Category: Reviews

PlanetSide 2

PlanetSide 2 is a free-to-play MMOFPS built around a persistent war where three factions constantly push for map control. Instead of match-based rounds, the action plays out across huge continents, with combined-arms firefights that regularly involve armor columns, aircraft, and infantry squads all colliding at once. When the battles are at their best, it feels like an FPS scaled up to a battlefield size most shooters never attempt, with as many as 1,200 players fighting on a single continent and a deep pool of weapons, vehicles, and upgrades to chase.

Publisher: Daybreak Game Company
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMOFPS
Release Date: Nov. 20, 2012 (NA/EU)
Pros: +Enormous continents built for large fights. +Truly massive engagements (up to 1,200 on one continent). +Responsive FPS gunplay. +Strong visuals for a large-scale MMO shooter. +Rewarding loadout tuning and progression.
Cons: -High barrier to entry for new soldiers. -Occasional latency and performance hiccups.

Lord of the Rings Online

Lord of the Rings Online (often shortened to LOTRO) is a 3D fantasy MMORPG that lets you carve out your own tale in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. It leans heavily into questing and lore, pairing traditional MMO progression with a setting that is instantly recognizable, whether you came from the books, the films, or both.

Publisher: Turbine
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: April 24, 2007
PvP: Duels / Monster Play
Pros: +Huge Middle-earth to roam with strong atmosphere. +Narrative-focused questing that fits the setting. +Lots of side systems (housing, instruments, mounted combat, and more). +Memorable, high-quality musical score.
Cons: -Many packs and conveniences still sit behind purchases or VIP. -Lower and mid-level regions can feel quiet. -Interface and some presentation elements show their age.

RaiderZ

RaiderZ was a free to play fantasy MMORPG from MAIET Entertainment, built around active, manual combat and frequent encounters with oversized monsters.

Publisher: Arc Games
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: Nov, 20, 2012 (NA/EU)
Closure Date: August 07, 2015
PvP: Duels / Arenas / Guild Battles
Pros: +Flexible, classless-style builds. +Deep crafting loop tied to boss hunts. +Clean UI and controls. +Satisfying action combat with dodges and combos.
Cons: -Early progression lacks bite. -Bots were a persistent issue.

RF Online

RF Online, also known as Rising Force Online, is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG set on the embattled planet Novus, where three rival nations clash over limited resources that can decide the future of their people. Even with its lasers, machinery, and cybernetics, the game leans heavily into classic MMO fantasy traditions too, with melee weapons, magic, and summon-style combat living side by side with high-tech warfare.

Publisher: RedFox Games
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: Feb, 21, 2006 (NA/EU)
PvP: Duels / Open World / Faction Wars / Guild Battles
Pros: +Skills improve through repeated use. +Robust crafting and upgrading. +Faction leadership and politics. +Memorable soundtrack.
Cons: -Gameplay loop can feel monotonous. -Early progression lacks challenge. -Botting is a persistent issue.

Granado Espada

Granado Espada is a 3D fantasy MMORPG that stands out thanks to its multi-character party controls and its Baroque, Age of Exploration inspired backdrop. Rather than adventuring as a lone hero, you command a small squad, exploring the Kingdom of Vespanola while chasing influence, wealth, and progress for your growing household.

Publisher: T3Fun
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: July 10, 2007 (NA)
PvP: Duels / Open World / Arenas
Pros: +Distinctive three-character control (run a full mini-party solo). +Memorable, high-quality soundtrack. +Uncommon colonial-era fantasy presentation.
Cons: -Built-in automation can make progression feel less earned.

Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic, or RoM for short, is a 3D fantasy MMORPG set in the mystical world of Taborea. The game’s visuals and gameplay are inspired by WoW, but the game’s unique dual classing system sets it apart from other games.

Publisher: GameForge
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: March 19, 2009 (NA/EU)
PvP: Duels / Open World / Arenas / Guild v Guild
Pros: +Flexible multi‑class system that creates many viable builds. +Fully featured player housing with functional bonuses. +Responsive, smooth core gameplay. +Large amount of PvE and PvP content spanning many expansions.
Cons: -Cash shop can affect balance and progression for competitive players.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG that places you in the middle of an era-defining conflict within the Star Wars universe. You pick a side, either the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire, then travel across a wide lineup of planets while following a storyline tailored to your chosen class. It is a feature-rich MMO with long-term systems beyond questing and combat, including companions, player housing, crafting, and starship-focused content.

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: December 20, 2011
PvP: Open World / Arenas / Spaceship
Pros: +Top-tier presentation and polish. +Eight class stories that feel distinct. +Companions add strategy and personality. +Packed with side activities (space missions, crafting, achievements, and more).
Cons: -Free accounts face a lot of limiting rules. -Early zones can feel underpopulated. -Loading and performance can still be rough at times.

APB Reloaded

APB Reloaded is a 3D open world MMO shooter set in the crime-soaked streets of San Paro, where players pick a side and live out an endless cops-versus-criminals power struggle. With clear GTA inspiration, the game leans heavily on urban chaos, gunfights, and vehicle play, then ties it all together with deep character and car customization that lets you stand out while you fight for control of the city.

Publisher: GamersFirst
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMO
Release Date: June 29, 2010
PvP: Open World / Team Missions
Pros: +Contemporary open-world theme. +Excellent character and vehicle customization depth. +Strong visual presentation. +Snappy missions with satisfying action.
Cons: -Matchmaking balance can feel uneven. -Free users are limited to renting many weapons. -Performance problems on client and server side. -Open-world design invites frequent griefing. -No true PvE offering.

League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is a competitive, fantasy-flavored MOBA built around fast decisions, team coordination, and deep champion mastery. Even years after launch, it remains a defining title for the genre, largely thanks to its enormous roster of champions (120+) and a constant flow of seasonal updates that keep the meta moving.

Publisher: Riot Games
Playerbase: High
Type: MOBA
Release Date: Oct 27, 2009
Pros: +Massive champion lineup (161+). +Established, high-profile esports ecosystem. +Generally strong balance for a live game. +Runes and Masteries add meaningful build variety. +Enjoyable whether you play casually or competitively.
Cons: -Many champions require unlocking (new releases can be expensive). -New players can run into smurfs and uneven matchmaking. -Chat culture can be hostile.

Jade Dynasty

Jade Dynasty is a 3D fantasy MMORPG with a wuxia influence, drawing heavily from Chinese mythology and the Zhu Xian setting. It mixes traditional questing and dungeon progression with social systems like marriage and master-apprentice bonds, plus large-scale guild conflict through fort battles.

Publisher: Arc Games
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: June 15, 2009
Shutdown Date: June 5, 2018
PvP: Fort Battles / PvP Channels
Pros: +Distinct races and faction choices. +Attractive visuals, especially water and environments. +Plenty of events and side activities to rotate through. +Convenient features like auto-navigation.
Cons: -Questing can become formulaic. -Character creation has limited cosmetic range. -Automated grinding and offline progression reduce the sense of earned advancement.