MMO Games ranking

What We Liked..

Beautiful Environments

Fun Combat

Pretty Costumes

.. and what we didn't

PvE content is simple

Lacks innovation

Needs better Optimization

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.3

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, anime

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Blade and Soul is a Korean MMORPG recently published by veterans of the MMO industry, NCSoft.

Originally published in Asia, a little over four years ago, the long anticipated game finally makes its way westward. Fans here in the west have long been clamoring for Blade and Soul: the flashy anime inspired graphics and the apparent innovation of its highly touted combat system make NCSoft’s newest experience seem like an amazing proposition.

The question though, does it live up to all the hype? In many ways yes, the game’s combat is reminiscent of classic combo based fighting games, making each encounter engaging and unique.

The graphics are great, if a little dated. However optimization issues and lag run rampant, PvE is somewhat lack luster, and gearing at max level can be a bit of a chore.

The game is a mixed bag, it does some things right and some wrong, however the things it does correctly may be enough to outshine its rougher aspects by the standards of some players.

➔ Main points:

  • 2016 Free to Play MMO
  • Action Combat
  • Fun 1v1 PvP
  • Great Environments

What We Liked..

It's Star Wars

Morality and conversation system

The customizable personal history of your character

.. and what we didn't

A lot of restrictions on the free-to-play option

Another World of Warcraft clone

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.3

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, historical, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Star Wars: The Old Republic is a recently released free to play MMORPG developed by Bioware and published by EA and LucasArts.

On one hand, its RPG aspects are excellent but on the other, its MMO qualities aren't so good. The game's creators definitely opted for the pay-to-win model with this one. The cash shop is graciously supplied and gives too large of an advantage compared to the in game stores.

Off the bat, the game had tons of potential for enjoyment. Its Star Wars licensed storyline and the opportunity to make your own customizable Jedi doppelganger had Star Wars fans hooked since their announcement.

Taking all that into account as well as its excellent graphical presentation this game is a worthy detour for any Star Wars fan looking to immerse themselves in an online community of Star Wars fandom.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play MMORPG based on the universe of Star Wars.
  • Great storyline and convincing atmosphere - the fans of the saga won't be disappointed.
  • Create and customize your own lightsaber!
  • Questionable free to play model and pretty strong limitations for non-paying players.

What We Liked..

Engaging combat system

Fair free to play

Great graphics

.. and what we didn't

Can feel repetitive

Grindy

4.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.3

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE


Dauntless is a free to play monster hunting MMO that lets players hunt solo or in groups to take down the world's most dangerous behemoths. The combat system is deep and tactical due to a good range of weapons and combos available, while fights are engaging as hunts take a long time to complete. The result is a rewarding experience overall. The game offers RPG elements like crafting systems and gear progression to chase, and the world is gorgeous thanks to its marriage of cartoon art-styles with gritty and realistic textures for its monsters, armor and environments. Dauntless is an incredibly polished and exciting alternative to paid monster hunting games out currently.

➔ Main points:

  • Free to play MMO with gorgeous graphics and art-style
  • Engaging combat system that blends action and tactical combos
  • Cash shop is stocked with cosmetics and no pay to win
  • Can be played solo or with groups to diversify your monster hunts

What We Liked..

great graphics

interesting PvP mechanics

in-depth housing system

.. and what we didn't

Dwindling player base

easy to pay to win

weak PvE

4.1 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.2

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


ArcheAge is a free-to-play (with an optional subscription) MMORPG developed by XLGAMES, published by Trion Worlds, and created by the Korean game designer, Jake Song. You might remember him from Lineage, a game he helped to create way back when. Park originally envisioned ArcheAge as a “sandpark” MMO, meant to mix the openness of a sandbox game with the more structured approach of a themepark MMO, but as time went on, the game became more theme and less sand, with a fair amount of paying-to-win.

➔ Main points:

  • Great graphics, higher system requirements
  • Houses give you a place to rest your feet
  • Interesting justice system.
  • 120 Classes

What We Liked..

Ability to switch between classes at will

10 different classes that are fun to play

Story-driven MMORPG

Action based combat

Unobtrusive cash shop

.. and what we didn't

Typical grind at later levels

Unsubstantial PVE and PVP

Linear story pacing and delivery

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.1

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvE PvP


Twin Saga is the latest high fantasy setting MMORPG to come out from Asia and offers a promising outlook for the genre by putting the power of choice in the hands of the player. rassembler du matériel ou forger. The game features 10 different classes that players can swap between freely at any time without cost or restriction. Player housing also takes a different approach – the Terracottage is a mobile house that can move like mounts, and is a place where guilds and friends can hang out, gather materials and even craft.

If you enjoyed games like Final Fantasy, Ragnarok and Kingdom Hearts, Twin Saga’s 3D art style and animations will definitely appeal to you as it hovers between anime and cartoon, but the graphics do look a little aged which is surprising.

Overall, Twin Saga is a fairly good MMORPG that contains rich lore and story that is complemented by a fast-paced action combat system that suits the art style. There’s plenty to do in PVE ranging from hidden quests, Astral Adventures and Dungeons, while the competitive players can try their hand at PVP in arenas or battlegrounds. Ultimately, Twin Saga should be credited for its fresh approach but doesn’t do enough to stand out from the MMORPG crowd.

