Strategy games

What We Liked..

Addictive gameplay

Active community

Long PvE campaign

Fun PvP

.. and what we didn't

No crossplay feature

High gap between free and paying players

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Hustle Castle is a free to play idle-management RPG that's 2D in nature, taking place in a fantasy medieval setting. Players must build their castle up by constructing and upgrading rooms, each offering progression purposes like food, gold and army training. Dwellers are how players will progress, as these little settlers can be trained and armed, and then sent out on missions in the PvE campaign to bring back all important loot. The game's simple and addictive idle-sim management gameplay will keep you hooked on either the PC or mobile phones. Expect PvP battles, clan features and a cash shop to quicken progression.

➔ Main points:

  • Free idle-management clicker game that's addictive
  • Lengthy PvE campaign that offers fun progression
  • Very active community to socialize with and create clans
  • Simple graphics and gameplay suitable for younger audiences

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..

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

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: city, historical

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


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..

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

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, action, MOBA

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


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..

Excellent graphics

Overarching

quest driven storyline

Huge amounts of objects to be discovered and bought

.. and what we didn't

Way too much loading times!

Repetitive missions

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, shooter

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP all vs all


Andromeda5 is a fully 3D MMO browser game recently released by XS software. The game allows you to travel through the depths of the universe and explore different galaxies. The storyline progresses through main quests which even if not very exciting still make it possible to maintain a good gameplay flow and prevent one from getting overly bored.

In short, the game is a standard free MMO that has dozens of missions (although not very different from each other) which usually involve collecting such and such item or resources.

Graphically, the game is rather pleasant , thanks to the integration of the Unity graphics engine. The ambiance and feel of space in the game is done well, completely in the 3 dimensions. All in a single browser window. Andromeda5 is a good game, but due to some of its defects, it doesn't reach its full potential .

What We Liked..

The best looking browser game of its genre

No money is required in order to jump in

.. and what we didn't

Amount of resource gathering

Glitches

Horrible soundtrack

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: matches or duels


Anno online is a browser game released by Ubisoft in 2013. This game has evoked such mixed reactions, no single review can reflect its true value. It's necessary for each player to test drive it themselves and form their own opinions on the quality of this title.

On one side, there are fans of the Anno series who, in general, have said that this game isn't that great compared to past installments but on the other side, there's the amateur browser RTS fans who love this game based on its own merits. As far as we're concerned, a little bit of both sides is right; Anno Online can be a pleasure to play for gamers who are looking for a way to amuse themselves in their free time, however, the excessive costs of the cashshop may discourage gamers who plan on investing themselves in the game. With its excellent graphics and gameplay, the game still has a lot going for it, even if it is a little bit on the expensive side for a browser game.

Anno Online breathes a breath of fresh air into the internet, especially to games of its genre. Put simply, it's exactly what one would expect from the Anno series (similar to Anno 1701 and Anno 1404) and in its browser form, Anno is a small revolution for RTS browser games.

What We Liked..

Tactical team-based fun

Great graphics and sound

Good amount of freelancers

Easy to learn

.. and what we didn't

Must pay to unlock all freelancers

No built-in voice chat

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war, MOBA

Setting: city, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Atlas Reactor by Trion Worlds is a refreshing turn-based tactical team PVP game that pits two teams of four players against each other. The game's unique gameplay is its selling point, proving that MOBA isn't the only option when it comes to competitive group play.

The game boasts well designed and balanced heroes called Freelancers, and their ability to influence games is largely down to the skill of the player, the strategy of the team and how well they communicate as a group, rather than the strength of the Freelancer.

Overall, Atlas Reactor is a very fun game to play and offers hours of strategic fun for both hardcore and casuals. The game is easy to learn but hard to master, and considering that it's free to play, it will keep gamers coming back for a long time to come.

➔ Main points:

  • Refreshing turn-based tactical team PVP that challenges traditional MOBAs
  • 16 Freelancers to choose from that are unique and balanced
  • Requires team strategy and communication over individual skill
  • Great graphics that doesn't require high-spec computers to play
  • Small download size

What We Liked..

Fresh concept for a MOBA

Free to play with no pay to win

Great UI layout

.. and what we didn't

High learning curve with insufficient tutorial

Only 1v1 mode available

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, MOBA

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


Beyond The Void is a free to play 1v1 MOBA that infuses RTS mechanics for a solid, fun and addictive gameplay. Matches are all about destroying the enemy's Mothership, while ensuring yours survives to upgrade, build and gather resources on an excellent evolving map that orbits around the sun.

The graphics are very attractive and the game run smoothly, but could use a better new player tutorial as the learning curve is high. The game also uses Ethereum blockchain to manage the in-game economy, allowing players to obtain cash shop cosmetics to be freely sold or traded with other players using the blockchain which creates a non pay to win environment.

➔ Main points:

  • 1v1 free to play MOBA with RTS elements
  • High replay value due to map placements constantly moving
  • No pay to win cash store due to blockchain technology
  • Excellent graphics and aesthetics

What We Liked..

Retains best aspects of MOBAs

New gameplay elements are excellent

Great graphics

Little use for real money

.. and what we didn't

Difficulty curve is a little steep for newbies

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, action, MOBA

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


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.

What We Liked..

Very innovative

Unique and rewarding quest progression

Game of Thrones!

.. and what we didn't

The technical qualities

Still a pretty standard pay-to-play type of game

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvE PvP


Game of Thrones: Ascent is a new browser game developed and published by Disruptor Beam. The game chronicles your “ascent” to the throne of one of the eight royal houses of Westeros.

Ascent is a very story driven game, much like the original series. Unfortunately, where the game differs the most from the TV show is in the action. This isn't to say that fans of the show will not enjoy the game; fanboys and girls who feel the need to engage themselves in more GoT lore may find Ascent to be the perfect way to get their fix in between episodes.

Standard RPG fans may also take interest in the unconventional take on the combat system (if you could even call it that). The game also has the typical western RPG conversation based cutscenes, allowing you to align your character towards good, evil or somewhere in between.

Game of Thrones: Ascent has many attractions to many different types of gamers. Quintessential RPG gamers will appreciate a new take on the traditional combat system and more story driven gamers will love this game. Ascent even offers something for RTS gamers! There's plenty of resource gathering and “base-building” to be found in the game. And of course, GoT fans will find themselves right at home with the storyline.

Ascent is a game that reaches for the stars and all in all, it's a great use of the Game of Thrones license.