GAMERS DECIDE - best free games

[Top 15] Best Free Indie Open World Games

Alina Lazarte — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:09:50 +0000

15. Unturned - 2017 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBO )

Unturned is a survival sandbox set in an apocalyptic world. You must survive in a dangerous environment infested by zombies. The first move is to look for a shelter. In time, you can build a strong fortress. Gather resources, food, hunt, and harvest your plants. Not only the zombies and nature can be dangerous. Other players might be aggressive too. You can also play by yourself and enjoy the NPC's interactions. Travel by sea or take a ride in a tank. Or if you prefer, use a combat airplane to explore the five active communities.

The magic of Unturned is that you can modify everything. You get the chance of creating maps, weapons, and anything you want. Upload your creations for other players to try it. Download other players' creations and enjoy creativity at its best. Plus, the developers consider the player's creations for official usage in the game.

Choose this game if you like...

Simple survival zombie shooters.
Moding. Unturned gives a chance of creating stuff for the game to those who have the skill.
Building and exploring as in Minecraft.

Fun factor score: 80/100

A dark room with a threatening aura. There’s a symbol on the wall that looks like a scorpion with the number seven.

14. Eldevin - 2014 (PC)

Eldevin is an award-winning MMORPG. More than 160 realms give shape to the great Eldevin Kingdom. Unique and charismatic characters and creatures are found in these vast realms. With over 200 talents, there’s much to be learned in Eldevin. Choose between 14 professions and play as long as you want. One of the greatest things about Eldevin is how your decisions affect the world around you. The lore and the little stories you find in this Kingdom are completely charming and will keep you interested for long enough. Merge yourself in this epic world where all kinds of adventures are awaiting!

Choose this game if you like...

Cute fantasy adventures.
Epic designs for bosses and enemies in general.
Quests with great stories.

Fun factor score: 70/100

One of the many grand bosses fights you’ll encounter in this world.

13. Nehrim: At Fate's Edge- 2010 (PC)

This game is a fantasy RPG self-driven adventure. Nehrim is a total conversion mod for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Meaning, although it’s a mod, it’s completely different from Oblivion. The story, races, quests, skills, and XP-based leveling system. The map was used to create a unique world. Explore the delightful lands of Nehrim with its hundreds of dungeons filled with enemies and bosses. Designed in a gothic style, Nehrim has some pretty locations that will attract you to explore. Discover one of the greatest mods ever made by the community. A rich story is what makes this game so interesting. Try it, maybe you'll like it better than Oblivion. My only recommendation is not to download it from Steam because it will crash a lot. Go to the official company's page and download the game directly.

Choose this game if you like...

Mod conversions. If you’re a nostalgia gamer, you’ll love this one.
Gothic, dark atmospheres. Most landscapes are like this.
Very interesting stories. This is where the game shines.

Fun factor score: 80/100

The color palette is on the warm side to give shape to a very dark and gloomy atmosphere. A common feeling while playing.

12. Blockade - 2014 (PC)

Blockade is a pixelated FPS in an editable cubic world. A mix between Minecraft and Fortnite. Change the world around you as you please while fighting against other players or enemies. With features like creating your base, weapons, character customization, clan battles, and competing with other players. Blockade is an unlimited game. A shooter like no other. There are other modes like survival; 4v4; and all vs all. Try them all and become the best.

Choose this game if you like...

Building. If you have a creative mind and you like cubic shapes, this world is for you.
Pixelated graphics.
Minecraft and Fortnite gameplay mechanics. In Blockade, you also have to build on the battlefield.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Players on the battlefield. One of them lays death on the floor while the other holds a kitty shield. Impressive.

11. Spiral Knights - 2011 (PC)

Spiral Knights is an adventure MMO with an isometric view. A cooperative game set in an ever-changing world. The player will embody a knight of the Spiral Order who has crash-landed on the planet Cradle. Help the knight and fellow companions to explore and survive in the alien world. Defeat creatures, solve puzzles, and discover the many treasures hiding in Cradle. The most interesting feature of Spiral Knights is how the world can be explored in real-time. This means the map will change as time passes and you can experience that while it's happening. Spiral Knights has a beautiful design for every single little thing. All the experience is just perfect!

Choose this game if you like...

Dungeons and living worlds.
Complex game mechanics and leveling up system.
Strategy and tactical combat.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Look at those cute little creatures! I bet you want to play already.