➔ Main points:

  • Ability to switch classes without restrictions or cost
  • Story-driven MMORPG
  • No pay to win in cash shop
  • Mobile player housing

What We Liked..

Very colorful

Easy to pick up and play

.. and what we didn't

Childlike

Still in beta

No PVP until level 40

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.1


Watch the trailer:

Genre: mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Aura Kingdom is a fantasy MMORPG published by Aeria Games on a free-to-play format. The closed beta was released in 2013 while the open beta was released in 2014. The game is very colorful and rather cute.

This game offers you the chance to become the hero that saves the universe of Aura Kingdom from the grips of evil as well as from the bandits who, after being expelled for years have now returned with even more power than ever. The game lets you choose one of 8 different classes and one of 7 different companions , or “Ediolons” who fight at your side. The game has something for all different tastes, leaving the player with a remarkable sense of choice.

The game is most suited for children as most of the human characters in the game are young. It seems the makers of the game tried to appeal to younger gamers and kind of set aside the wants of more mature, sophisticated gamers. Taking into consideration the more RPG like choices and battle system, it's best for each individual player to form their own opinions about the game's childlike traits.

What We Liked..

Multi-class system

Beautiful graphics

Story-driven

Vast character customization

.. and what we didn't

Progression cap

Overly animated

Average soundtrack

Imbalanced pvp

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.1


Watch the trailer:

Genre: war, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


When playing Skyforge, you can’t help but feel appreciative of what the creators were doing: the foundation for Skyforge itself is based around really unique concepts.

The multi-class system, the interesting storyline, the beautifully animated environment and vast character customization skills come together for quite the impact.

The flaws in this game (mostly regarding PvP balancing) are not big enough to overwhelm all the great aspects of this new MMORPG, which has a lot to offer both to players looking for something new and for those who are looking for a traditional RPG experience.

Skyforge trapped me in this elaborate world that continues to prove itself worth it.

➔ Main points:

  • 2015 MMORPG with great graphics and action combo-based combat system.
  • A fantasy universe mixed with sci-fi elements.
  • Possibility to become a God, with divine superpowers and followers all over the world.
  • Several different PvP modes.
  • Change your character's class anywhere and at any time as long as you aren't in combat.

What We Liked..

Fun and fluid action combat

Sandbox world with plenty to do and no loading screens

Free content updates

Populated in-game servers

Excellent graphics

.. and what we didn't

Very grind-heavy and time consuming

Heavy RNG and cash shop reliance

PvP griefing is normal

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: war, action, mmorpg, simulation

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Black Desert Online is an open world sandbox MMORPG that features Asian style graphics and some of the best action combat in any MMO game to-date. The graphics ranging from environment designs to the character creator is top notch.

There’s plenty of content for players to soak their teeth into for both PvE and PvP. Besides the decent amount of class choices, players can also dive into Life Skills, which is a refreshing take on crafting systems within the MMORPG genre. One great aspect of Black Desert Online is that it rewards you for simply playing the game and doing the activities you enjoy most, as players gain a multitude of XP and points to spend that progresses their characters further. The game does offer something for every playstyle.

Overall, Black Desert Online is the poster child and an excellent example of a Buy to Play Asian MMORPG that’s done right. It may have its issues such as the heavy grind and over reliance on RNG and luck, but the game deserves to be played nonetheless.

➔ Main points:

  • Addictive fast paced action combat MMORPG
  • Excellent character creator and graphics
  • Huge open sandbox world with no loading screens between zones
  • Free content updates and expansions
  • Large population and active in-game community

What We Liked..

Lovely soundtrack

Combos-based gameplay

Private servers that keeps things interesting

.. and what we didn't

Very dated graphics

No new content

Slow experience gain

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: action, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Released in 2004, Metin2 is a Korean free to play MMORPG that allows players to pick one of three kingdoms to represent as factions, and embark on slow progression journey to becoming a master combat fighter. The game's combo-based action combat is revolutionary for its time, making open world fighting a pleasure especially against waves of enemies.

When it comes to gameplay, the PVE content is mediocre as questing is largely uninteresting, but the game's focus lies largely within its exciting PVP modes.

The game does look very aged and dull in comparison to newer MMOs, but there is a certain nostalgic factor in addition to an emergence of private servers that has been keeping Metin2 relevant today. Overall, Metin2 is a pioneer of Asian-style MMORPGs and it's worth checking out for the combat and PVP, and since it's free, all you have to lose is just time.

➔ Main points:

  • Join one of the three empires of the game
  • Enjoy a hack’n’ slash-like gameplay based on combos
  • Fight other players in PvP mode

What We Liked..

A well-crafted world

Convincing artworks

Lots of things to take care of

.. and what we didn't

Same core dynamics of all browser games

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP


Anocris is a real-time strategy game that takes you into the world of ancient Egypt. Here you will experience the heyday of this mysterious civilization and start your own Egyptian settlement. Will you be able to turn it into a mighty empire and take control over the Nile?

➔ Main points:

  • Build the highest pyramids in the world, create your empire and take over the leadership on the Nile!
  • Use the powers of Anubis and Ra, recruit your army and lead it to victory!
  • Learn secret sciences and cross the threshold between this world and the afterworld!
  • Cast spells on your cities and influence the course of history!