Ranking managerial games

What We Liked..

Classic top down simulation overview

Easy to navigate user interface

Turn based strategy adds an extra dimension to the game

.. and what we didn't

Advanced building options take ages to complete

Graphics are very basic

Players may not be familiar with tile-based combat

4.6 out of 5
Editorial vote: 9.3

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: city, historical, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


This free to play browser-based game allows you to create your very own empire, starting in the early Bronze Age and advancing towards the Industrial Age and beyond (if you can).

Forge of empires is not just a city building simulation; as your city expands you must fend off other players who attack mercilessly in an attempt to plunder your resources. Cunning, strategy and economic balance all come into play to make Forge of Empires a challenging and enjoyable game.

The free to play model works well here and it is completely possible to experience all features of the game without having to purchase "extras" in order to succeed. A real benefit with Forge of Empires is that game play is really easy-going and there are no lengthy downloads required to play, which is even more reason to give it a try!

➔ Main points:

  • Completely free to play browser based strategy game.
  • No download required to play, simply sign in via a webpage and away you go!
  • Resources and experience are plentiful, making the cash shop almost unnecessary.
  • Easy going and non-demanding game play.

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!

What We Liked..

Original setting

Magic rituals!

.. and what we didn't

Graphics could be improved

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions PvP


Tentlan is a strategy real-time online game played in the times of the pre-Columbian Americas. Starting off with a small settlement in the heart of the rainforest, the players continuously increase their power and influence till they end up developing great empires.

➔ Main points:

  • Take the place of a governor Ahau and develop your settlement to a great empire!
  • Recruit the legendary Jaguar and Eagle warriors and lead them to the battle!
  • Control the seasons through rituals and use their effects to your advantage!
  • Study the stars and lead your civilization to discover the mysteries of the universe!

What We Liked..

Real-time combat

Great graphics and overall atmosphere

Extensive world map

.. and what we didn't

Too much base-building

Occasional issues with voice acting synchronization

3.6 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.2

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: city, fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP


Call of Dragons immerses players in the fantastical world of Tamaris, offering a blend of strategic combat, kingdom-building, and immersive storytelling.
As a player, you take on the role of a commander responsible for developing a village, training troops, and taming ferocious dragons and behemoths (!) to aid in battles.

The game features a vast 3.88 million square kilometer 3D map filled with diverse biomes and terrains, ensuring endless exploration and strategic opportunities

Players can choose from various factions such as elves, mages, and warriors, each offering unique abilities and strategic advantages. The game’s combat system is both engaging and strategic, requiring players to carefully manage their troops, utilize different unit types, and deploy powerful heroes equipped with magical artifacts​

The game also boasts a robust PvP element, where players can engage in large-scale battles against other players, join guilds, and participate in guild wars.
Additionally, the presence of majestic behemoths like dragons and hydras adds a thrilling layer to the gameplay, as these creatures can be tamed and used in combat, providing significant advantages during battles​.

The real-time strategic combat provides a much-needed distraction from the typical base-building mechanics that could otherwise end up being too repetitive.

➔ Main points:

  • Establish Your Dominion: develop your village from humble beginnings and assert dominance across the sprawling realm of Tamaris.
  • Epic world map: Explore a massive 3.88 million square kilometer 3D map with diverse biomes.
  • Strategic Warfare: Fight against huge monsters controlling your troops in real time, deploy heroes and equip them with magical artifacts.
  • Narrative Depth: Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of lore and intrigue, as epic quests and character-driven narratives unfold, influenced by your choices and actions throughout your adventures.
  • Visual Splendor: Traverse breathtaking landscapes and encounter intricately detailed character designs, as the vibrant world of Tamaris springs to life with stunning visuals and captivating aesthetics.
  • Available for both PC and mobile devices.

What We Liked..

Historical accuracy and attention to detail

Beautiful graphics

Intuitive interface

Free-to-play model

.. and what we didn't

Slow pace of gameplay

Underdeveloped PvP

3.5 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.0

Genre: strategy, war, managerial, simulation

Setting: city, historical, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE


Rise of Cultures is a strategy game for browsers and mobile devices developed by InnoGames. The game takes players on a journey through different eras of human history, starting from the Stone Age and ending in the Middle Ages. Players must build and manage their cities, research new technologies, and engage in battles with other players.

One of the key features of Rise of Cultures is its emphasis on historical accuracy. The game provides players with a detailed representation of the cultures and societies of each era, including their architecture, technology, and military tactics. This attention to detail makes the game both educational and immersive.

In terms of gameplay, Rise of Cultures offers a variety of activities to engage in: you can build and upgrade buildings, gather resources, and train troops, both solo or with your fellow guild companions.