10. Pixel Worlds - 2017 (PC / Android / iOS)

Pixel Worlds is a multiplatform online MMO social sandbox. Create unique pixel art and set the path of your adventures. Customize your character as much as you like. Complete the many dungeons available and collect the loot. Build anything you want. Blocks, furniture, tools, items, weapons, and clothes. The game's main focus is the social activities you can do. Because the economy is run by the community. You can trade items or worlds with other players. The community also makes mini-games and free worlds where you can play and compete too!

Choose this game if you like...

Pixelated art design. This is the main key of the game.
Fantasy adventures.
2D platformers.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Each character is unique in this shot. We love that!

9. Robocraft - 2017 (PC / XBOX)

Robocraft is an online vehicular battle game. A full of action game with many interesting features. Start building your robot vehicle with over 250 cubes to choose from. Arm your robot with powerful weapons and test your creations. Sink into battle once your robot is ready. This game is set on different planets where you can fight.

Defeat other players in the arena and try the different modes for a new experience. You can also share your creations with other players online. Bring out the robotic architect in you in this great game!

Choose this game if you like...

Robotic, futuristic designs.
Transformers. The game is not exactly like Transformers but it’s a close approach when building and fighting with your robotic creations.
Frenzy action.

Fun factor score: 80/100

The game is also an FPS experience as we can see here. Quite catching.

8. Captain Bones: Prologue - 2021 (PC)

Captain Bones is a first-person survival game. You play as Captain Bones in a pirate-themed world. Here you'll travel the seas to find new islands. Collect materials to create useful tools to survive and travel. Captain Bones carries a curse, which adds difficulty to the experience. The goal of the game is to become an actual Captain of a ship with your troop. To achieve this you must make the right decisions. Be careful with the dangers of the high seas, and if you dive into the depths you can find many treasures and interesting areas. A great and fun experience awaits you in this vibrant world.

Choose this game if you like...

Pirates and sea-related environments.
Exploring the sea.
Crafting, farming, and learning skills to survive and fight.

Fun factor score: 70/100

Captain Bones in front of a raft. This is how you start. Later, you can build your ship.

7. Wurm - 2012 (PC)

This funny game is a sandbox MMORPG. With slow-paced gameplay and complex mechanics, Wurm promises to push the boundaries of an open-world game. The objective of the developers was to give ultimate freedom to the player. You can build and create anything from the resources available. Metal ores, wood, crops, and clay. Craft and trade your creations with other players. Learn over 130 skills, if you dare. In Wurm, the decisions you make affect the world around you in real-time. The goal is to find a kingdom and conquer other players' lands. Although Wurm is a dated game, it still has an active community. It's a game that requires a lot of time, patience, and understanding. It's highly recommendable to watch a few gameplays and use them as guides before beginning. Otherwise, you might find yourself lost.

Choose this game if you like…

Slow gameplay. Wurm is a game where if you want to grow you’ll have to spend several hours to do so.
Survival games.
High level of freedom to move around the world.

Fun factor score: 70/100

A beautiful snowy landscape with two medieval characters on top of a mountain.

6. Alpaca Stacka - 2021 (PC)

Alpaca Stacka is a beautiful 3D adventure platformer. You play as Paz the Alpaca. The goal is to help their animal friends. Explore the island, help the other little buddies, and collect Mama Hen's lost chickens.

This game is a peaceful experience with its pastel colors and cute character design. Perfect for a relaxing break.

Choose this game if you like...

Cute, colorful, squishy characters and general design.
Simple platformers.
Relaxing and calming experiences.

Fun factor score: 90/100

The design is extremely beautiful and satisfying. The color palette was a great choice.

5. The Expendabros - 2014 (PC)

A 2D action game described as a mashup between the movie The Expendables and the game Broforce. The game plot follows the movie script. We will fight against Conrad Stonebanks, a gun-runner. Fight in a frenetic battlefield and save your bros! The player can choose among seven characters to play with after saving them on the run: Bro Caesar, Bro Christmas, Broney Ross, Trent Browser, Bronar Jension, Broc, and Toll Broad. Each one with unique skills.

The game is located in the forests of Eastern Europe. Which gives the perfect vibe for a gory battle. Plus it has a multiplayer cooperative mode.

Choose this game if you like...

Gory frenetic action as in Metal Slug (an oldie).
Pixelated art designs.
The Expandables and Broforce. This game is a great tribute to both the movie and the game.

Fun factor score: 100/100

One of the scenarios where you’ll play. There are several enemies and obstacles that you must overcome to save those who need it.

