What We Liked..
User friendly
Excellent war and resource sim
Exciting social PVP gameplay
.. and what we didn't
Slow progression rate
Lack of graphics and visuals
No sounds and music
Developed and published by Gameforge back in 2000, OGame is a web browser and text-based sci-fi war simulator and MMO that many consider to be the "lite" version of EVE Online.
With no visual animations and sounds, the game functions using only texts and graphics. At the beginning, players are thrown into the game and will own a single planet, and they will have to master the concept of resource management and empire building in order to progress and become a force in the galaxy. The game's learning curve is steep but there are plenty of tutorials and guides within and outside the game to assist players.
The main objective of OGame is to be the most dominant emperor in the galaxy with a strong space empire spanning multiple planets and a large armada of ships as an army. The game features exciting PVP with other real players and they have the option to form alliances with a group of players to strategically co-ordinate raids and defenses.
For a veteran browser game, OGame is still going strong as the community is still large and the game is regularly updated with more content expansions being released. There is a cash shop to buy premium currency but there isn't a dire need to get them.
Overall, OGame is a simple and strategic game that can offer space war fans with weeks of enjoyment, especially with friends.
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..
Graphically beautiful presentation
Imaginative and vibrant locations
Huge variety of items to find and skills to learn
.. and what we didn't
Repetitive gameplay
NPC's seem "wooden" and lack personality
Combat can be frustrating
Runes of Magic has everything you might expect from an old-style MMORPG.
It is captivating, extremely varied and rather vast; offering a fun and challenging experience to new and veteran RPG players alike.
The game's strengths undeniably rest with its variety, as there are hundreds (if not thousands) of objects to find, collect and / or create.
Whilst the graphics may appear dated by modern standards, Runes of Magic is a perfectly good title for anyone who wants a decent MMORPG without having to spend a fortune.
What We Liked..
Excellent gameplay
Immersive 3rd person perspective
Other game modes are great fun
Gold sharing system encourages team play
.. and what we didn't
Slower unlocking for non-paying players
but this is nothing new
Smite is a third person MOBA developed by Hi-Rez Studios where you fight as one of the ancient gods of world mythologies, taking out enemy Gods, towers, minions and bases, all while playing in the refreshing new third person perspective.
It wouldn’t be a MOBA without a classic 3 lane map, but Smite has lots of other play options that are actually good fun – something that is sadly missing among MOBAs. Whether it’s the speedy Arena mode, the battle heavy Assault mode or one of the crazier Match of the Day scenarios, there’s plenty to do in this game.
Add to this an unobtrusive cash shop, decent graphics and well developed gameplay and you have a winner. Smite is highly recommended, a free to play title that is as enjoyable and challenging as you want it to be.
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..
A must-try for all the Star Trek fans Nice strategic approach
.. and what we didn't
The grind
Star Trek: Fleet Command is a new free-to-play MMORTS set in the universe of Star Trek.
You'll be thrown into the chair of the captain of a space fleet, where you'll have to prove your strategic war skills in a real-time space combat experience, both on PC and mobile devices.
Pledge allegiance to iconic factions like the United Federation of Planets or the Klingon Empire, then navigate a 30-year campaign from Lieutenant Commander to Rear Admiral.
With over 50 ship designs and strategic base-building mechanics, the game offers depth and immersion for both Trekkies and strategy enthusiasts alike.
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..
Nice mix of different genres
Pleasant graphics and storyline
.. and what we didn't
Base-building aspect too important
Not well optimized on PC
Genre: strategy, war, managerial, action, simulation
Graphics: full 3D
PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvE PvP
State of Survival is an immersive, zombie-themed survival strategy game for PC and mobile devices.
The game combines real-time strategy, role-playing, base-building and tower defense elements, providing a rich gameplay experience.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must band together in settlements and defend them against hordes of zombies and other players.
Combat happens in real time in full tower-defense style, combining RPG and strategy elements. While you're not fighting, you'll spend your time upgrading your settlement, training your troops, recruiting your heroes and coordinating with your alliance to rule this harsh, zombie-infested world.
Another notable aspect of the game is the rich storyline, which unfolds through a series of quests and missions. Players can explore different regions, uncover hidden secrets, and interact with various characters as they progress through the game. The narrative adds a sense of purpose and direction to the game, and helps players stay engaged and invested in their settlements and characters.
Overall, State of Survival is a compelling and addictive game that offers a unique and satisfying experience for players who enjoy strategy, RPG, and survival games.
With its pleasant visuals, engaging gameplay, and rich narrative, it's easy to see why the game has become so popular among PC gamers.
What We Liked..
Deep mech customization options
Strong mix of PvP and PvE
Stunning visuals and atmospheric maps
.. and what we didn't
Balance issues between mech classes
Long matchmaking times
Progression system feels grind-heavy
Steel Hunters drops you into a war-torn futuristic battlefield where towering mechs and elite pilots engage in fast-paced tactical skirmishes. Combining elements of battle royales, MOBA, and third-person shooters, it challenges players to outwit, outgun, and outmaneuver each other in chaotic, yet strategic encounters.
Developed by Kingsoft and driven by Unreal Engine 4, the game stands out for its crisp visuals, highly customizable mechs, and the delicate balance between survival mechanics and deep progression systems. Players select from a roster of distinctive steel titans, each equipped with its own weapons, abilities, and playstyle, and then jump into large, open arenas riddled with environmental hazards, loot zones, and rival hunters.
The core gameplay revolves around PvEvP (Player vs Environment vs Player), where AI-controlled enemies and real opponents create a constant layer of danger. As you eliminate targets and complete objectives, you gain upgrades on the fly—enhancing your mech’s firepower, armor, and mobility.
Resource gathering, stealth ambushes, and tactical positioning are key components, offering a more methodical pace than your standard run-and-gun shooter.
The mix of tactical decision-making, mech customization, and intense firefights helps Steel Hunters to carve its niche in the increasingly crowded PvP market. It's not for everyone, but for those who enjoy Titanfall’s mechs with a hint of Escape from Tarkov’s tension, it just might be a hidden gem worth exploring.
What We Liked..
Fun shooting Lots of different levels Fun graphics Convincing pirate atmosphere
.. and what we didn't
We didn't want another city building game
Genre: strategy, casual, managerial
Setting: fantasy, historical, sea
Graphics: animated artworks
PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP
Stormshot: Skull Isle Odyssey is a casual free-to-play game from FunPlus Entertainment (a company you might already know for other games like State of Survival or King of Avalon).
It is set in a world of pirates, hidden treasures, monsters and beautiful beaches, recreated with convincing graphics and dialogues... don't get us wrong: we're still talking about a casual game for PC and mobile devices, so don't expect the immersive experience of a full-featured MMORPG, but for the intended use of this game (killing some time during the lunch break, for example), the technical and story-telling aspects were quite enjoyable.
Regarding the gameplay, Stormshot is basically two-games-in-one: there will be the physics-based strategic shooting puzzles, and the city-building aspect.
The puzzles are the most enjoyable part: they are made in the style of Angry Birds, the iconic game that kinda invented this genre many years ago. There are hundreds of levels, very different one from another, very coloured, fun and sometimes humorous, granting a unique and fun experience every single time.
The city-building aspect is what we already know so well: gather resources, wait, build stuff, wait, wait more time, upgrade stuff, and so on... While many people do love this kind of dynamics, we felt it wasn't really necessary in a game like this, and we would have preferred to just have the excellent puzzles without being forced to play all the rest.