Category: Reviews

WildStar

WildStar: Reloaded is a free-to-play 3D fantasy MMORPG that blends sci-fi and fantasy in a bright, stylized universe. The action unfolds on the distant world of Nexus, a planet once ruled by the enigmatic Eldan, a powerful civilization that vanished without explanation.

Publisher: NCSoft
Playerbase: Medium
Type: F2P MMORPG
Release Date: Jun 3, 2014 (Global)
Shut Down Date: November 28, 2018
PvP: Open World / Duels / Arenas / Battlegrounds / Warplots
Pros: +Smooth, responsive gameplay. +Distinctive, memorable classes. +Action-based combat that requires aiming. +Stylized, eye-catching visuals. +Multiple PvP formats and modes.
Cons: -Questing can feel grindy over time. -Limited long-term end-game progression.

WildStar Reloaded Shut Down on November 28, 2018

League of Angels

League of Angels is a 2D fantasy MMORPG you can jump into directly from your web browser, built around turn-based, auto-resolved battles and a constant drip of upgrades. Your job is to gather a party, awaken angelic allies, and push back the forces threatening the realm. It is designed to be accessible, feature-heavy, and easy to play in short sessions, even if you are multitasking.

Publisher: GTArcade
Playerbase: High
Type: Browser MMORPG
Release Date: Dec 13, 2013 (NA)
PvP: Arenas
Pros: +A huge amount of activities and progression paths. +Item crafting and upgrade loops that feel rewarding early on. +Strong character and UI art for a browser title.
Cons: -Real-money spending translates directly into power. -Menus and pop-ups can feel crowded and noisy. -Only 3 classes to choose from. -Progression becomes very slow in the later levels.

Heroes of Newerth

Heroes of Newerth is a 3D fantasy MOBA set in the Newerth universe. Heavily influenced by Dota: All Stars, it launched with a familiar lane-and-jungle formula and even includes a number of recognizable hero archetypes alongside a large roster of original additions.

Publisher: S2 Games
Type: MOBA
Release Date: May 12, 2010
Shut Down Date: June 22, 2022
Pros: +Over 123 playable heroes. +Tons of cosmetics, skins, and voice packs. +Excellent match history and stat tracking. +Strong matchmaking and rating structure. +Handy in-game voice command system.
Cons: -Demanding learning curve for newcomers. -Player culture can be harsh and unwelcoming.

Legend of Edda

Legend of Edda is a free-to-play, isometric 3D MMORPG with an anime, chibi-inspired art style, framing its faction conflict around the mythic war between the Olympian gods and the Titans. It aims for a light, approachable vibe while still offering the usual MMO loop of questing, dungeons, gear upgrades, and multiple PvP formats.

Publisher: JCPlanet
Playerbase: Shut Down
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: Feb 17, 2013 (Global)
PvP: Duels / Realm vs Realm / Arena
Pros: +Multiple PvP modes to rotate through. +A steady supply of quests and activities.
Cons: -Gameplay can feel samey over time. -Weak English localization. -Technical rough edges and bugs.

Vindictus

Vindictus is a free-to-play 3D fantasy MMORPG built around fast, hands-on combat and raid-style boss encounters. Instead of roaming a seamless open world, you tackle instanced missions with a small party (or solo if you are confident), picking from nine character-based “classes” with very different weapons and defensive tools.

Publisher: Nexon
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: October 13, 2010 (NA)
PvP: Duels / Arenas
Pros: +Skill-driven, real-time action combat. +Flashy animations with strong character styling. +Multiple distinct characters with different approaches.
Cons: -Gender-locked roster choices. -Mission structure encourages repeating stages often. -PvP exists, but feels uneven and not deeply supported.

Conquer Online

Conquer Online is a classic 2D martial arts action MMORPG set in ancient China, built around competitive play. It leans heavily into PvP with duels, clan conflicts, and tournament-style events that encourage players to test their builds, their reflexes, and their willingness to take risks in the open world.

Publisher: TQ Digital
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: Jan 17, 2004 (NA/INTL)
PvP: Duels / Open World / Clan Wars / PvP Tournaments
Pros: +Flexible rebirth progression. +Lots of PvP formats to choose from. +Distinct class roster with different playstyles.
Cons: -PvE difficulty is generally low. -Botting remains a common issue. -Cash shop power can heavily influence outcomes.

Nosgoth

Nosgoth is a third-person, arena-style MMO shooter from Psyonix built around asymmetrical PvP, Humans with lethal ranged tools versus Vampires that rely on mobility and brutal melee. Set in the Legacy of Kain universe, it leans hard into quick rounds, team coordination, and vertical map play.

Publisher: Square Enix
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMO Shooter
Release Date: Jan 21, 2015
Shut Down Date: May 31, 2016
Pros: +Rapid, satisfying PvP. +Strong asymmetrical balance. +Cash shop stays fair. +Plenty of distinct classes.
Cons: -Limited mode selection. -Occasional technical roughness. -Matchmaking issues.

Nosgoth Shut Down on May 31, 2016

Mabinogi

Mabinogi is a 3D fantasy MMORPG with an anime-influenced presentation and a surprisingly broad “fantasy life” focus. Alongside traditional adventuring, it encourages players to settle into Erinn as an everyday citizen, you can manage a homestead, raise pets and farm animals, craft outfits, write music, run shops, and even participate in marriage and community events.

Publisher: Nexon
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: March 27, 2008 (NA)
PvP: Duels / Arenas
Pros: +Distinctive art direction. +Progression centered on training skills. +Rich set of social and life-sim activities. +Generally welcoming community.
Cons: -Free accounts face multiple limitations. -Not very beginner-friendly at first. -Ongoing issues with quests, combat, and visuals. -Balance problems with pets and certain combat options.

Monkey King Online

Monkey King Online is a free-to-play 2D fantasy MMORPG you play directly in your browser, themed around ancient China and loosely modeled after the classic Journey to the West. It leans heavily into fast progression, automated questing, and a steady stream of daily activities.

Publisher: R2 Games
Playerbase: Medium
Type: Browser MMORPG
Release Date: Apr 14, 2014 (NA)
PvP: Arenas
Pros: +Built-in automation for hands-off grinding. +Strong-looking environments for a browser title. +Plenty of activities and progression systems. +Regular daily events to chase.
Cons: -Cash shop advantages can undermine PvP fairness. -UI feels busy and crowded. -No real character customization.

MapleStory

MapleStory is a long-running free-to-play MMORPG that plays out in a charming 2D, side-scrolling world. Its bright, cartoon-like presentation hides a surprisingly deep game built around leveling, bossing, collecting, and experimenting with an enormous roster of classes, which is a big reason it has stayed relevant for so many years.

Publisher: Nexon
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: May 11, 2005 (NA)
PvP: Arenas
Pros: +A massive class roster (40+). +Big, varied world to explore. +Combat loop is genuinely enjoyable. +Questing content is extensive. +Memorable platforming-style stages. +Frequent seasonal events. +Storylines that stay engaging.
Cons: -Class balance can feel uneven. -Looting is awkward (manual pickup feels painfully slow). -Performance and client stability problems.