4. Endless Sky - 2015 (PC)

An amazing 2D space trading and combat game. Endless Sky has many types of spaceships that you can also customize. Use it to explore, battle, and work. You can earn money in the game by carrying passengers or cargo; bounty hunting; capturing enemy spaceships; among others. Enjoy the story and dive into a civil war or just explore a rich galaxy with beautiful scenarios, hundreds of cosmic elements, and alien enemies.

The game comes with a Galaxy editor where you can add a new star system and planets. You can also create new weapons, spaceships, and even missions. The game promises to expand in the future. As contributors add new interesting content.

Choose this game if you like...

Retro spatial shooting games. Endless Sky is a modern version of them. Its essence resides in it.
Building space-related elements and ships.
Exploring the cosmos.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Just take a look at this epic battle near a cosmic object that looks like the Helix Nebula. It has the shape of an eye.

3. The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt - 2016 (PC / Android / iOS)

An authentic pirate adventure. In this third-person game, you’ll be the Captain of a Ship. Choose among 20 classes of ships and sail to the seas to experience a realistic approach to what it means to be the Captain. Complete the different quests; Knock down enemy ships; Pick up cargo; Learn the Captain skills; And visit a hundred islands and ports available. The Pirate Caribbean Hunt is a game that requires time to understand. It has many features that make it a complex game.

Choose this game if you like...

If you’re passionate about pirates you’ll love this one.
Complex sea battle mechanics. The tactics can take a while to learn.
Ships, sea traveling, and naval battles.

Fun factor score: 80/100

A stormy night in the sea. The ships are getting ready to battle under dangerous weather.

2. CHKN - 2016 (PC)

CHKN consists of creating creatures of all kinds. This open-world sandbox allows you to create unique creatures. You can create life and build anything you want block by block. Battle in the arena with your creations against other players or invite your friends. Explore this world, gather resources, craft, and survive. An entertaining and visually magnificent game to play.

Choose this game if you like...

Crafting and building to survive.
Creating and customizing your characters.
Bizarre visuals. The creatures can be exotic. Players have the chance to create anything they imagine.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Wait… what is that thing again?

1. Darwin Project - 2018 (PC / XBOX / PS4)

Darwin Project is a first-person online multiplayer battle royale. An intense game where 10 players will have to fight each other for survival. It takes place in the Northern Canadian Rockies. A dystopic post-apocalyptic world where the players will have to understand and learn the survival conditions. Gather resources to fabricate your clothes, traps, and tools.

The key features of this title are the possibility to spectate the game and host it. The show director or host will do exactly what its title says. Control the arena by casting powerful attacks like nuclear bombs and gravity storms. Use the power of your voice to make every show a blasting experience. As a viewer, you can take action in the game by voting for the target of the power activated by the host or Show Director; Place bets, and bid for powers reserved for the show director.

Choose this game if you like...

Extroverted activities involving speech and creativity. The best feature of the game is the chance of hosting a game. Something that no other game offers.
Dynamic and tactical gameplay. Since your goal is to survive, you should think carefully to make the right decisions.
Survival games. Darwin Project is a battle royale but the survival elements should be mastered to win.

Fun factor score: 100/100

The game visuals in the night with a bonfire warming the place.

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[Top 15] Best Free Indie Games

Alina Lazarte — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 02:41:34 +0000

15. Realm of the Mad God Exalt - 2012 (PC / PS4 / XBO)

Realm of the Mad God is an MMORPG bullet hell type of game. An extreme shooter following the theme of Space Invaders. In the style of 8 bits, Realm is a challenging experience. More than a dozen of classes to pick from and epic bosses to battle. Realm has a cooperative mode where you can share experiences with other people.

The game has a permanent death state. You die, you lose everything. Thus, you have to survive to make it through. Collect weapons, potions, gear, and rings. Are you good enough to reach the final level? You can play for hours or just a few minutes. Enjoy it your way!

Choose this game if you like...

Intense shooters. Enemies feel endless in the Realm of the mad god.
Simple graphics but hardcore gameplay.
Rogue-like bullet hell type of games. If you're good at keeping calm in overwhelming situations, this game is for you.

Fun factor score: 90/100

As you can see here the characters are divided between those who live and those who lie on the graveyard.

14. Brawlhalla - 2017 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch / iOS / Android )

The perfect fighting game. Brawhlhalla is a 2D platform fight game. Epic battles with 8+ players gathered from around the world. Brawhlhalla will test your fighting and dodging skills on the platform. Those who fall, lose. Those who stand, win. This beautiful game has over 50 characters to choose and master. You can also pick a weapon and gadgets, each one with unique abilities. The game allows cross-play so you can play with friends on different devices.

