Action games

Based on famed table top game Champions, Champions Online is a recently free-to-play MMORPG created by City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios. Champions online is a comic book lover’s ideal virtual world. While it has its issues, mostly related to graphics, playing through Champions is still an enjoyable romp filled with a plethora of well executed ideas. The game creates a rich yet traditional MMO experience, however much of the game’s systems and classes are locked behind a subscription-based paywall.

The combat feels, for the most part, very traditional. It’s a variation of the classic tab targeting system we’ve come to love, and expect from games like World of Warcraft and Star Wars: The Old Republic. What differentiates combat the most is the ability to enter combat with a unique ability called a travel power. Travel powers are pretty much exactly as the sound, superpowers that allow for different methods of travel. There are a plethora of travel powers to choose from, each compliments a certain class type, however you can choose whichever you are most fond of.

➔ Main points:

• 2009 MMORPG
• Superhero Themed
• Unique Nemesis System
• Plethora of Customization options

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

When reviewing a MOBA in 2015, the n. #1 question to address is: do we really need another one? Is there anything original enough to make it worth playing? The short answer, in Supernova's case, is yes.
Apart from the original-but-not-so-much sci-fi \ space setting (which at least is not the same ol' fantasy one), Supernova brings an appreciated dose of strategy and complexity thanks to its RTS elements: minions don't spawn at predefined intervals to follow the same, computer-defined path, but are controlled directly by players.
You'll have a tech tree to research, and resources to spend to buy the most appropriate units for your objectives, just like in a RTS game.
This really adds a lot of gameplay opportunities, and we're sure that hardcore players looking for a deep, complex game will find in Supernova a great fit.

➔ Main points:

• Join the battle between aliens and humans: the universe itself is the battle arena, and only the best commanders will save their species from interstellar annihilation.
• Wide variety of commanders to control, from giant robots to cyborgs to interstellar races adapted to the unyielding harshness of space.
• Control your minions directly: research new units and spend your resources to produce them just like in a RTS game.
• Classic MOBA roots: 5 vs 5 PvP battles on 3-lanes maps.
• Fast-paced action, long games.

Playing Warframe is as close to being a ninja as many of us will get. Set in a sci-fi universe full of insane alien enemies, you'll have to count on your powerful exo-skeleton to survive.

The gameplay is an interesting mix of classic third person shooter and action, with some undoubtedly enjoyable RPG-like features. You can play co-op with friends or take on one of the many available missions solo.

Graphics are beautiful and due to the game’s proprietary engine, you won’t need a beefy rig to run it. Updates are released regularly so even more fun is to come.

Warframe is a great free-to-play title with a hectic pace and rewarding weapons. It has a plethora of progression options to keep you engaged. Most of all, though, it's a blast to play. Moment to moment gameplay is intense, face paced, and visceral.

➔ Main points:

• 2013 Cooperative third person shooter (MMOTPS).
• Incredible, adrenalinic combat both in solo and co-op PvE.
• Inspired art direction and triple-A quality graphics, with affordable minimum requirements.
• RPG elements and original (at least for a shooter) progression options.

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.

CrossFire is the world's most popular free to play tactical FPS shooter, and the game has achieved this thanks to it's solid gameplay mechanics that makes matches quick, fun and easy to play. The game also boasts a huge amount of match modes and weapon customization that offers players plenty of options and keeps them coming back for more.

While the graphics are horrendously outdated, it doesn't hinder the game but enhances it instead. The majority of maps available are small in size which offers non-stop action and players will have no problems finding a match due to CrossFire's large player population.

CrossFire is a fanstastic tactical FPS game that's easily accessible and fun to play regardless of player skill levels and PC specs.

➔ Main points:

• Solid FPS Gameplay that's been tweaked to perfection
• Small maps that provides non-stop action
• Large variety of match modes, weapons and customization
• Huge player population means no problems finding a match quickly
• Very accessible due to light and fast client download

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.

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

Dive into the enchanting realm of Teyvat in Genshin Impact, a free-to-play action RPG crafted by miHoYo.
You'll embark in an interactive journey that weaves exploration, combat, and character evolution into an irresistible tapestry. Teyvat is a realm of wonder, divided into regions, each a marvel in itself. Glide across landscapes, dive into lakes, and climb mountains, all while uncovering hidden treasures and engaging with locals. From Mondstadt's ethereal cliffs to Liyue's lush expanse, each region paints a breathtaking backdrop that begs exploration.

Meet over 50 unique characters, each a blend of personality and prowess. Whether the enigmatic Diluc or the spirited Klee, they're more than just avatars – they're your comrades, infusing battles with depth and tales with charm.

Combat is a blend of strategy and spectacle.
Unleash elemental abilities, freeze foes with ice, or ignite them with fire. Assemble teams that complement each other's skills, turning battles into a strategic dance that rewards tactics and awe-inspiring visuals.

In Genshin Impact you can shape the gameplay according to your tastes: you can focus on exploration, character development, or artistic endeavors.... all the possibilities are open depending on how you want to play the game.
No matter which path you'll choose, you'll always get that colorful, anime-like graphical style that is either a love-it or hate-it. If you fancy the genre, Genshin Impact will be up to your expectations.

➔ Main points:

• Vast, Living Teyvat: explore seamless regions, from lush landscapes to snowy peaks.
• Dynamic Elemental Combat: harness elemental powers for strategic battles in an open world.
• 50+ Playable Characters: unique personalities and fighting styles shape your adventure.
• Ever-Evolving World: regular updates introduce new regions, quests, and characters.
• Choice-Driven Narrative: craft your adventure through non-linear storytelling, delving into Teyvat's lore.

Released in 2014, Infinite Crisis is a new MOBA based on the DC Universe. The game represents a plot moment in the DC storyline that dealt with parallel universes, allowing developers Turbine a lot of creative reach, and giving the game its title.

Virtually every recognizable superhero makes an appearance here including plenty of variations, some of which are pretty… original. While the game has a couple of flaws, as a new title they will likely be fixed as updates are released. The same probably can’t be said for the rather unpolished graphics, which are weak and bland.

Despite this, Infinite Crisis is a decent game. It’s still early days yet, and improvements are likely to come thick and fast. It may not be set to conquer the MOBA universe, but it certainly qualifies for the competition.