Games in the present

What We Liked..

Classic top down simulation overview

Easy to navigate user interface

Turn based strategy adds an extra dimension to the game

.. and what we didn't

Advanced building options take ages to complete

Graphics are very basic

Players may not be familiar with tile-based combat

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.5

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: city, historical, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


This free to play browser-based game allows you to create your very own empire, starting in the early Bronze Age and advancing towards the Industrial Age and beyond (if you can).

Forge of empires is not just a city building simulation; as your city expands you must fend off other players who attack mercilessly in an attempt to plunder your resources. Cunning, strategy and economic balance all come into play to make Forge of Empires a challenging and enjoyable game.

The free to play model works well here and it is completely possible to experience all features of the game without having to purchase "extras" in order to succeed. A real benefit with Forge of Empires is that game play is really easy-going and there are no lengthy downloads required to play, which is even more reason to give it a try!

➔ Main points:

  • Completely free to play browser based strategy game.
  • No download required to play, simply sign in via a webpage and away you go!
  • Resources and experience are plentiful, making the cash shop almost unnecessary.
  • Easy going and non-demanding game play.

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: all vs all PvP


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..

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

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: city, present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


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..

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: all vs all guild or factions PvP


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..

Faster gunplay than other games that sets it apart

Good amount of weapon customizations including accessories like keychains

Easy join and leave game lobbies to get into the action quicker

.. and what we didn't

Very generic maps and gameplay features

Not new player friendly as newbie lobbies are empty all the time

Only 5 maps since 2016

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0


Watch the trailer:

Genre: shooter

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: all vs all matches or duels PvE


Zula is a full 3D, team-based first person shooter that's been out since 2016, developed by IDC Games. The setting for its matches take place in present modern day era, and players can battle it out on a variety of realistic maps from Turkey to Ukraine, and the battlefield designs are strategic.

The gunplay is incredibly fast-paced and shooting feels excellent as bullet sprays are quick. This means enemy players die quicker, resulting in a hectic and frantic feeling in matches. However, the core gameplay is generic and bland as there are only 5 maps. This is further accentuated by the limited amount of game modes that we've already seen in similar games.

Overall, Zula is a decent free to play first person shooter that delivers fast paced action matches if that's what you crave from your FPS games. It has long haul progression systems for player levels to unlock weapon upgrades, in addition to skins and customization from both in-game and cash store to keep you busy.

➔ Main points:

  • Very fast paced gunplay speed that feels incredibly in matches
  • Good progression and customization options for players committed to the long grind
  • Offers daily missions to diversify daily gameplay offering
  • Zero tolerance on cheating and developers take it seriously