War Thunder
Genre: Military MMO, Shooter | Developer: Gaijin Entertainment | Platform: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S | Release Date: December 21, 2016 | Model: Free2Play
What is War Thunder? War Thunder is a military MMO where you engage in battle with tanks, planes, and ships.
War Thunder does not have as many tanks as World of Tanks, but you can unlock more vehicles overall. There are over 1000 tanks, planes, helicopters, as well as ships and submarines available to you.
In War Thunder, you select your vehicle and dive into battle as a team against an opposing squad. Your goal is to eliminate the enemy vehicles and capture mission objectives.
In a plane, you bomb enemy bases from the air, and in a tank, you capture tactical points on the ground. With a ship, you can keep enemies at bay on the high seas.
If your vehicle is destroyed, you can respawn at one of the limited spawn points and also change vehicles.
The core of War Thunder lies in the action-packed and fast-paced yet tactical battles against other players. If you prefer a quieter experience, you can also team up with friends in co-op scenarios against AI bots.
The Free2Play Model of War Thunder
How free is it really? War Thunder can be downloaded and played for free. Similar to other genre representatives, items are also offered in the in-game shop.
In this in-game shop, you can buy premium playtime, which helps you earn points for research and more money more quickly, similar to World of Tanks. You unlock new technologies and vehicles faster. If you want to avoid the grind and don’t want to spend much time in War Thunder, but still want to see the cool vehicles, a premium account is a good choice.
On the other hand, premium vehicles can also be purchased with real money, which are available only in the shop. However, they are not stronger or weaker than the vehicles you unlock in the game at the same rank. They do ease the unlocking of other items as they provide a bonus on the rewards received.
The Pros and Cons of War Thunder
Who is War Thunder suitable for? The military MMO is suitable for all players who enjoy realistic confrontations in war zones. Whether on land, in the air, or on water, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Those who are not into PVP battles can enjoy PVE scenarios against AI opponents with friends. However, these are not as challenging as fights against real players.
Anyone not interested in grinding to unlock vehicles should steer clear of War Thunder or visit the in-game shop. The realistic vehicle physics might also not be for everyone. Even in Arcade mode, vehicles can handle rather stiff and clumsy, just like in reality.
If steady but slow progress and simulation demands are what you are after, then go for it.
SMITE
Genre: MOBA | Developer: Hi-Rez Studios | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Release Date: March 25, 2014 | Model: Free2Play
What is SMITE? SMITE is a Free2Play MOBA that, unlike its genre counterparts, is played from a third-person perspective and feels more like an MMO.
SMITE features a mythological setting, allowing you to choose from well-known figures like Zeus, Thor, Aphrodite, or Thanatos and engage in combat against other gods.
SMITE offers various game modes. In Conquest, your task is to destroy the enemy base and the Titan located there, typical for MOBAs. However, the Titan is protected by towers and other players. You lead your NPC minions down the various lanes to the target, drawing fire while attacking anything that comes within range.
Arena matches are somewhat different. Here, you play fast-paced and action-packed rounds against other players. The teams have “tickets” that decrease slowly through god kills or minions reaching one of the team’s portals. SMITE also offers game modes for almost all team sizes and bot matches for newcomers.
Unlike other MOBAs like League of Legends or Dota 2, the game is exclusively played from a third-person perspective. The camera is always positioned behind your character rather than above.
Abilities must also be used wisely. Apparent automatic attacks do not always hit their targets; you must aim them correctly. This makes SMITE more action-oriented than its genre colleagues. Especially on consoles, SMITE plays excellently.
The Free2Play Model of SMITE
Pros and Cons of SMITE
Old School RuneScape
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: Jagex | Platform: PC, iOS, Android | Release Date: 2013 | Model: Free2Play
What is Old School RuneScape? RuneScape is a classic MMORPG that has existed since 2001. The base game has been steadily developed and modernized. However, fans desired the old gaming experience back.
In 2013, developer Jagex brought back the classic version for PC and smartphones with Old School RuneScape. Since February 2015, the game has been Free2Play.
Old School RuneScape is a classic MMORPG that focuses on interactions between players. You can craft items and trade with them.
The MMORPG offers you 23 different “skills” such as sailing or smithing. In a vast open game world, you can complete hundreds of quests and design your character in numerous ways to your liking.
Additional features or updates are only added by developer Jagex if at least 75% of all subscribers agree.
