Ranking city builders

What We Liked..

Easy To Learn

.. and what we didn't

Can become repetitive

Dated graphics

Unbalanced

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: war, managerial

Setting: present, city

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


Vast Wars is a text-based browser game based on crime and criminal gangs. The objective of the game is to build your town into a criminal empire and train your crime lord to become a powerful leader through various activities such as gym training and sabotage.

The game features plenty of tasks and missions that are time-based to complete, offering rewards, experience and cash for you to advance your character. The game has a lot of players from different countries, and takes into consideration which country you play from which can lead to balance issues.

While the graphics are dated and the gameplay can feel repetitive, Vast Wars is still a decent crime browser game that is easy to learn and can offer small bursts of fun for those looking for a game to sink time into.

➔ Main points:

  • Text-based crime browser game that is easy to learn and play
  • Offers good fun in short bursts
  • Good use of real images
  • Large player base and big community

What We Liked..

Excellent graphics

fighting and gameplay seems quite original.

.. and what we didn't

Absence of PvP makes the game uni-dimensional

Buildings look similar to each other.

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical, city

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: no fighting PvE


A browser-based strategy, city-building game, Elvenar allows you to play as either humans, or elves, while taking control of your civilization's economy and army.
The game starts off with a Town Hall, but as with other city building games, the settlement can be expanded, constructing roads and buildings in the process.

Elvenar doesn't require a player to over-commit to the game, and you can 'come and go' as often as you like through the day and manage your city step by step. To make things easy, there is no PvP mode in the game, so players don't get attacked every now and then, and don't have to log on and play to defend the city.

The absence of a PvP mode in Elvenar is made up for by a truly engaging PvE experience where you can fight battles which aren't fully automated like in many other similar, yet boring games.
The combat is turn based where you have to use a lethal strategy to beat your opponent using an army of fighters with varying skills and abilities.

➔ Main points:

  • Pacific strategy browser-game.
  • Co-existence of humans and mythical creatures.
  • Economy is key to building an army.
  • Different types of buildings and unique soldiers introduced.
  • No PvP mode, but innovative PvE with turn-based combat system.

What We Liked..

Clean user interface

Rich gameplay

Animated villagers and artwork

.. and what we didn't

No sound or music

Slow progression

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: historical, sea, city

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvP all vs all


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.

➔ Main points:

  • Rich gameplay that features plenty of content for empire building lovers
  • Animated villagers and good graphics
  • Slow character progression but well paced learning curve

What We Liked..

Impressive graphics and animations

Nice RPG elements

Diverse range of activities and challenges

.. and what we didn't

Heavy focus on microtransactions

Steep learning curve

Lacks some serious innovation

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war

Setting: historical, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Rise of Kingdoms is a multiplayer online strategy game developed by Lilith Games.
It takes place in a fantasy world where players take on the role of a leader of a small city-state and must build, expand, and defend their kingdom against other players and AI-controlled enemies. The game has gained a lot of popularity since its release and has become one of the most-played strategy games, especially in the mobile gaming market.

One of the most notable features of Rise of Kingdoms is its impressive graphics and animations.
The game is visually stunning, with highly detailed and realistic character models and environments.
The game’s interface is also user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate through the game and access different features.

RoK offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their cities and armies to suit their playstyle.
You can choose from a variety of different commanders, each with their unique abilities and specialties: these commanders can then be leveled up and equipped with different equipment to increase their effectiveness in battle, adding some interesting RPG elements to the otherwise well-known MMORTS mechanics.

There is of course an alliance system that allows you to team-up with other players, and work together to conquer other kingdoms and complete more difficult challenges. The alliance system also offers a range of benefits, including shared resources and reinforcements during battles.

While the game is free to play, players are encouraged to spend real money to purchase in-game resources and items. This can make the game feel somewhat pay-to-win, as players who spend more money on the game will have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Another potential issue with the game is its steep learning curve.
While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complex mechanics and strategies can take a significant amount of time and effort. This could be either a turn-on or a turn-off based on the type of player that you are.

Overall, Rise of Kingdoms is one of the best games of its kind, so if you like classical and casual MMORTS games like this, you'll love RoK too!

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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, action, simulation

Setting: fantasy, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP all vs all


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.

➔ Main points:

  • A unique blend of RPG, strategy, tower-defense and survival elements.
  • Convincing post-apocalyptic atmosphere thanks to a rich storyline and pleasant graphics.
  • Focus on teamplay: join or create an alliance to maximize your survival possibilities and rule the world.
  • Available for both PC and mobile devices.

What We Liked..

Relaxing

Colorful

.. and what we didn't

Nothing (if you can live without killing everything that moves)

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: strategy, managerial, simulation

Setting: present, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: no fighting


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!

What We Liked..

Turn-based combat

Family friendly

Good story

Immersive atmosphere

.. and what we didn't

Dated graphics

Arbritrary side quests

F2P restrictions

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.3

Genre: cards, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, city

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Wizard101 is a free to play and family friendly MMO that puts players in the shoes of a wizard. In the graphically pleasing world of Spiral, players will use magic that's determined by their school of choice in turn-based combat using a deck of cards which provides for a fun and strategic combat experience.

Questing in Wizard101 feels like a grand adventure that will be familiar to Harry Potter fans, and the game's story is funny and well written with voice acting to boot.

It may be free to play, but the game does have restrictions on the amount of play areas, so players will have to front some money monthly if they want to access to areas and advance the stories.

As a whole, Wizard101 is great MMO that is suitable for kids and adults, providing a lot of magical fun through it's gameplay and story.

➔ Main points:

  • Unique and fun turn-based combat that uses a deck of cards for skills
  • Funny and engaging main story
  • Low system requirements due to dated graphics
  • Family friendly MMO
  • Free to play with restrictions

What We Liked..

PvP centered action

Resource mining and control

Fun and easy to jump into play immediately

.. and what we didn't

Unable to auto select all units on combat field

Basic warfare animation

Annoying and repetitive sound effects

Waiting times for task completion

2.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 5.0

Genre: simulation, war, managerial

Setting: city, sci-fi

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: all vs all PvP


War Commander charges you with the role of Commander over a growing platoon of vehicles and military personnel. The game runs in a browser based platform so almost no download is needed and you can play right away. Chrome or Firefox is recommended. War Commander will be instantly likeable for anyone who enjoyed Starcraft. This is a budget version of the similar mechanics and gameplay found in Starcraft, build a base, hire troops and defend it. There is a pleasing aspect of finding resources, gathering them and securing access to defend your supply base. The game delivers well enough to enjoy PvP action in a simple environment with a lot of playability for a long time to come. There's always something to do, units to upgrade, weapons to research and players to attack. If you're looking for a game that offers action, this is one that doesn't need huge memory or graphic intensive computers, which makes it fun and appealing to a lot of people.