One of the biggest strengths of Rise of Cultures lies in its graphics. The artworks are stylish, beautiful and detailed, and they really bring the historical eras to life. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it extremely accessible to both new and experienced players.

Rise of Cultures also features a well-balanced free-to-play model. While it does offer in-app purchases, you can enjoy the full experience without spending any money, for real. This makes it a great option for players who are looking for a high-quality game without breaking the bank.

However, there are also some downsides...
Some players may find the pace of the game to be slow, as it can take time to gather resources and build up a strong city. Also, the multiplayer component is quite underdeveloped as the main emphasis of the game is on PvE: while somebody could consider it as an advantage, those looking for a hard challenge against other human players are going to be disappointed.

Overall, Rise of Cultures is a solid strategy game that offers a lot of worthy content. Its historical accuracy and attention to detail make it stand out from other games in the genre, and its free-to-play model makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

What We Liked..

Great Voice Acting

Humorous Dialogue

Solid Strategy Elements

.. and what we didn't

Stiff Combat Animations

Cash Shop

Long Tutorials

Time Sink

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.7


Watch the trailer:

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: PvE PvP


Nords: Heroes of the North is a browser based strategy game published by Plarium Games.
The humorous take on the now pervasive strategy genre does a lot right, leaving only a little to be desired.

Build your Keep, choose your Champion, and become a famed Lord Marshall; then set out to conquer your rivals.

Those hoping for a reprieve from the tedious nature of other well-known strategy outings will be disappointed, however those looking for a solid browser RPG will find an excellent new home in Nords.

➔ Main points:

  • Fast-paced (compared to similar games) strategy browser game with lots of things to do and daily quests.
  • Funny, humoristic atmosphere thanks to the great voice-acting and top-notch artworks.
  • 3 different races: Northmen, Orcs and Elves.
  • Equip and level-up your hero.
  • Ally with your neighbours, or attack and raid them without mercy!

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

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

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..

engaging gameplay

detailed structure upgrades

colorful graphics.

.. and what we didn't

Graphics not detailed enough

dialogue text is very small.

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, casual, mmorpg, managerial

Setting: city, present

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: no fighting PvE PvP


A fun to play game with lively graphics, Big Farm comes in as a good competitor to the run of the mill farming games. Based on the concept of balancing your resources and making your farm blossom, the game offers a number of avenues which you can take up to maximize your profits. Crops can be grown and harvested and animals can be raised while using fertilizers and other boosters.

Big Farm also offers the players to enjoy a few multiplayer game modes in which they can apply their expertise and achieve the objectives before their rivals to win. They can also play together as a team and expand their farms the best they can. Big Farm is very simple to play on one hand, and offers unique building upgrades on the other, making it a really fun game to play.

➔ Main points:

  • A farming game with colorful graphics.
  • Engaging multiplayer element.
  • Fun gameplay.
  • Easily understandable objectives.
  • Graphic details could have been better.

What We Liked..

Addictive gameplay

Active community

Long PvE campaign

Fun PvP

.. and what we didn't

No crossplay feature

High gap between free and paying players

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war, managerial

Setting: fantasy, historical

Graphics: animated artworks

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvE PvP


Hustle Castle is a free to play idle-management RPG that's 2D in nature, taking place in a fantasy medieval setting. Players must build their castle up by constructing and upgrading rooms, each offering progression purposes like food, gold and army training. Dwellers are how players will progress, as these little settlers can be trained and armed, and then sent out on missions in the PvE campaign to bring back all important loot. The game's simple and addictive idle-sim management gameplay will keep you hooked on either the PC or mobile phones. Expect PvP battles, clan features and a cash shop to quicken progression.

➔ Main points:

  • Free idle-management clicker game that's addictive
  • Lengthy PvE campaign that offers fun progression
  • Very active community to socialize with and create clans
  • Simple graphics and gameplay suitable for younger audiences

What We Liked..

Detailed tutorial eases the player into the game

Engaging gameplay

.. and what we didn't

Building placement cannot be modified.

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, managerial

Setting: historical

Graphics: plain text and images

PvP: guild or factions PvE PvP all vs all


Imperia Online is a free browser-based MMO belonging to the evergreen genre of city-building strategy games.
It will require you to establish a financially strong state with a good army.
Manpower can be deployed to fasten the collection of resources, and consequently improve the rate of your kingdom's progress.

The menus in the game become quite congested with the passage of time so a detailed tutorial is given right at the start to ease you into the game and give a better understanding of the in-game options.

The graphics of Imperia Online are well done despite its age (the game was first released in 2005), which is a sign of the good support given from the developers during all these years in terms of upgrades and improvements.

➔ Main points:

  • Manage your economy and prepare a strong army.
  • A detailed tutorial to bring you into the game.
  • Deploy manpower to gather resources.
  • The positioning of buildings cannot be dictated.