Strategy games

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.

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

Heroes Evolved by R2 Games is unmistakably a MOBA that takes its inspiration from fan-favorites DOTA 2 and League of Legends. Don’t write off its resemblance as just a copy though, as the game tries to be different and succeeds by introducing interesting gameplay mechanics such as a Glyph system, which allows players to alter the stats of their heroes like an RPG game.

Players will also have access to a large pool of heroes at release, and all 58 heroes are uniquely themed, well designed and come fully voiced. The MOBA gameplay feels both fresh and familiar and there are two types of match modes available alongside two maps. While it isn’t the best looking game out there graphically, it does hold its own style with a mix of LoL’s comic and cartoon design with a bit of anime.

Overall, Heroes Evolved is a worthy alternative in the MOBA universe. The game’s easy accessibility thanks to its quick client download and free to play fee makes it hassle-free to jump in and start a few games. Heroes Evolved does have a few issues ranging from balance to match-making, but as with any other game it will only get better in time.

➔ Main points:

• Familiar MOBA gameplay with new mechanics
• Over 50 unique and fully voiced heroes to pick from
• Light and fast client download
• Daily rewards for just logging in

The fantasy world of Entrath has been ravaged by war for two millennia between the forces of the Underworld and the surface dwelling alliance, known as the Ardent. After no clear victor emerged, and both forces refused to admit defeat, an ongoing stalemate has ensued for the past two hundred years.

This stalemate has been littered with occasional skirmishes and short periods of fighting, but in comparison to the previous conflicts, life on Entrath has been mostly peaceful... Until now!

It is up to you, as a champion of your chosen faction, to collect and develop a powerful army of trading cards, in order to complete quests and accomplish the longer term goals of your alliance.

➔ Main points:

• A rich and immersive Fantasy themed trading card game.
  
• Choose your own champion, from one of six classes, out of the eight races engaged on Entrath.
• Engaging and imaginative story-driven campaign with countless side quests and opportunities to explore.
• Thriving online community with options for PVP battles, tournaments and a trading portal.

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.

Knight’s Fable is a role-playing MMO set in a time of knights and gods. While it’s very similar to the previous R2-GTArcade release, League of Angels, the title makes small improvements in the area of story - rife with twists, betrayals and a cast of half-demons, nobles and divine beings. However, it still falls short of being truly great thanks to weak writing and heavily automated play.

Combat and the main quest are heavily automated by the system, leaving almost nothing for the player to do – an odd choice for a game that promised a stronger main story experience. Knight’s Fable does better in its customizable party and beast system, where human and monster allies can be unlocked to aid your character in battle. One of the genuinely fun aspects of the game, discovering and upgrading new allies to watch them kick serious ass in combat was exciting and highly rewarding.

The game also runs very well for a browser title even on slower systems, and strikes a good balance with its unobtrusive in-app purchase options. Overall, a decent title for those who love upgrading and customizing their character and parties, and don’t mind a light combat and questing experience.

Legends of Honor is a free to play browser MMO developed by Goodgame Studios. Players will build and maintain a castle, with all the armies and fun that accompany the prestigious position.

Gameplay is similar to any browser castle RTS, especially those developed by Goodgame. I’m looking at you Shadow Kings. What differentiates Legends of Honor from its peers is its setting and tone. The game is dark and brooding with a realistic art style and more than a few Game of Thrones parallels.

A very interesting aspect of the game is its hero feature. While not unique it is well executed and gives the game a bit of variety. It also provides that leveling feel, for those fans of more traditional MMO experiences.

Legends of Honor is a solid entry into a well-established genre. It doesn’t do very much new, but what it does do, it does well.

➔ Main points:

• 2015 Browser MMO
• Castle Building
• Fun Hero System
• Tedious Quests

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!

This strategic browser game developed by XS Software, allows you to embark on a journey through the confines of space all through your internet browser. The game lets you choose between one of three races each with their own history and specifications Other than their psychical aspects, they also differ by their abilities and characteristics.

Once your race is chosen the games takes you to your home base which is divided into three important areas: the mineral zone is your recourse hub, the industrial zone is mainly your economic headquarters and the military zone is your armory. The amount of buildings and vessels to construct is rather large leading to a very personal base. The war strategies you could implement are countless.

Graphically speaking, Nemexia is nothing special. The openness of outer space is a scene with plenty of charisma and it's a shame that this game chose to cluster and cover it with the interface.

Nemexia is an imposing competitor to other browser strategy games; it's well thought out, finds a good balance between difficult and challenging and if it weren't for the occasional letdown here and there it very well could be a masterpiece of its genre.

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!