Category: Reviews

Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is a 3D fantasy MMORPG from Square Enix that leans heavily into what the studio does best, a long-form narrative, memorable music, and a steady stream of curated themepark activities. It supports everything from high-end raids to relaxed side pursuits like crafting, collecting minions, and decorating housing. If you enjoy JRPG-style storytelling in an online world, FFXIV’s main scenario can easily run well past 100 hours, and it is delivered with a level of polish that most MMOs do not match.

Publisher: Square Enix
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: August 27, 2013 (NA/EU)
PvP: Duels / Arenas
Pros: +Robust character creator and glamours. +Outstanding soundtrack and audio. +Large selection of jobs and crafting paths. +Housing for individuals and Free Companies. +Very generous free trial.
Cons: -Very limited build customization within a job. -The early hours can feel sluggish. -Main story progression gates access to a lot of endgame content.

Strife

Strife is a 3D, fantasy-themed MOBA that aims for a faster, friendlier match flow than many genre staples, pairing bright, stylized visuals with a roster full of quirky personalities. Its biggest twists are a companion pet system and a crafting-style item shop that lets you tune builds toward the stats you actually want, rather than forcing every hero into the same few cookie-cutter paths.

Publisher: S2 Games
Type: MOBA
Release Date: April 9, 2015
Shut Down: October 2018
Pros: +Distinctive pet companions that add build variety. +Clean UI and appealing presentation. +Several quality-of-life mechanics that reduce frustration. +Flexible crafting and item customization.
Cons: -Only 1 map.

Heroes and Generals

Heroes & Generals is a free-to-play MMO shooter that tried to do more than standard match-based FPS action, placing its firefights inside a larger World War II campaign. You could queue up as a front-line soldier for quick objectives, or climb the ladder until you were directing resources and deployments as a General in a persistent war.

Publisher: TLM Partners
Type: MMO Shooter
Release Date: July 11, 2014
Shut Down: May 25, 2023
Pros: +Smart mix of shooter action and strategic layer. +Snappy, objective-focused battles. +Detailed stats and performance tracking. +Deep progression with lots to unlock.
Cons: -Balance could be inconsistent. -Cash-shop advantages could feel too strong. -Long-term play could become repetitive.

Heroes & Generals Shut Down on May 25, 2023

Urban Rivals

Urban Rivals is a free-to-play, browser-driven collectible card MMO that plays out like a stylized comic book brawl. What sets it apart from most digital card games is its hidden “Pillz” wagering system, a secret attack multiplier that makes each round feel closer to a bluff-heavy card duel than a slow, numbers-first slugfest.

Publisher: Boostr
Playerbase: High
Type: Card Game
Release Date: January 17, 2006 (International)
Pros: +Enormous card pool (2000+). +25+ clans with distinct themes, bonuses, and play patterns. +Free-to-play friendly
Cons: -The web UI feels old-fashioned compared to modern card clients.

EVE Online

EVE Online is a long-running sandbox MMORPG with a hard sci-fi vibe and a reputation for letting players write the universe’s most memorable stories. Instead of pushing you down a theme park track, it drops you into New Eden with a ship, a skill plan, and the freedom to become anything from an industrial magnate to a pirate, spy, trader, or frontline fleet pilot.

Publisher: CCP Games
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: May 6, 2003
Pros: +Massive universe with real room to roam. +Deep PvP ranging from duels to massive wars. +Older, generally supportive community. +Economy largely shaped by players.
Cons: -Very demanding learning curve. -Solo play can turn into routine grinding. -UI and controls can feel dated and fiddly.

Global Agenda: Free Agent

Global Agenda: Free Agent blends MMO progression with third-person shooter combat in a sci-fi setting. You pick one of four distinct classes, gear up with futuristic weapons, and bounce between instanced PvP arenas and co-op PvE missions from a central hub, all while the game frames you as an operative resisting a harsh world government.

Publisher: Hi-Rez Studios
Playerbase: Shut Down
Type: MMO Shooter
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Pros: +Snappy, action-first combat loop. +A good spread of PvP modes. +Several skill paths with meaningful build choices.
Cons: -No longer actively supported. -Population is very low. -Can suffer from lag and networking hiccups.

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a quirky free-to-play hybrid that blends dungeon building with fast, loot-driven action. Set in the over-the-top realm of Opulencia, it asks you to do two things in a constant loop, raid other players’ castles for treasure, then use what you earn to design a deadlier keep of your own that can withstand the next wave of would-be thieves.

Publisher: Ubisoft
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMO
Release Date: February 5, 2015
Shut Down: October 25, 2016
PvP: Castle Raiding
Pros: +Clever blend of action RPG raiding and player-made defenses. +Lighthearted tone and strong comedic style. +Colorful visuals that fit the theme.
Cons: -Progression leans heavily on the cash shop.

Verdun

Verdun is a World War I first person shooter that takes its name from the brutal 1916 clash on the Western Front. It focuses on squad play and the harsh rhythm of trench fighting, with battles supporting up to 32 players per match.

Publisher: Steam
Playerbase: Low
Type: First Person Shooter
Release Date: September 19, 2013 (early access)
Pros: +Historically grounded WWI weapons and maps. +Distinct squad roles that encourage teamwork. +Both tactical and quicker, casual modes.
Cons: -Small community, so matchmaking can be slow. -Menus and HUD can be hard to read at first. -Movement and overall feel can seem a little heavy. -Demanding learning curve for FPS newcomers.

Star Conflict

Star Conflict is a 3D sci-fi space MMO built around quick, match-driven ship combat. It sits in a similar orbit to games like EVE Online in terms of factions, progression, and the long-term chase for better hardware, but it plays at a much more immediate, action-focused pace. Most of your time is spent dogfighting in instanced PvP and PvE, earning credits and materials, then reinvesting that income into new ships, modules, and upgrades.

Publisher: Gaijin Entertainment
Playerbase: Medium
Type: Shooter
Release Date: Feb 27, 2013
Pros: +Wide selection of distinct ships. +Deep ship loadouts and tuning. +Strong visuals with smooth handling. +Multiple PvP and PvE activities.
Cons: -Monetization can feel advantage-leaning. -Significant grinding to reach top ships and fully upgrade builds.

Infinite Crisis

Infinite Crisis is a free-to-play 3D MOBA that drops DC Comics icons into objective-driven matches, mixing familiar lane pushing with superhero flair. You choose from famous faces like Batman and Superman, or villains such as The Joker and Harley Quinn, then battle across stylized maps inspired by different corners of the DC multiverse.

Publisher: Turbine
Playerbase: High
Type: MOBA
Release Date: Mar 25, 2015 (NA/EU)
Shut Down Date: Aug 14, 2015
Pros: +Distinct “borrowed power” loadouts that change matchups. +Strong focus on map objectives and positioning. +Instant recognition factor with DC’s roster.
Cons: -Tutorial is pushed on new players. -Smaller roster depth compared to the genre’s biggest names.