactical warfare, which places your characters in kingdoms that you'll represent in this feudal age. You'll play as a Warlord, utilizing a chosen class inspired from both Eastern and Western cultures. In its PvE, you'll level up your class, gaining skills and recruiting units for the looming battles ahead. In PvP, expect fun 15 versus 15 siege battles where you and other Warlords fight for regional supremacy that results in better crafting yields, trading opportunities and fame. Conqueror's Blade is a free and unique MMO, but not one without its flaws.

➔ Main points:

• Free to play medieval tactical MMO
• Good choice of classes that makes combat feel unique
• Fast matchmaking ensures no downtime
• Siege battles offers exciting and competitive gameplay

Dark Era is a free RPG game released by Game123 which involves the time-space concept in its storyline for the player to fight against the armies of a Dark Emperor. The game majorly focuses on guiding the players in their conquest against the Dark power which the automated gameplay of Dark Era clearly shows.

Even though the rather well-designed environment and competitive graphics of Dark Era are a positive, it is a very small consolation for the lack of action and involvement of the player. Yes, there are certain character upgrades during the course of the game and the introduction of beasts and mounts does spice things up a little bit, but not nearly enough to make up for the disappointment of the automated character movement and decision making.

➔ Main points:

• A number of classes to choose your characters from.
• Good environmental setting and commendable graphics.
• Not enough player involvement.

Dauntless is a free to play monster hunting MMO that lets players hunt solo or in groups to take down the world's most dangerous behemoths. The combat system is deep and tactical due to a good range of weapons and combos available, while fights are engaging as hunts take a long time to complete. The result is a rewarding experience overall. The game offers RPG elements like crafting systems and gear progression to chase, and the world is gorgeous thanks to its marriage of cartoon art-styles with gritty and realistic textures for its monsters, armor and environments. Dauntless is an incredibly polished and exciting alternative to paid monster hunting games out currently.

➔ Main points:

• Free to play MMO with gorgeous graphics and art-style
• Engaging combat system that blends action and tactical combos
• Cash shop is stocked with cosmetics and no pay to win
• Can be played solo or with groups to diversify your monster hunts

Dofus is a isometric 3D turn-based MMORPG that's been around since 2004. The game offers players a wide variety of class choices to pick from, and each are different and unique in style and ability.

The game's graphics are pleasant to look at considering its age, but the visuals still leaves a lot to be desired. The game feature a well written story that is funny and engaging, and it drives the character progression nicely from zone to zone.

The best thing about Dofus is undoubtedly the game's turn-based combat system, which requires players to tactically plan and execute attacks within a time limit. The combat enhances the overall feel of the game and places it among the great tactical MMORPGs in the current era.

However, to get the full game experience, free to play players must pay a subscription fee to access restricted content to advanced character progression. But for what it's worth, the content on offer is vast and high quality which makes Dofus stand out like a gem in a sea of standard online games.

➔ Main points:

• Large selection of classes with 17 in total
• Fun and strategic tactical combat which is addictive
• Well written story that's engaging and funny
• Minimal system requirements
• Occasionally dull graphics
• Must pay to play the full experience

Dragomon Hunter is a free-to-play downloadable MMORPG.
The title presents a typically oriental concept, with deliberately unrealistic characters and a vibrant and colourful game world.
The gameplay is typical of Korean MMORPG, made of fairly repetitive missions with plenty of farming and unrestrained grinding.
To diversify things a bit, there is a system of recruiting defeated enemies, through which we capture monsters and take them back to help us in combat.
Dragomon Hunter, far from representing an excellence in the genre, has proved to be an effective pastime. It's not without flaws, but still manages to entertain and amuse. It is recommended especially if you have a soft spot for the atmosphere and style of manga.

➔ Main points:

• Classifcal Korean MMORPG released in 2015
• Be prepared to face long grinding sessions.
• Colorful, inspired and well-done cartoon \ anime graphical style.
• Defeat your enemies and have them become your pets!