What We Liked..
Bright and colorful world
Upbeat music
Fun Sprite companions
.. and what we didn't
The world is too big and you often play by yourself
Repetitive and bland quests
Very low player base
Unbalanced economy
Almost approaching its' tenth birthday, Grand Fantasia is an F2P Anime MMORPG that doesn't reinvent the wheel of the genre but follows the 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it" mentality.
Pleasantly cheerful music, and a game world that is bright and colorful, Grand Fantasia's art style holds up well. What doesn't, is the PVE and PVP content. Quests in Grand Fantasia are painstakingly boring and what's left of the PVE content is little more than level grinding for PVP.
PVP is all but inaccessible to anyone but high-level players, and the P2W game model the game uses makes PVP very unbalanced, as all the top Pkers have spent real-life money to give themselves a huge advantage over the competition and grant themselves powerful end-game gear. PVP is the best part about Grand Fantasia, but unless you spend money, you don't stand a chance.
The game is dead and that makes it hard to recommend. A new server, Siwa was released 5 months ago, and it is already a ghost town. A world full of lively things is now lifeless.
What We Liked..
Very colorful
Easy to pick up and play
.. and what we didn't
Childlike
Still in beta
No PVP until level 40
Watch the trailer:
Aura Kingdom is a fantasy MMORPG published by Aeria Games on a free-to-play format. The closed beta was released in 2013 while the open beta was released in 2014. The game is very colorful and rather cute.
This game offers you the chance to become the hero that saves the universe of Aura Kingdom from the grips of evil as well as from the bandits who, after being expelled for years have now returned with even more power than ever. The game lets you choose one of 8 different classes and one of 7 different companions , or “Ediolons” who fight at your side. The game has something for all different tastes, leaving the player with a remarkable sense of choice.
The game is most suited for children as most of the human characters in the game are young. It seems the makers of the game tried to appeal to younger gamers and kind of set aside the wants of more mature, sophisticated gamers. Taking into consideration the more RPG like choices and battle system, it's best for each individual player to form their own opinions about the game's childlike traits.
What We Liked..
Lovely soundtrack
Combos-based gameplay
Private servers that keeps things interesting
.. and what we didn't
Very dated graphics
No new content
Slow experience gain
Released in 2004, Metin2 is a Korean free to play MMORPG that allows players to pick one of three kingdoms to represent as factions, and embark on slow progression journey to becoming a master combat fighter. The game's combo-based action combat is revolutionary for its time, making open world fighting a pleasure especially against waves of enemies.
When it comes to gameplay, the PVE content is mediocre as questing is largely uninteresting, but the game's focus lies largely within its exciting PVP modes.
The game does look very aged and dull in comparison to newer MMOs, but there is a certain nostalgic factor in addition to an emergence of private servers that has been keeping Metin2 relevant today. Overall, Metin2 is a pioneer of Asian-style MMORPGs and it's worth checking out for the combat and PVP, and since it's free, all you have to lose is just time.
What We Liked..
Engaging turn-based combat
Rich and immersive storyline
Diverse and detailed environments and lore
.. and what we didn't
No adrenaline with the turn-based combat
Initial learning curve
Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play, turn-based role-playing online game developed by HoYoverse, already known for its flagship game Genshin Impact. Set in a vibrant sci-fi universe, players traverse diverse worlds aboard the Astral Express, engaging in strategic battles and uncovering a rich narrative.
Honkai: Star Rail propels players into a universe teeming with adventure, mystery, and a dash of interstellar whimsy, shifting gears from real-time action to a more strategic, turn-based combat system, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for both veterans and newcomers.
The game introduces you to the Astral Express, a cosmic locomotive that serves as your gateway to a multitude of worlds, each with its own unique aesthetic and lore. From the icy expanses of Jarilo-VI to the bustling, futuristic cityscapes of the Xianzhou Luofu, the environments are crafted with meticulous detail, making exploration a visual treat.
Combat in Honkai: Star Rail is where strategy enthusiasts will find their playground. The turn-based system requires thoughtful team composition and skill synergy. Each character brings distinct abilities to the table, and mastering their interplay can lead to satisfying victories against the game’s diverse array of adversaries. The inclusion of elemental affinities and status effects adds layers of depth, ensuring that battles remain engaging as you progress.