Brawlhalla has many different playing modes and is completely free. There is no pay-to-win bait. A game that will keep you entertained for several hours.

Choose this game if you like...

Simple fighting games. There’s nothing too complex in fighting and kicking other players off the arena.
Cute characters with cartoonish designs.
Kung Fu Panda. At Brawlhlla, the characters from Kung Fu Panda are playable!

Fun factor score: 100/100

Look at these stunning scenes from the battlefield. Four players remain on the platform, and each one is going to do its best to be the winner.

13. Sono - 2020

A simple, fast, and relaxing experience. Sono is a 2D exploration game. A game to chill while you discover its three worlds. Surrounded by beautiful sounds, Sono is an abstract microcosm where everything you have to do is collect souls.

It needs little requirements, everybody can play! This game is perfect for taking a break at work and relaxing. Discover this amazing microworld and chill!

Choose this game if you like...

Small but beautiful experiences. That is what Sono is in simple words.
Short games. Sono is a very short game but very worth it.
Simple games where you don't have to do anything. Almost like playing Yuumi in League.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Take a look at this amazing hive design. Did you know that the hexagonal hive shape is commonly seen in nature’s microcosm?

12. DDraceNetwork - 2020

Known as the hardest 2D platform game. DDraceNetwork is a cooperative game where you have to climb through different maps using a grappling hook. Each map has a different difficulty level. You can also build your map in the editor. Thousands of maps have been already built by the community. It's impressive.

The weapons available have challenging skills. It's a game that requires time and a lot of coordination. DDraceNetwork is worth a try. Maybe it becomes your favorite game of the year.

Choose this game if you like...

Challenging platformers. This one will hit on the right spot if you're a fan of platformers!
Creating inside the game system. Building maps is one of the greatest things of DDrace Network.
Spending a lot of time in one game to master it. DDrace is one of those games that need time to make your brain get used to it.

Fun factor score: 90/100

This is one of the many maps available to play. Such a cute place in the sky.

11. Star Fetchers

A bloody adventure that follows the story of two thugs who are hunting the toughest gangster. This 2D game is an incredible journey where you'll have gory battles. Defeat your enemies with your sword while you explore this decadent world. The goal in Star Fetchers is to become the most famous gangster. Fight against other gangs, help vulnerable people, and discover the secrets of this great game. A bizarre story where cults, government, conspiracies, and a lot of violence are involved.

Choose this game if you like...

Gory games. In Star Fetchers there's a lot of blood everywhere, every time.
Gangsters and dark events. The story is focused on this.
2D simple battling games. Star fetchers are not hard at all. You can kill and dodge your enemies easily.

Fun factor score: 70/100

A small view of what the art of the game looks like. There’s no need to make it realistic for it to be good.

10. Soda Dungeon 2

Soda Dungeon is a 2D turn-based strategy game. The game consists of exploring dungeons where the "Dark Lord" hid all kinds of valuable loot. Defeat the enemy hordes by recruiting an army and sending them to fight! All of this while you're safe in your tavern. Improve your army and gear to fight the darkest monsters. Build a town and become a mighty and respected boss. Classified as one of the bests idler/clicker games, Soda Dungeon deserves recognition. A nice and chill experience with charming graphics. Play anytime, anywhere!

Choose this game if you like...

Turn-based games. You have to enjoy this genre to get into Soda Dungeon.
Dungeons and more dungeons! This is the main aspect of this game. Endless dungeons to explore.
Old nostalgia games. This title is the best representation of every idler in history.

Fun factor score: 90/100

A capture of Dimension 3. Look at how colorful everything is. But not happy colorful, it’s more like toxic colorful.

9. The Dawn - 2020

The Dawn is a first-person shooter in anime design. Follow the story of Maya and Max, a girl who can manipulate time and a hacker boy. Both trying to save humankind from the Artificial intelligence that has rebelled against humans. The AI is now dominating mankind. They are making experiments and exploiting humanity. Located in a decadent Korea where language and communication are no longer allowed.

Help Maya and Max reach the palace where the AI resides and save the human race. With Maya's unique skills, this game provides a few hours of intense fun. Or maybe a speedrun? You can try it!

Choose this game if you like...

Futuristic designs. This world is filled with technology. Although Maya is a mage, her abilities have that particular techno-design.
Post-apocalyptic worlds. The location of the game is going through this situation.
Short but challenging games. To complete The Dawn you'll need no more than an hour. If you're good enough.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Here we see Maya in the foreground and a thug in the background about to fight inside a weird trippy room. Epic.

