Strategy games

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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: historical, present, city

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..

A must-try for all the Star Trek fans Nice strategic approach

.. and what we didn't

The grind

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, simulation

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Star Trek: Fleet Command is a new free-to-play MMORTS set in the universe of Star Trek.

You'll be thrown into the chair of the captain of a space fleet, where you'll have to prove your strategic war skills in a real-time space combat experience, both on PC and mobile devices.

Pledge allegiance to iconic factions like the United Federation of Planets or the Klingon Empire, then navigate a 30-year campaign from Lieutenant Commander to Rear Admiral.

With over 50 ship designs and strategic base-building mechanics, the game offers depth and immersion for both Trekkies and strategy enthusiasts alike.

➔ Main points:

  • 2024 MMORTS with real-time space combat
  • Available both on PC and mobile
  • Pledge allegiance to iconic factions from the TV series, like the Klingons
  • Navigate a 30-year campaign from Lieutenant Commander to Rear Admiral
  • Over 50 ship designs and strategic base-building mechanics

What We Liked..

Nice mix of different genres

Pleasant graphics and storyline

.. and what we didn't

Base-building aspect too important

Not well optimized on PC

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, action, simulation

Setting: fantasy, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: all vs all guild or factions PvE PvP


State of Survival is an immersive, zombie-themed survival strategy game for PC and mobile devices.
The game combines real-time strategy, role-playing, base-building and tower defense elements, providing a rich gameplay experience.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must band together in settlements and defend them against hordes of zombies and other players.

Combat happens in real time in full tower-defense style, combining RPG and strategy elements. While you're not fighting, you'll spend your time upgrading your settlement, training your troops, recruiting your heroes and coordinating with your alliance to rule this harsh, zombie-infested world.

Another notable aspect of the game is the rich storyline, which unfolds through a series of quests and missions. Players can explore different regions, uncover hidden secrets, and interact with various characters as they progress through the game. The narrative adds a sense of purpose and direction to the game, and helps players stay engaged and invested in their settlements and characters.

Overall, State of Survival is a compelling and addictive game that offers a unique and satisfying experience for players who enjoy strategy, RPG, and survival games.
With its pleasant visuals, engaging gameplay, and rich narrative, it's easy to see why the game has become so popular among PC gamers.

➔ Main points:

  • A unique blend of RPG, strategy, tower-defense and survival elements.
  • Convincing post-apocalyptic atmosphere thanks to a rich storyline and pleasant graphics.
  • Focus on teamplay: join or create an alliance to maximize your survival possibilities and rule the world.
  • Available for both PC and mobile devices.

What We Liked..

Fun shooting Lots of different levels Fun graphics Convincing pirate atmosphere

.. and what we didn't

We didn't want another city building game

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, casual, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical, sea

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Stormshot: Skull Isle Odyssey is a casual free-to-play game from FunPlus Entertainment (a company you might already know for other games like State of Survival or King of Avalon).

It is set in a world of pirates, hidden treasures, monsters and beautiful beaches, recreated with convincing graphics and dialogues... don't get us wrong: we're still talking about a casual game for PC and mobile devices, so don't expect the immersive experience of a full-featured MMORPG, but for the intended use of this game (killing some time during the lunch break, for example), the technical and story-telling aspects were quite enjoyable.

Regarding the gameplay, Stormshot is basically two-games-in-one: there will be the physics-based strategic shooting puzzles, and the city-building aspect.

The puzzles are the most enjoyable part: they are made in the style of Angry Birds, the iconic game that kinda invented this genre many years ago. There are hundreds of levels, very different one from another, very coloured, fun and sometimes humorous, granting a unique and fun experience every single time.
The city-building aspect is what we already know so well: gather resources, wait, build stuff, wait, wait more time, upgrade stuff, and so on... While many people do love this kind of dynamics, we felt it wasn't really necessary in a game like this, and we would have preferred to just have the excellent puzzles without being forced to play all the rest.

What We Liked..

Relaxing

Colorful

.. and what we didn't

Nothing (if you can live without killing everything that moves)

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, managerial, simulation

Setting: present, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: no fighting


One day you receive a letter from your grandfather asking for your help. A strange stone circle has appeared in the peaceful world of Sunrise Village. The buildings are overgrown with thorny vines and everything else is shrouded in a mysterious thick fog. The events seem to be connected to an ancient story about legendary craftsmen who created six magical crystals to harness their elemental energy. Will you manage to find the crystals? Hurry up and help your grandfather to rebuild the village and uncover its secrets!

Meet friendly villagers on your way and help them repair their houses and workshops. Take care of your adorable farm animals: Chickens and cows need your attention. Harvest vegetables such as peas and produce goods such as hay, plywood, gravel - and even sweets! You'll need these and many other resources to generate energy, rebuild the farm, construct a hot air balloon, travel the countryside and finally solve the mystery of Sunrise Village.

Take a break from hectic city life, enjoy a pristine natural landscape and explore the breathtaking beauty of Sunrise Village, its forest and other locations in the area. Navigate the world map and unlock new areas. Let's go on an adventure!

What We Liked..

Accurate historical setting with a twist

A blend of MMORTS and base-management elements

.. and what we didn't

Pay to win

Story and lore could be better

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, shooter, simulation

Setting: historical, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


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.

What We Liked..

Ridiculously fun PvP battles

Quick match-making

Good graphics

.. and what we didn't

Optimization is a hit or miss

Bland PvE mode

2.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 5.0


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Conqueror's Blade is hybrid blend of medieval MMO gameplay and deep tactical warfare, which places your characters in kingdoms that you'll represent in this feudal age. You'll play as a Warlord, utilizing a chosen class inspired from both Eastern and Western cultures. In its PvE, you'll level up your class, gaining skills and recruiting units for the looming battles ahead. In PvP, expect fun 15 versus 15 siege battles where you and other Warlords fight for regional supremacy that results in better crafting yields, trading opportunities and fame. Conqueror's Blade is a free and unique MMO, but not one without its flaws.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play medieval tactical MMO
  • Good choice of classes that makes combat feel unique
  • Fast matchmaking ensures no downtime
  • Siege battles offers exciting and competitive gameplay

What We Liked..

Classic RPG Style

Great PVP fighting mechanics

Armor and weapons still look cool

.. and what we didn't

Dated graphics & low res character models

Heavily P2W PVP

Unbalanced economy

Very low player base

2.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 5.0

Genre: strategy, action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP



Shaiya holds a place in many people’s hearts as the first MMO they’ve ever played. And as such, people looking back on it today might be viewing it through those dark-tinted nostalgia glasses which may obscure their objectivity when talking about it.

Over 11 years since its’ release, does Shaiya hold up? In a way (Private servers), yes, but for the most part, Shaiya is as dead as an MMO can get. The way it works with old-school MMOs is they either need to have a large enough player base to keep them going, or they need to modernize with the times to draw in newer players.

Shaiya does neither. Few veterans of the game are left, and the changes that the developers have made to the game over the years have only pushed old-school players away even more. There’s nothing on offer here that the new generation of gamers won’t find somewhere else. Somewhere better. The uniqueness of Ultimate Mode, is little more than a novelty feature now, and the P2W aspects of the PVP just kill the game, despite its’ potential. Shaiya still has its’ high points, but the official game is long past its’ prime.

➔ Main points:

  • Downloadable F2P traditional MMORPG
  • Good versus Evil, Faction-based PVP battles
  • Permadeath Ultimate Mode Difficulty
  • Heavily P2W PVP
  • Very low player base on official servers, dead community
  • Fairly active community on private servers