Despite the game’s advanced age, which is also reflected in RuneScape, there are plenty of players of all ages. The world feels lively, and groups can be found easily. Why that is, MeinMMO Brand Manager Leya Jankowski tried to find out in 2018.
For most, it is not about the graphics, but rather about the mechanics and the interaction with the community.
The Free2Play Model of Old School RuneScape
How free is it really? Old School RuneScape is fundamentally free to play. There is no in-game shop for additional skins or other cosmetic items.
Nevertheless, you can purchase a monthly membership for a fee. For just about €10 per month, as a member, you gain the right to participate in the votes that decide on new content. You also get access to 8 additional skills, countless adventures, and exclusive member mini-games.
If you want to forgo a membership, you can still explore the world of Old School RuneScape without any problems.
The Pros and Cons of Old School RuneScape
Who is Old School RuneScape suitable for? If you enjoy a calm, classic MMORPG where interaction with the community is the focus, feel free to dive in.
Old School RuneScape is especially known within the community for its relaxing effect. Little action and many calm moments contribute to this.
So if you’re into action and can’t stand the old graphics, you should steer clear of this MMORPG.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links
Genre: Online card game | Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment | Platform: PC, iOS, Android | Release date: November 17, 2017 | Model: Free2Play
What is Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links? Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is an online card game based on the popular anime series Yu-Gi-Oh.
You collect monster, trap, and spell cards, build your deck, and play against well-known characters like Yugi, Kaiba, Joey, or Mai in the campaign.
In Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links you can also compete against other players. In PVP, you prove yourself with your deck against real players from all around the world and climb the leaderboard higher and higher.
As you progress through the campaign and missions, you will receive rewards. Most often, you get gold for this. Additional rewards await you when you level up a character through battles. Then you will receive gems, which can be used to purchase new card packs.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is a simple card game that you can get into quickly. Especially fans of the anime will have no problems with it.
The Free2Play Model of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links
How free is it really? Basically, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is free and does not restrict you. You can play the game completely without spending real money and unlock all cards.
Those who lack patience and want the cards faster must purchase card packs. For each purchase, you receive additional gems, which can be used to open more packs.
However, real money purchases are not necessary for playing and only save time.
However, those who play online will quickly encounter opponents who have purchased complete card sets from the shop. Fans criticize the clear advantage that these players gain through the use of real money. Those who play offline will not encounter such problems.
The Pros and Cons of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links
Who is Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links suitable for? Fans of the anime will definitely not go wrong here. The duels are exciting to a certain degree but can become repetitive quickly. However, they are great for a quick duel.
Those who can do without the in-game shop will take longer to progress. Fans of card games should definitely check out the title.
Those who are not into the anime or card games should stay away from this.
EVE Online
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: CCP Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: May 6, 2003 | Model: Free2Play
What is EVE Online? EVE Online is a vast sandbox MMORPG set in space. You basically control your ship and engage in a variety of activities in space.
Those who delve into the complex gameplay and intricate interactions among players can practically do whatever they want. The entire game is completely in the hands of its players. Almost everything that happens and is offered in the universe stems from the efforts of the players.
This sometimes leads to major conflicts between the large alliances, culminating in spectacular space battles. Since in EVE Online any progress can be converted into paid game time, such battles often result in – at least virtually – six-figure amounts going up in smoke. In reality, it’s thousands of hours of time that players have invested.
The Free2Play Model of EVE Online
How free is it really? EVE Online is actually a subscription game, but since the end of 2016, you can create what’s called an “Alpha Clone”. This is a term for a free-to-play account, allowing you to play EVE for free.
However, Alpha Clones have strict limitations and cannot fully utilize all features of the game. At the end of 2017, the previously restrictive limits were loosened somewhat.
Alpha Clones are still unable to learn all skills for every ship. However, there is significantly more variety. Those who use the existing skill points strategically can have a lot of fun in the game even as an Alpha Clone.
Additionally, there is always the option to become an Omega Clone through a subscription, thus utilizing the full functions of the game.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Eve Online
Who is EVE Online for? EVE Online is one of the oldest and most complex MMORPGs and is therefore particularly interesting for fans of games who want to delve deeply into a game.
For many, EVE Online is a kind of second life and takes up a large part of their everyday life.
If you are not into theme parks with predetermined paths, stories, and quests and prefer to shape the game world yourself, you will surely have a lot of fun here. However, if you do not want to invest much time or expect spectacular space battles like in Star Wars, you are out of place in EVE.