8. Stay Out - 2019

Stay Out is an MMORPG first-person shooter. It offers the experience of urban exploration in an Alienation Zone. A place abandoned and forgotten. The world of Stay Out has its laws and principles. Dive into unknown areas to discover secret laboratories, alien life forms, anomalies, and artifacts that challenge our laws of nature. Join the "Stalkers" and become one of them. The Stalkers are a group of people who dedicate their lives to exploring dangerous places in search of valuable artifacts and knowledge. Help them find out what is going on in this mysterious world.

Choose this game if you like...

Urban exploration. The game is accurate to that experience. It will grant you the feeling of danger and fear of the unknown.
Alien concepts. In Stay Out cosmic horror is a constant.
Shooters with RPG and survival elements. Shooting a gun is just the way you survive, but the actual importance of Stay Out is the RPG survival element.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Just a group of guys around a bonfire, resting and warming their bodies.

7. Dark Deception - 2018

Dark Deception is a horror escape game with RPG elements. We're trapped in a labyrinth. Our goal is to escape the maze. You'll have to run and escape from the creepy creatures who are trying to hunt you down. The first chapter introduces the player to the story. Investigate what is going on in this hellish place while you find your way out.

The game is a decent scary experience similar to Five Nights at Freddy. With many features like a fast-paced arcade horror where enemies can be stunned. A progress system that helps you survive longer. Dark humor. Mazes filled with traps, hazards, and other dangers. This game is one of the best escape games I've played.

Choose this game if you like...

Escape the room games. You'll be in certain scenarios that resemble a house or a hotel. Everything you have to do is escape.
Adrenaline situations. The gameplay is intense and there are many things you have to pay attention to.
Runners. One of the main features of Dark Deception is that you're always running.

Fun factor score: 90/100

This hall is gold and red. Looks like the creepy monkey is important to the design. I see it similar to the monkey in Toy Story 3.

6. Animal Royale - 2021

Animal Royale is a 2D battle royale game with an isometric view. Over 60+ fierce animals will fight in different scenarios. From cute cats to cute sloths to collect and personalize. Collect them all and beat other players to become the alpha. Explore a paradisiac island with diverse biomes and mysteries to be discovered. Invite your friends and have fun with the cutest game.

The strategic style of Animal Royale makes it entertaining to play. Plus a lot of adorable and deathly furries to play with.

Choose this game if you like...

Furries. If you're a big fan you're going to love Animal Royale with all your heart.
2D battle royales. The gameplay mechanics are very simple but fun to play.
Surprises! Animal Royale will give you a big one. Just try it and you'll see.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Two small furries fighting each other in a toxic field. They are so cute and the environment is terrible!

5. Adventure Capitalist - 2015

This game is a capitalism simulator. But in the shape of click and earn (sometimes not even click). The player will start earning from zero and it can get as far as you want. The goal is to earn money or accumulate it. As simple as it sounds.

Adventure Capitalist plays itself while you're offline. It makes it easier to earn. It's the perfect game to take a little break or to play while waiting. Although the game says it's so easy even a socialist could do it, I wouldn't recommend it to them. But they would surely be entertained.

Choose this game if you like...

Capitalism and money. Lots of money,
Doing something simple while waiting for another game to load. The purpose of Adventure Capitalist is to keep you entertained short enough.
Click and earn games. You have to do little to nothing to play this one.

Fun factor score: 80/100

The main character is dressed in gold, this one does have a monocle. Unlike Mr. Monopoly.

4. Poppy Playtime - 2021

Poppy Playtime is a survival horror game set in an abandoned toy factory that you'll have to explore. The goal is to stay alive while investigating what happened in the place. Survive the creepy toys trying to hunt you down. Use your GrabPack to help yourself survive. The game is divided into several chapters but only Chapter One (this game) is for free.

The design of the toys is great. Poppy Playtime has fascinating graphics. Along with the mechanics of the GrabPack, the game offers everything a horror survival needs.

Choose this game if you like…

Screamers. Poppy Playtime uses this resource several times.
FNAF. The ambient and general design of Poppy Playtime is similar to FNAF.
Solving puzzles, investigating, and using your brain to understand each level.
Creepy toys.

Fun factor score: 100/100

“Make a friend” is how they welcome us into this spooky place. The rust gives quite the atmosphere.

