What We Liked..
Engaging turn-based combat
Rich and immersive storyline
Diverse and detailed environments and lore
.. and what we didn't
No adrenaline with the turn-based combat
Initial learning curve
Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play, turn-based role-playing online game developed by HoYoverse, already known for its flagship game Genshin Impact. Set in a vibrant sci-fi universe, players traverse diverse worlds aboard the Astral Express, engaging in strategic battles and uncovering a rich narrative.
Honkai: Star Rail propels players into a universe teeming with adventure, mystery, and a dash of interstellar whimsy, shifting gears from real-time action to a more strategic, turn-based combat system, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for both veterans and newcomers.
The game introduces you to the Astral Express, a cosmic locomotive that serves as your gateway to a multitude of worlds, each with its own unique aesthetic and lore. From the icy expanses of Jarilo-VI to the bustling, futuristic cityscapes of the Xianzhou Luofu, the environments are crafted with meticulous detail, making exploration a visual treat.
Combat in Honkai: Star Rail is where strategy enthusiasts will find their playground. The turn-based system requires thoughtful team composition and skill synergy. Each character brings distinct abilities to the table, and mastering their interplay can lead to satisfying victories against the game’s diverse array of adversaries. The inclusion of elemental affinities and status effects adds layers of depth, ensuring that battles remain engaging as you progress.
Narratively, the game doesn't shy away from complexity. The storyline is rich with interwoven character arcs, political intrigue, and philosophical musings on the nature of civilization and the cosmos. Side quests and character-specific missions further expand the lore, providing a comprehensive understanding of the game's universe.
However, it's worth noting that, like many free-to-play games, Honkai: Star Rail incorporates a gacha system for character and equipment acquisition. While it's entirely possible to enjoy the game without spending money, progression can be slower, and obtaining specific characters may require patience or luck.
What We Liked..
Clean user interface
Rich gameplay
Animated villagers and artwork
.. and what we didn't
No sound or music
Slow progression
Ikariam is an animated, historically-themed 2D browser-game that features a rich strategy game experience involving resource management, multiplayer PVP and empire building. The game advances in real time and while progression is slow, the gameplay offers plenty of choices for the player when it comes to being the ruler of their township on an island that is ripe for any plans of expansion.
Graphically, Ikariam is pleasant to look at with good graphics and surprisingly has animated motions of villagers getting to work and constructing buildings or collecting resources. Unfortunately, the lack of in-game sounds and music may be an immersion buzzkill for some players.
Ultimately, Ikariam is a great strategy game that players can play for no cost, even in the presence of an advantageous cash shop.
What We Liked..
Fun arcade-style shooter levels
Good graphics
.. and what we didn't
PvE campaign too short
Shallow levels
Aggressive cash store with popup ads
Left To Survive is a free-to-play third-person shooter that incorporates fresh and unique arcade style shooting mechanics with a secondary game mode that involves base management, set in a zombie-filled post-apocalyptic world.
Players will play through a story-driven PvE campaign that contains many different levels where your marksmanship with various weaponry will be put to the test.
Gathering resources and building up your base are the key progression methods, as you need stronger guns and armour to tackle more difficult missions. Other game contents like PvP battles are offered in addition to customization of your character.
While free to play, the cash shop can be obtrusive but overall it's a fun game that offers a nostalgia trip especially due to the arcade feels.
What We Liked..
Customizing your mechs is lots of fun Fast-paced PvP battles Fast growing community Lots of tournaments and events
.. and what we didn't
Not pretentious graphics
Mech Arena is a fast-paced PvP mech shooter with competitive mayhem for everyone.
Choose from dozens of Weapons and Mechs with special abilities for endless combinations. Fight with friends or compete in a global arena of players, maps, and modes.
Take on the world in the most explosive, fun, and chaotic sport the future has to offer — Mech Arena.
What We Liked..
Amazing soundtrack Convincing story Cool graphical ass...ets Simple and fun
.. and what we didn't
The gameplay lacks some depth... ... so it will get boring after a few weeks or months
Let's be honest: In Goddess of Victory you come for those sweet, spicy shooting girls in anime style, but you end up staying for an unexpectedly good lore, storytelling and soundtrack.
The gameplay itself is pretty simple: you shoot at things in 2D, so don't expect a full-featured online shooter like Call of Duty. Fights can (and will) get messy and fun, that's for sure, but the game lacks the depth of a hardcore shooter.
This is where the surprise comes in, because you'll immediately recognize the quality of the soundtrack, the colourful artworks and the solid lore and storytelling, which will immediately create an enjoyable and convincing atmosphere
If you like anime and are looking for a causal, simple game that is not too addictive or time consuming, definitely give Nikke a chance
What We Liked..
A must-try for all the Star Trek fans Nice strategic approach
.. and what we didn't
The grind
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.
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
Genre: strategy, war, managerial, action, simulation
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.
What We Liked..
Deep mech customization options
Strong mix of PvP and PvE
Stunning visuals and atmospheric maps
.. and what we didn't
Balance issues between mech classes
Long matchmaking times
Progression system feels grind-heavy
Steel Hunters drops you into a war-torn futuristic battlefield where towering mechs and elite pilots engage in fast-paced tactical skirmishes. Combining elements of battle royales, MOBA, and third-person shooters, it challenges players to outwit, outgun, and outmaneuver each other in chaotic, yet strategic encounters.
Developed by Kingsoft and driven by Unreal Engine 4, the game stands out for its crisp visuals, highly customizable mechs, and the delicate balance between survival mechanics and deep progression systems. Players select from a roster of distinctive steel titans, each equipped with its own weapons, abilities, and playstyle, and then jump into large, open arenas riddled with environmental hazards, loot zones, and rival hunters.
The core gameplay revolves around PvEvP (Player vs Environment vs Player), where AI-controlled enemies and real opponents create a constant layer of danger. As you eliminate targets and complete objectives, you gain upgrades on the fly—enhancing your mech’s firepower, armor, and mobility.
Resource gathering, stealth ambushes, and tactical positioning are key components, offering a more methodical pace than your standard run-and-gun shooter.
The mix of tactical decision-making, mech customization, and intense firefights helps Steel Hunters to carve its niche in the increasingly crowded PvP market. It's not for everyone, but for those who enjoy Titanfall’s mechs with a hint of Escape from Tarkov’s tension, it just might be a hidden gem worth exploring.
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
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)
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!