What We Liked..
Ability to switch between classes at will
10 different classes that are fun to play
Story-driven MMORPG
Action based combat
Unobtrusive cash shop
.. and what we didn't
Typical grind at later levels
Unsubstantial PVE and PVP
Linear story pacing and delivery
Twin Saga is the latest high fantasy setting MMORPG to come out from Asia and offers a promising outlook for the genre by putting the power of choice in the hands of the player. rassembler du matériel ou forger. The game features 10 different classes that players can swap between freely at any time without cost or restriction. Player housing also takes a different approach – the Terracottage is a mobile house that can move like mounts, and is a place where guilds and friends can hang out, gather materials and even craft.
If you enjoyed games like Final Fantasy, Ragnarok and Kingdom Hearts, Twin Saga’s 3D art style and animations will definitely appeal to you as it hovers between anime and cartoon, but the graphics do look a little aged which is surprising.
Overall, Twin Saga is a fairly good MMORPG that contains rich lore and story that is complemented by a fast-paced action combat system that suits the art style. There’s plenty to do in PVE ranging from hidden quests, Astral Adventures and Dungeons, while the competitive players can try their hand at PVP in arenas or battlegrounds. Ultimately, Twin Saga should be credited for its fresh approach but doesn’t do enough to stand out from the MMORPG crowd.
What We Liked..
Easy to jump into
Free to play without pay to win
Plenty of content
Promotes player creativity
.. and what we didn't
Bland main story quests
Must pay to use world chat
MapleStory 2 is a free to play hack and slash MMORPG featuring cute anime cartoon graphics and art style. The game offers an incredible amount of PvE and PvP content from questing to intuitive Mini Games and even a Battle Royale mode without a content paywall. While there is an in-game cash shop, it sells mostly cosmetics and convenience, although one great thing about it is you can sell your own custom designs on there as well using the User Generated Workshop.
What We Liked..
Beautiful Environments
Fun Combat
Pretty Costumes
.. and what we didn't
PvE content is simple
Lacks innovation
Needs better Optimization
Blade and Soul is a Korean MMORPG recently published by veterans of the MMO industry, NCSoft.
Originally published in Asia, a little over four years ago, the long anticipated game finally makes its way westward. Fans here in the west have long been clamoring for Blade and Soul: the flashy anime inspired graphics and the apparent innovation of its highly touted combat system make NCSoft’s newest experience seem like an amazing proposition.
The question though, does it live up to all the hype? In many ways yes, the game’s combat is reminiscent of classic combo based fighting games, making each encounter engaging and unique.
The graphics are great, if a little dated. However optimization issues and lag run rampant, PvE is somewhat lack luster, and gearing at max level can be a bit of a chore.
The game is a mixed bag, it does some things right and some wrong, however the things it does correctly may be enough to outshine its rougher aspects by the standards of some players.
What We Liked..
Varied and interesting PvP play
Lots of classes to choose from
Reborn feature boosts replay value
.. and what we didn't
Uninspiring graphics
Very similar to other TQ Online titles
Overpowered cash shop
Conquer Online sets itself apart early from its MMORPG brethren (including its own incredibly similar titles) by offering a large range of character classes to play, though other than choosing the gender there isn't much other customisation available. Still, whether you pick the graceful Water Taoist or the burly Warrior, TQ Online will set you up with a unique set of specialties and characteristics. And, thanks to the Reborn feature, which allows you to pick a new class with better attributes once you hit level 120, you'll get plenty of opportunity to explore all of them.
PvP is where the game really excels, offering a load of modes, challenges and activities for you to battle together or against your fellow players. Most notable is the violent PK Mode, where you can gain experience and gold by slaughtering any player in sight, while also earning yourself a reputation that might see you hunted down by bounty hunters.
Conquer Online's graphics are a let down, blocky, outdated, and made worse by an often cluttered user interface. Another sore point is the cash shop, which allows paying players to get a huge advantage with otherwise unattainable rare items and bonuses. However, a large community of non-paying players helps even this out, and makes the game an overall positive experience for lovers of PvP combat.
What We Liked..
Fast-paced gameplay
Convincing atmosphere
.. and what we didn't
Lacks some content
Embark on the immersive world of Naraka: Bladepoint, a distinctive battle royale game released in August 2021 and converted to Free-to-Play in late 2023 by 24 Entertainment and NetEase Games Montreal. Set on Morus Island, the game accommodates up to 60 players, allowing them to choose from a diverse roster of heroes, each equipped with unique skills.
Naraka: Bladepoint stands out with its focus on martial arts-inspired melee combat and a rock-paper-scissors combat system, creating a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience.
Whether venturing solo or teaming up in trios, players navigate the island, adapting to a shrinking safe zone and strategic encounters with other squads.
With a global player base surpassing 6 million copies sold, the game transitioned to a free-to-play model, extending its reach across PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Naraka: Bladepoint offers an engaging and accessible entry into the world of battle royale, where players can enjoy the thrill of combat and strategic gameplay in a visually captivating environment.
What We Liked..
Solid FPS gameplay
Very accessible
Numerous match modes
Large player base
.. and what we didn't
No support for larger screen resolutions
Poor graphics
Watch the trailer:
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.
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
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..
Fluid action based combat
Easy to level
No hidden pay walls
.. and what we didn't
Dated graphics
Player population is moving towards consoles
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
What We Liked..
Large selection of classes
Fun turn-based tactical combat
Minimal system requirements
.. and what we didn't
Limited content for free players
Average graphics
Dofus is a isometric 3D turn-based MMORPG that's been around since 2004. The game offers players a wide variety of class choices to pick from, and each are different and unique in style and ability.
The game's graphics are pleasant to look at considering its age, but the visuals still leaves a lot to be desired. The game feature a well written story that is funny and engaging, and it drives the character progression nicely from zone to zone.
The best thing about Dofus is undoubtedly the game's turn-based combat system, which requires players to tactically plan and execute attacks within a time limit. The combat enhances the overall feel of the game and places it among the great tactical MMORPGs in the current era.
However, to get the full game experience, free to play players must pay a subscription fee to access restricted content to advanced character progression. But for what it's worth, the content on offer is vast and high quality which makes Dofus stand out like a gem in a sea of standard online games.
What We Liked..
Creature recruitment is a good idea
It's a stylistic delight
.. and what we didn't
Way too much grinding
Technically not as good as the artistic direction
Dragomon Hunter is a free-to-play downloadable MMORPG.
The title presents a typically oriental concept, with deliberately unrealistic characters and a vibrant and colourful game world.
The gameplay is typical of Korean MMORPG, made of fairly repetitive missions with plenty of farming and unrestrained grinding.
To diversify things a bit, there is a system of recruiting defeated enemies, through which we capture monsters and take them back to help us in combat.
Dragomon Hunter, far from representing an excellence in the genre, has proved to be an effective pastime. It's not without flaws, but still manages to entertain and amuse. It is recommended especially if you have a soft spot for the atmosphere and style of manga.