3. Eternal Return - 2020

Eternal Return is a mix between MOBA, Battle Royale, and Survival genres. Choose one of the diverse characters available and face 18 players at Lumia Island. Survive the encounter with the best strategy and win. Very simple. But you can also explore and gather materials to make gear or food for your character. Many valuable artifacts will become more and more important as you advance in the game. You can play by yourself or with friends. You can even create tournaments in personalized games.

With anime visuals, Eternal Return is an innovative and engaging game. A challenging game where you'll have to invest time and effort if you want to become the best and master a character (maybe all of them).

Choose this game if you like...

MOBA's. Eternal Return is mostly focused on the MOBA gameplay mechanics.
Challenging and different experiences from the usual. The game is not exactly like LOL or Dota. It has unique features.
Anime designs.

Fun factor score: 90/100

As you can see there are a lot of elements you can use. The game has many features and the design is so soothing.

2. Sheepy: A Short Adventure

Sheepy is a short platformer in the style of pixel art. The game tells the story of Sheepy, an abandoned plushy who has been brought to life. Help him explore this forgotten world while listening to a beautiful soundtrack. The game is only a demo for now. Adding it to the wishlist is a wise decision. A very promising platformer with beautiful visuals and sound effects.

The mixture between a cute character and a post-apocalyptic world with surrealism and cryptic events around you is what makes this game so interesting.

Choose this game if you like...

Pixelated art. All the world inside Sheepy is in this style.
Dark stories but cute characters. This contrast makes the game quite catching.
Relaxing platformers. Everything inside Sheepy is a calming experience.

Fun factor score: 80/100

As you can see there are a lot of elements you can use. The game has many features and the design is so soothing.

1. Helltaker - 2020

"The game is damn short and not very smart, but at least it's free. Maybe you'll find it fun". This is how we're introduced in Helltaker. I think this is the most accurate description. Helltaker is a 2D puzzle with RPG elements. The player wakes up in hell and is surrounded by a harem of demons. A portal has been opened by the protagonist to fulfill his darkest desires. Help him reach his goal in this deathly place. Solve the different puzzles as efficiently as possible and don't get killed by succubus.

Helltaker is an adventure that lasts an hour or less. A very fun experience with great visual elements. The game is simple and requires little effort to play. It's worth a try!

Choose this game if you like...

Succubus. This is pretty much what makes the game good.
Dark humor. A lot of it can be found inside this hell.
Anime-like designs.
Solving puzzles. It's important that you like this because most of the game is about solving puzzles.

Fun factor score: 100/100

One of the many succubus with who you can interact and do… things.

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The Increasing Success of Free-to-Play MMOs

Rtipper — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 04:32:52 +0000

The Thin Line Between Free & Pay-To-Play

Even when the pay-to-play model is removed, some massively multiplayer online games are finding ways to stride forward and stay afloat in a heavily saturated genre.

If there is one word that gamer’s today will find both joy and concern in, it’s “free”. Over the past fifteen years, as both the gaming industry and the genres off MMO’s have skyrocketed, nearly every single type and theme of massively multiplayer online game has emerged. While the industry has been dominated specifically by the presence of games such as Blizzard’s World of Warcraft since its release in 2004 and EverQuest in 1999, that hasn’t stopped developers from both new and old backgrounds to step forward and attempt to improve and cash in on the formula that those two helped create.

While subscription based games do still exist, those models have slowly begun to fall by the waysides.

In enters the free to play model.

Either intentional or not, many developers now rely on the increasing pay-free structure after switching from a paid for subscription based system or not including it at all from the very start. Many games that would have quickly vanished off the map have continued to exist in this competitive MMO world and have even seen greater success after adopting the new system.

A screenshot from Star Wars: The Old Republic’s expansion “Knights of the Fallen Empire” which began its shift towards the games specific strengths of a cinematic, single player based experience in an MMO environment that has helped to keep it going even when quickly switching to the free-to-play model.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Looking back a World of Warcraft, once can easily see why it’s never gone with a free-to-play system. In 2010 nearing the end of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, roughly 12 million players were reported as currently subscribed. 12 million at $15 a month is roughly $180 million a month. When a game generates that kind of revenue, it will never need to go free to play. That’s just crazy money.

That being said, when a game doesn’t have that amount of cash flowing in, it has to find much more creative and inventive ways to stay afloat. Star Wars: The Old Republic made the switch to the free-to-play model in 2013 and saw its player based stabilize around the 500k mark. Since then, it has continued to develop 5 expansion packs to this point and counting. Other games, such as Runescape, Marvel Heroes, Guild Wars 2 and Lord of the Rings Online, have all continued to operate with a subscription fee system while still generating enough revenue to actively develop new content. Finally, a game that has turned into one of the most successful MMO’s of all time is Blizzard’s Overwatch. At $40 for the software, no subscription and less than a year old, the player base is estimated to currently be at 25 million and one of the most streamed games on Twitch.

