Thunderbolt writes: "Ikariam isn't the type of game that we usually cover here at Thunderbolt. Not only because you probably aren't sure how to pronounce the title, but because it's a free, browser-based game. It's not too often that a browser game attracts my attention, and with how crowded the videogame market is these days, it's easy for games like this to slip past my radar. However, Ikariam offers much of the compelling gameplay found in games like Civilization and Age of Empires, so it's in your best interest as a strategy fan to pay attention.
Developed by Gameforge, Ikariam is a city-building game that plays out in an ancient Mediterranean island chain. Sporting colorful, vibrant graphics, Ikariam thrusts you into a persistent online world that's always running, whether you're playing or not. After you sign up, you're given control of an island of your own. The island has two resources on it that you can control to build your empire. But here's the catch: there are five total resources that you need to build a truly impressive island nation, you'll need to deal with your other players. That can be through simply trading resources with a few neighbors and building a friendly economic alliance, or you can build up a powerful military and take those resources for good."
Online game publisher Gameforge's browser-based game Ikariam will offer a "Pirates" update that allows players to sail as pirates, earn gold and capture points on forays. Pirate rivals can be put in their place through raids on their fortresses. As a reward, the most successful buccaneers will receive a giant treasure trove of resources.
Ikariam is a free to play MMORTS game from Gameforge, the same developers behind other popular strategy titles such as KingsAge. Ikariam brings many unique features to the MMORTS genre, most notably the distinctly authentic Greek background setting and mythology.
The strategy genre is a much appreciated part of the free-to-play segment. There are literally hundreds of strategy games, some good, some bad, some shameless clones and finally some that are rushed with the sole purpose of getting a few bucks from distracted players. Here are some quality games that you should at least try, since they have some undeniable qualities.
