There has been a lot of browser-based MMO’s released over the pass few years, but very few were capable of capturing the true essence of turn-based strategy. This was true until WarMage made its debut. Following suit with the Elemental Magic series, WarMage Battlegrounds reminds me a lot of the Elemental Magic series.
WarMage Battlegrounds is strictly browser-based and will run on either Windows or Mac OSX. Just like most browser-based games, WarMage Battlegrounds is a free-to-play (F2P) game. You do not have to spend any money to actually enjoy it. WarMage offers a vast variety of different gaming modes, so no matter who you are, you will find a game mode that best suits your play style.
You start with a handful of units for use in PVE (Player verses Enemy), PVP (Player verses Player) and co-op gameplay. This is ideal for people that do not enjoy Player verses Player combat and would rather play co-op against NPCs (Non-Player Characters).
Combat is straight-forward and easy to understand. The battlefield is an enormous grid where every unit you own can move and attack when it’s that unit’s turn. You can pass on a turn if you decide not to attack or move a unit. After you move a unit, the computer opponent will get to move.
Basically, the gameplay is similar to a game of chess. The player and his opponent get their turns and repeat the process for the duration of the battle. Every unit has its own special attacks as well as their own strengthens and weakness. From the main map you can choose from a plethora of options. Selecting the different color flags on the world map allows you to jump into co-op and PVE missions. PVE missions offer all kinds of rewards such as experience and gold.
You can join a two or four player PVP battle by selecting the menu located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Unranked battles are available; these allow the player to experiment before taking on gamers in a ranked match. You can also create custom battles if you are feeling confident. Additionally, there is a full-length tutorial available if you need assistance.
You can purchase stronger units from the in-game store buy using one of two currencies. “Burst Coins” are obtained by transferring real money into in-game currency. You can also acquire “Gold” by winning battles. Some items can only be bought if you meet the required ‘Prestige’ level. Prestige is earned by receiving achievements and being victorious during battle. Think of ‘Prestige’ as your character’s level in a standard MMORPG.
Developer Burst Online Entertainment is constantly updating WarMage Battlegrounds. Thanks to these patches, the game and its mechanics continue to improve. If you’re looking for an online turn-based role-playing game that has plenty to offer – including a large online community that is easily accessible – then WarMage BattleGrounds is your game.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC
Developer: Burst Online Entertainment, LLC
Publisher: Burst Online Entertainment, LLC
ESRB: N/A
Price: Varies (Free to join; to purchase items, player requires currency or ‘Coins’)