While the free-to-play model can sometimes signal the beginning of the end for an MMO, it can also be a saving grace if done quick enough or can be a successful and impactful choice right from the start.

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10 Best Free Online Games in 2015

EMK — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 23:57:57 +0000

Here's a list of 10 best free online games that are totally worth checking out

Whether you’re looking for something with superheroes or aliens, tanks or battlesuits, one vs one fights or something multiplayer, I think we can all agree that free is always better. So without further adieu, here are the top 10 best free online games in 2015.

10. World of Tanks

Have fun shooting the other team off the map in this battle-centered game.

Watch as Stephen WUSA goes through a battle on the city streets.

World of Tanks is the warmachine, battle centered, massively multiplayer game of your dreams. And it’s free, who doesn’t love that?

Choose a vehicle and your favorite warzone, then blast through the other team’s machines and take out their tanks to help yours come out on top (if that doesn’t relieve stress I don’t know what does).

There’s no place for single players on this battlefield, so you can get your friends to join you in this addictive game, or you can join in with players who’ve been on the battlefield a bit longer right out of the gate. If you like battle and strategy-centered games it’s not hard to see why World of Tanks is on this list.

Take a look at some of the diverse warzones and the intense battles you can fight in.

My Rating: 3/5

9. Marvel Heroes 2015

Choose from a wide variety of Marvel heroes to play, including Ms. Marvel and The Hulk.

Be a hero and start defending the world in Marvel Heroes 2015.

The most recent update of the multiplayer game for the Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes 2015 is the story driven battle game you’ve been looking for, with superheroes no less.

Do you prefer Captain America or Daredevil? It doesn’t matter because you can play as either in addition to many other characters from the Marvel Universe such as Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, and even the Vision. Choose your hero and start your adventure by fighting against Doctor Doom who’s just gotten the Cosmic Cube and is trying to take over the world.

As you continue you get to play at different locations like SHIELD HQ, Avengers Tower, and even Savage Land, all of which offer enjoyable glimpses into Marvel comics. With a new character being added every month, the ability to get sidekicks, traveling through the Marvel Universe, and a massive online community, it’s not difficult to see why Marvel Heroes is one of the best free online games in 2015.

Watch the opening gameplay as RealManCandyTV chooses his hero and begins playing.

My Rating: 3.5/5

8. Warframe

Fight in the warframe battlesuit to bring peace to the universe.

The Grineer may try to imprison you but your fellow Tenno will always be there to help you.

You’ve been woken up from a cryogenic sleep by the Lotus, you must use the Warframe battlesuit once more in order to stop the Grineer who are trying to take over the universe.

Decide between Excalibur, Mag, or Volt and fight your way through an army of Grineer who are trying to imprison you to begin the game. You can then complete missions throughout the universe; and while the graphics aren’t the best the landscapes for other planets are still pretty impressive. The best thing about Warframe though is that there are so many different missions to complete; it definitely lengthens gameplay.

Overall, Warframe is the game to play if you like games with aliens, fighting in outer space, intriguing missions, varied locations, and good old fashioned third person shooting. And really who does that not include?

Youtuber Leon Rogue operating a super stealth mission and crushing his enemies.

My Rating: 3.5/5

7. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Become a part of the Star Wars universe and join the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire.

Will you choose the path of darkness or light?

This multiplayer, story driven game brings the world of Star Wars to life with recognizable characters and a war between the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire.

Choose to fight with the Republic or Sith Empire and continue making pivotal decisions throughout the game to define whether you’ll follow the path of darkness or light. Customize your character from the many different options, then you can form a team with your friends - or fight against them - and help win battles to gain the upper hand in the war. While this game may end up costing you some change to get the full experience, the free content can still last for a long time.

So whose side will you choose, the Sith Empire or the Republic?

Watch as Youtuber Draknalor186 plays as a Sith warrior in one of the higher levels.

My Rating: 3.5/5

6. Smite

Bring glory to your gods.

Just a few of the gods you can play as fighting amongst ruins.

You’re a god; well at least in Smite you can be. Play as a god from one of the seven different pantheons and gain worshipers by winning battles against the enemy team of gods and defeating the Titan in their base - like a massive mythological capture the flag.

