Strategy games

What We Liked..

looks and sounds great

lots of strategy

positioning adds another layer

currently quite balanced

.. and what we didn't

just not as popular as some other CCGs

Bandai Namco brought more microtransactions

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, cards

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: matches or duels


In most collectible card games, the hero, or summoner (or whatever you want to call it), sits out of sight, signified by a portrait, but in Duelyst, your general starts on the battlefield and gives the game its namesake. Battles in Duelyst are just that, duels. It’s your general pitted against your enemy’s general, and all the cards you play are in service of that.

➔ Main points:

  • fun implementation of generals
  • lots of strategic options
  • grid-based movement and positioning
  • great pixel art

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: guild or factions PvP all vs all


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..

The Marvel Universe

Free to play and balanced cash shop

Constantly updated

.. and what we didn't

Characters and costumes are expensive

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.7

Genre: strategy, action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvE PvP


Marvel Heroes has a strong foundation with Brian Michael Bendis (author of Marvel comics) and David Brevik (designer of Diablo) on the development team. Although the game didn’t get off to a great start in open beta , Gazillion has since listened to players and done a much needed overhaul. And the effort was worth it - this is a very entertaining game and if Gazillion continues to be as responsive as they’ve been so far, it’s only going to get better.

The gameplay is fun and the story will appeal to many people, drawing as it does from the rich and complex Marvel universe. Add to this a well-balanced cash shop and this title is a must for Action RPG fans and Marvel fans!

What We Liked..

Great Voice Acting

Humorous Dialogue

Solid Strategy Elements

.. and what we didn't

Stiff Combat Animations

Cash Shop

Long Tutorials

Time Sink

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.7


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE PvP


Nords: Heroes of the North is a browser based strategy game published by Plarium Games.
The humorous take on the now pervasive strategy genre does a lot right, leaving only a little to be desired.

Build your Keep, choose your Champion, and become a famed Lord Marshall; then set out to conquer your rivals.

Those hoping for a reprieve from the tedious nature of other well-known strategy outings will be disappointed, however those looking for a solid browser RPG will find an excellent new home in Nords.

➔ Main points:

  • Fast-paced (compared to similar games) strategy browser game with lots of things to do and daily quests.
  • Funny, humoristic atmosphere thanks to the great voice-acting and top-notch artworks.
  • 3 different races: Northmen, Orcs and Elves.
  • Equip and level-up your hero.
  • Ally with your neighbours, or attack and raid them without mercy!

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..

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..

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: sci-fi, city

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..

engaging gameplay

detailed structure upgrades

colorful graphics.

.. and what we didn't

Graphics not detailed enough

dialogue text is very small.

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, casual, mmorpg, managerial

Setting: present, city

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: no fighting PvE PvP


A fun to play game with lively graphics, Big Farm comes in as a good competitor to the run of the mill farming games. Based on the concept of balancing your resources and making your farm blossom, the game offers a number of avenues which you can take up to maximize your profits. Crops can be grown and harvested and animals can be raised while using fertilizers and other boosters.

Big Farm also offers the players to enjoy a few multiplayer game modes in which they can apply their expertise and achieve the objectives before their rivals to win. They can also play together as a team and expand their farms the best they can. Big Farm is very simple to play on one hand, and offers unique building upgrades on the other, making it a really fun game to play.

➔ Main points:

  • A farming game with colorful graphics.
  • Engaging multiplayer element.
  • Fun gameplay.
  • Easily understandable objectives.
  • Graphic details could have been better.