Historical games

Travian is a 2D browser-based military strategy game that was released in 2004 to critical acclaim. For strategy enthusiasts, the game features resource management and empire building in the early game which supplements its mid-game combat and PVP expansion gameplay.

The hero system is a unique feature that allows players to explore an alternate RPG progression, by embarking their heroes on quests and missions to gain powerful equipment which will aid in attacking and defending villages.

While Travian isn't a perfect game it is a staple title that offers hours of addictive fun to players seeking a strategic browser-based masterpiece.

➔ Main points:

• Large player population that makes the game competitive today
• Fun and strategic empire building
• Excellent user interface for a browser game
• Unique hero system to complement kingdom management
• Will keep you addicted daily

Vikings: War of Clans is a strategy browser game set in the thematic world of Vikings, where as Jarls, players must build their kingdoms, armies and heroes to wage war against each other.

The game offers the traditional, addictive kingdom-building gameplay that we've learnt to appreciate in many games of the same genre, on top of an in-depth progression system and an interesting hero system to provide some much-appreciated variety and additional complexity.

The game also features truly excellent 3D animations that give Vikings: War of Clans terrific scores for graphics and presentation. Our town is alive, and you can see the townsfolk bustling around your buildings, working the forges, mines and farms...
This, paired with the pleasant and thematic soundtrack, really does a great job in letting the player enjoy and "live" the atmosphere of the game.
It comes with some cons though, such as pretty high loading times.

Overall, Vikings: War of Clans is a great browser strategy game that, despite not being able to offer anything new to the veterans of this genre, does provide a top-notch and addictive war game experience to all those looking for an old-school, traditional gameplay.

➔ Main points:

• A 2017 strategy browser game built under the most classical gameplay standards of the genre.
• Excellent graphics and convincing atmosphere based on the world of Vikings.
• Hours of addictive kingdom building and strategic warfare solo or with a clan.
• Deep progression systems for strategy lovers that offer many different ways to play.
• Does not require payment to enjoy the full experience, although advantages for paying users are quite visible.

World of Warplanes is an MMO developed by Wargaming and joins the ranks of older title, World of Tanks. The game puts vehicles and land aside to focus on what happens in the skies, putting the player in the cockpit of numerous aircraft.

The game is extremely accessible and you will find yourself making air manoeuvres like a pro in a matter of minutes. The driving mechanics are very intuitive and allow easy and complete control over your craft with just a handful of keystrokes.

Graphically the title is well done, even if it falls short of true excellence. As players who have played World of Tanks might already expect, aircraft are highly detailed and modelled to a level of accuracy that, in some instances, approaches photorealism.

World of Warplanes is a great title and an important addition to Wargaming’s trilogy, soon to be completed with the upcoming World of Warships.

A browser-based strategy, city-building game, Elvenar allows you to play as either humans, or elves, while taking control of your civilization's economy and army.
The game starts off with a Town Hall, but as with other city building games, the settlement can be expanded, constructing roads and buildings in the process.

Elvenar doesn't require a player to over-commit to the game, and you can 'come and go' as often as you like through the day and manage your city step by step. To make things easy, there is no PvP mode in the game, so players don't get attacked every now and then, and don't have to log on and play to defend the city.

The absence of a PvP mode in Elvenar is made up for by a truly engaging PvE experience where you can fight battles which aren't fully automated like in many other similar, yet boring games.
The combat is turn based where you have to use a lethal strategy to beat your opponent using an army of fighters with varying skills and abilities.

➔ Main points:

• Pacific strategy browser-game.
• Co-existence of humans and mythical creatures.
• Economy is key to building an army.
• Different types of buildings and unique soldiers introduced.
• No PvP mode, but innovative PvE with turn-based combat system.

Ikariam is an animated, historically-themed 2D browser-game that features a rich strategy game experience involving resource management, multiplayer PVP and empire building. The game advances in real time and while progression is slow, the gameplay offers plenty of choices for the player when it comes to being the ruler of their township on an island that is ripe for any plans of expansion.

Graphically, Ikariam is pleasant to look at with good graphics and surprisingly has animated motions of villagers getting to work and constructing buildings or collecting resources. Unfortunately, the lack of in-game sounds and music may be an immersion buzzkill for some players.

Ultimately, Ikariam is a great strategy game that players can play for no cost, even in the presence of an advantageous cash shop.

➔ Main points:

• Rich gameplay that features plenty of content for empire building lovers
• Animated villagers and good graphics
• Slow character progression but well paced learning curve

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.

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.

➔ Main points:

• Above-the-average design: Impressive graphics and detailed unit designs based on World War II.
• Mixed Alternate History Setting: Combines real historical figures and events with fictional elements, but lacks compelling villains.
• Combat Mechanics: Engaging real-time strategy combat with a variety of historically inspired units.
• Rigid Base Management: Overly guided and simplified base construction and resource management.
• Pay-to-Win PvP: Competitive play heavily favors those who invest in in-app purchases, detracting from the overall experience.

War Thunder is an arcade/simulation vehicle simulation game for Windows, OSX and PS4 that takes place during the Second World War. The game is developed by Russian studio Gaijin Entertainment, creator of IL-2 Sturmovik, X-Blades, Blades of Time and Birds of Steel.

In War Thunder you'll dive into battle with aircrafts from six different allied and axis nations – the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Japan and Russia
The game excels in offering a wide range of play experience, from multiple game modes, to varied battle scenarios, to a fairly high level of customization options for your aircraft and tanks.

Choose from classic battles against other players online, cooperative multiplayer sessions and even solo campaign missions.

Fans of flight simulators won't be disappointed by War Thunder's realistic and historical battles, while more casual action gamers will most certainly enjoy the simple-yet-entertaining arcade mode.

The game is very well made - everything from the settings of the vehicles to the smallest details in environments, to the mechanics of large-scale aerial combat and gritty realism of ground combat have been crafted with the player’s experience in mind, including those playing on older systems. The game performs very well and is a treat for the eyes – all in all, an excellent title we highly recommend.

➔ Main points:

• War MMO game with aircrafts.
• A mixture of arcade and simulation for both casual players and hardcore fans of flight simulators.
• Customize your aircraft and hire the best crew members.
• Great graphics and special effects.
• Recently added Tanks

Call of War: 1942 is a strategy game set during World War 2. You build, you expand, you go to war, and yes – you exploit. Call of War is most definitely a 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) game, and even if that genre isn’t quite familiar to you, you’ve probably heard of another immensely popular 4X game: Civilization. Call of War takes the concepts of a 4X game and applies them to a free-to-play model.

➔ Main points:

• Browser-based 4X strategy game
• Matches last weeks
• Set during WWII
• Light system requirements