When choosing a mode of play I recommend the Arena; it’s an all out deathmatch with no lanes or Titans in the way, just you and the other team beating the life out of each other to bring glory to your gods. But if you don’t like a deathmatch, you can still choose from the other modes with lanes and towers and Jungle neutrals galore.

Do you like mythology? How about MOBA games? Intense battles and strategic gameplay? Then Smite is definitely for you.

Youtuber Force Strategy Gaming plays as Poseidon and shows off his special power at 8:30.

My Rating: 4/5

5. Nosgoth

Whose side will you join?

It’s humans vs. vampires, what’s not to love?

Nosgoth is the brutal, fantasy, MMO game you’ve been looking for all wrapped up in humans vs vampires battles that everyone will want to take part in.

Set in Nosgoth, after Kain (of Legacy of Kain) has left, the humans have gotten themselves out of slavery and built up their armies to take back their world from the vampires. Play as a human and rally your strength and numbers to take back vampire strongholds before time runs out; or play as a vampire and rally your undead comrades to keep back the lowly, mortal humans.

On either side, work with your team to defend you home. Strategy, intense battles, a great fantasy element, and killer graphics, what’s not to love?

A little slice of gameplay as a human.

My Rating: 4/5

4. Hearthstone

Utilize your cards in order to get your opponent to concede.

An explanation of the Last Hero Standing competitive format.

Hearthstone is the addictive online collectible card game which centers around matches between two opponents and daily quests.

Use your cards and your hero strategically to reduce the other player’s score to zero or get them to concede. The best thing about Hearthstone is that there’s no steep learning curve, you can get your starter pack and immediately start playing. Even though you have to pay if you want to get the better cards quickly, you can still have fun doing the daily quests to earn them.

It’s a great game for you to binge play, especially since you can get it on your phone, and will easily provide hours of justification for your procrastination; just don’t tell your boss I told you that.

And the warrior is defeated!

My Rating: 4.5/5

3. Path of Exile

Fight off terrifying monsters at every turn.

No blood and guts, no glory.

In the dystopian world of Wraeclast you’ll face new and terrifying monsters at every turn and fight your way through the map.

Start the game by choosing your character, clawing your way onto The Shore, and fighting the monsters of this horrifying world. Try to stay alive long enough it make it to the final area of the map: The City of Sarn, though it may take you quite a while to get there. Do you like a game that lasts? Each level in Path of Exile is randomly generated, so you can replay levels and it won’t be exactly the same. Plus there’s a lot of story available for free play.

Overall Path of Exile is great for extended gameplay, intense fights, and horror-style storylines, making it one of the best free games in 2015.

Check out ZiggyD as he explains a little Path of Exile gameplay.

My Rating: 4.5/5

2. DOTA 2

The myriad of heroes you can choose from in DOTA 2.

What does a hero truly need?

DOTA 2 is the MOBA game that people love so much they will praise it until they’re blue in the face.

Choose from the various different heroes, pull your team together or join in with another, and fight your heart out to help your team come out on top. Fight through the lanes against towers, creeps, and the other team to ultimately try to finish off the other team. It’s not hard to see why DOTA 2’s online community is so massive as most people who begin playing get sucked into the world almost as soon as they start.

With so many different playable heroes, and the truly epic team battles you can get into, DOTA 2 is a game you can easily get yourself and your friends hooked on. Though the learning curve is harsh, once you get the hang of it I can promise you’ll be addicted.

Check out a match from Lina’s point of view.

My Rating: 5/5

1. League of Legends

Fantastic art style, heroes, and battles, what’s not to love?

So many characters, so little time.

Welcome to one of the largest online communities in the world; League of Legends holds this honor because the game is a multiplayer dream boat.

Take your time and choose you character, then start battling other teams on the maps, then strategize and use everything you’ve got to defeat them. Do you like DOTA 2? The you’ll probably love League of Legends - they come from the same creator. If the amount of playable heroes doesn’t make you swoon, then the modes certainly will - Crystal Scar is the most fun in my opinion.

With such intense battles, great art style, and diverse heroes, it’s easy to see why League of Legends is the best free game in 2015.

Kalista takes down oath breakers and traitors, what’s not to love?

My Rating: 5/5

These games are the best for a reason, they all have something to bring to the table whether it’s impressive gameplay, great artstyle, fantastic graphics, or the best playable characters around. The 10 best free online games in 2015 have been declared, do you agree? If you don’t, comment saying why. If you do, convince your friends to join you in your favorite game, and share this article with them to help your cause.

Main Image caption:

Nemesis, Goddess of Revenge in Smite.

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