Narratively, the game doesn't shy away from complexity. The storyline is rich with interwoven character arcs, political intrigue, and philosophical musings on the nature of civilization and the cosmos. Side quests and character-specific missions further expand the lore, providing a comprehensive understanding of the game's universe.
However, it's worth noting that, like many free-to-play games, Honkai: Star Rail incorporates a gacha system for character and equipment acquisition. While it's entirely possible to enjoy the game without spending money, progression can be slower, and obtaining specific characters may require patience or luck.
What We Liked..
Excellent battle system
Realistic and detailed graphics
.. and what we didn't
Bland and repetitive quests
It takes a good setup in order to run the game at its maximum
Watch the trailer:
A big budget MMORPG, TERA originally required a subscription fee but it has recently become free-to-play. This title was released in Korea in 2011 and then later in 2013 for a Western audience. TERA was published in the US and Europe by En Masse Entertainment and Frogster, respectively.
The game has one big advantage: its combat system which was extensively highlighted during the game's marketing campaign. TERA's combat system is far from what people are used to seeing in other titles. At times the action will remind you more of a third person action game with its much more direct and visceral presentation.
Despite all this, the repetitive quests will quickly remind you that this games is an MMORPG, but fortunately the very sophisticated graphics along with the combat system make up for the repetitiveness of the quests.
More or less free-to-play, there isn't much from stopping you to at least try the game's new adaptations, except maybe its long download times.
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..
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..
Visceral mech combat
A variety of weapons and modules to tweak your mechs
Gorgeous visuals with the Unreal Engine 5
.. and what we didn't
Similar to its predecessor
Some matchmaking issues
War Robots: Frontiers takes the classic War Robots formula and catapults it into the realm of high-fidelity, physics-driven mayhem. Published by My.com, this third-person mech shooter offers large-scale battles where hulking war machines clash in destructible environments. Unlike its mobile predecessor, Frontiers is built from the ground up for PC and consoles, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to create more immersive combat scenarios.
The game focuses on team-based, objective-driven battles, where players pilot powerful mechs—called "War Robots"—customizing their weapons, armor, and abilities to fit their playstyle. Whether you prefer agile skirmishers, heavy artillery platforms, or tank-like juggernauts, Frontiers has a mech for you. Combat is dynamic and fast-paced, emphasizing strategy, positioning, and environmental destruction. Buildings crumble under heavy fire, providing both tactical opportunities and chaotic spectacle.
Customization is a big deal here, allowing players to tweak their machines with different weapons, modules, and abilities. The movement system is more refined than in the original War Robots, with smoother animations, better weight distribution, and an overall more polished feel. The maps are large and varied, featuring urban battlegrounds, industrial zones, and open wastelands.
For fans of mech-based destruction, War Robots: Frontiers delivers thrilling, high-octane action, estabilishing itself as one of the best online shooter of 2025.
What We Liked..
Fun features like weddings
Good co-op elements.
.. and what we didn't
It's still a 2006 games
Choose your character from a number of unique classes in Fiesta Online and develop their skills to complete a range of progressively difficult tasks and missions. Polish your passive skills to gain an edge all the time and get a momentary boost by unlocking various temporary active skills.
Manage your finances as well by selling items and completing missions to buy unlockables and upgrades which also enhance your character's performance. Engage with other players in a variety of ways, form allies and make enemies on your way to become the best!
What We Liked..
Accurate historical setting with a twist
A blend of MMORTS and base-management elements
.. and what we didn't
Pay to win
Story and lore could be better
Genre: strategy, war, shooter, simulation
Setting: city, historical
Graphics: full 3D
PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP
Warpath, developed by Lilith Games, ventures into an alternate World War II scenario where historical accuracy blends with creative liberties. The game showcases impressive 3D graphics and semi-animated cutscenes that set the stage for a conflict against the enigmatic Raven faction, replacing the traditional Axis powers.
Players command a variety of meticulously designed units, including infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft, each reflecting authentic World War II equipment.
Gameplay revolves around managing bases and engaging in real-time strategy combat on a hex-based grid, where tactical decisions shape the outcome of battles.
While Warpath excels in presentation and combat mechanics, its adherence to free-to-play mobile game tropes, such as heavily guided base management and a pay-to-win PvP mode, limits its potential for deeper strategic gameplay.
Despite its flaws, Warpath offers a visually compelling experience with historical nods that may appeal to players seeking a mobile MMORTS with accessible gameplay and engaging combat dynamics.