Final Fantasy XIV – MMORPG
| Platform | PC, PS4 |
| Release | 30.09.2011 |
| Business model | Subscription |
| Setting | Fantasy |
| How good is the current FF14 expansion? | The new expansion Shadowbringers is that good |
| Download for the game | Go to the official FF14 website |
What is Final Fantasy XIV? Final Fantasy XIV is the remake of the grandiosely failed first game of this name. The second time it worked, and FF14 has since enjoyed a large and enthusiastic community.
In the game, you have the choice of many different classes. The three expansions Heavensward, Stormblood, and most recently Shadowbringers also expanded the game with a lot of new content and a captivating story. Additionally, elements from other parts of the Final Fantasy series are included.
What are the special features of Final Fantasy XIV?
- An epic story that guides your hero through progression
- Many quests and dungeons
- Special raids against particularly massive bosses in the endgame
- Many classes with progression quests
- Crafting also involves special crafting classes with various skills
Ideal for: Players who like to set their own pace will surely feel at home in Final Fantasy XIV. The game is perfect for Final Fantasy fans who celebrate the Asian look of the game. Since the old level areas are still active, newcomers can also jump in and catch up at any time.
Otherwise, FF14 is a vast MMORPG that covers many aspects. There is an epic story, housing, a brilliant class system, deep crafting, and raid content. With its mix of easy and challenging content, FF14 is a “midcore” game.
All in all, there is just a ton of things to do, and you won’t find another developer in the genre that manages to enrich an MMO with new content as often as Square Enix does.
Is there a catch? Final Fantasy XIV is a complex game with a plethora of content that is not always well explained in-game and may easily overwhelm newcomers. Additionally, the combat system, with its long global countdown, may not be recommended for players who prefer fast-paced and action-packed fights.
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Path of Exile – Hack’n Slash
| Platform | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Release | 30.10.2013 |
| Business model | Free2Play |
| Setting | Fantasy |
| Player reception of Path of Exile | Player numbers are exploding on Steam |
| Download for the game | To the official website of Path of Exile |
What is Path of Exile? Path of Exile (PoE) is an action-packed hack & slash game. On the deserted continent of Wraeclast, you slay your way back to your homeland through 10 acts, experience thrilling boss fights, and then dive into the extremely vast and intricate endgame.
The core of the game lies in the countless possible builds, an interesting and well-thought-out crafting system, and a tough difficulty level that challenges even well-crafted builds and experienced players.
What are the special features of Path of Exile?
- Each build plays differently, with something new to discover in every new league.
- PoE is incredibly extensive. The story spans 10 acts, and then you must master all maps, descend deep into the Azurite mine, uncover the secret master of the Syndicate, and defeat various bosses.
- A huge skill tree, 19 ascendancy classes, and countless skills and support gems allow for endless builds: Tinkerers can really have a blast here, there is always something to tweak or experiment with.
- The game is expanded with new content, skills, challenges, and game mechanics every three months at a new league start. This leads to an extremely high replay value, and constant balance adjustments and new items create new combinations to try out.
Ideal for: Path of Exile is for players who bring a lot of time, have no problem chasing a new build through the base game every few months, and enjoy crafting and/or trading to continually optimize their character.
PoE is enjoyable to play together with friends and offers many challenges and achievements, so it doesn’t get boring quickly.
Is there a catch? Anyone who is not interested in delving into the skill system or does not want to concern themselves too much with collecting and optimizing their character will quickly reach their limits and may not even finish the storyline.
War Thunder – Military-MMO
| Platform | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Release | 21.12.2016 |
| Business Model | Free2Play |
| Setting | World War II and Cold War |
| Is War Thunder for me? | All about War Thunder |
| Download the game | Here is the website for War Thunder (Affiliate link*) |
What is War Thunder? War Thunder lets you experience battles on land, in the air, and soon also in water. Depending on the game mode, you control a fighter aircraft or a tank. Combined battles with planes and tanks are also possible. Ships and helicopters are also available now.
In battle, you need to defeat the enemy team. There are three different realism levels from simple arcade to “Realistic” to the ultra-complex simulation.
What are the special features of War Thunder?
- Dynamic damage model that accurately calculates whether a hit penetrates armor and causes damage to internal components. Poorly aimed shots, on the other hand, are rarely effective.
- Teamwork and vehicle selection are essential for victory
- Various classes of airplanes, tanks, and ships
- Military vehicles from different eras. From before World War II to the present day
- 7 nations with several hundred airplanes, tanks, and also ships as well as helicopters
Ideal for: War Thunder primarily appeals to fans of simulations and realistic gameplay mechanics. So if you don’t want health bars and want to take out an enemy tank with a well-aimed shot immediately, this is the right place for you.
In addition, there are wild and realistic aerial battles and even combined fights with tanks, planes, as well as ships and helicopters. So if you enjoy the full battlefield experience, this is the right place for you!
Is there a catch? The realistic game modes are only for experienced players and tend to deter newcomers. Additionally, there are items in the shop that allow you to get extra respawns.
Guild Wars 2 – MMORPG
| Platform | PC |
| Release | 28.08.2012 |
| Business Model | Free2Play basic version, addons are Buy2Play |
| Setting | Fantasy with steampunk elements |
| How does the current expansion play? | Review of Path of Fire! |
| Download for the game | To the official GW2 website |
What is Guild Wars 2?The fantasy MMORPG Guild Wars 2 offers a lot of content for both PvE fans and PvP enthusiasts. You can choose from 9 classes and a selection of cool races.
Among them are giant cat beings, plant creatures, and small, crazy goblins. Guild Wars 2 offers tons of content and a dynamic combat system that blends action and tab-targeting.
What are the special features of Guild Wars 2?
- Structured 5v5 arena PvP with equalized equipment
- Guild Wars 2 offers epic realm vs. realm battles on an open map. Three servers fight there for dominance and conquer territories.
- Guild Wars 2 has a really deep meta, with many different builds
- Every hero has a personal quest at the beginning
- The world is alive and is constantly changed by the ongoing story
- The plot is told like a TV series in seasons with up to 10 individual episodes that are released every few weeks.
- Large expansions present key plot points
Ideal for: For PvP fans, Guild Wars 2 is a good choice if you enjoy large open battles with lots of participants in realm vs. realm mode. There you can conquer areas and push back the other two realms in your area.
If you want a truly living world that is constantly changing, then Guild Wars 2 is your game. Thanks to the ongoing, vibrant story, the world never stands still.
It can happen that entire cities are destroyed and completely rebuilt. Guild Wars 2 can be enjoyed like a series in seasons and episodes, making it ideal for fans of ongoing, evolving stories.
Is there a catch? In realm vs. realm mode, the side that brings the larger group (called Zerg) often wins. The CC effects have a very strong impact on gameplay depending on the meta build. Thus, GW2 could not establish itself in eSports.
The hybrid combat system of tab-targeting and action is somewhat clunky. The grind to maximize your skills is also a hindrance.
