Before you press play

Yes. Every game in the programme can be started and played without paying. All of them also offer optional purchases, usually a premium currency or a premium account. Each review includes a “Shop impact” note so you know what spending changes before you begin.

No. All five run in a web browser on the publisher’s official site. Some publishers also offer desktop or mobile versions — Supremacy 1914 and Shakes & Fidget, for example, are also available on Steam.

A short list allows fuller explanations and genuine comparisons. We would rather tell you clearly who each game suits than list dozens of titles in a sentence each.

No. Games are numbered in programme order. Each review ends with a weighted overall score, and you can see all five side by side in the comparison table on the home page.

Yes. A significant change to a game’s pacing, access, social features or shop can lead us to revisit the review. Changes are made in place, and the month of the latest review is shown beside each overall mark.

Some “Visit official site” buttons may be affiliate links, which can earn us a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. They do not affect which games we include or how we score them.

No. We are an editorial guide and have no access to game accounts. Account access, purchases and refunds are handled by each game’s publisher, so please contact their support team directly.

This guide is written for adult readers. Age ratings vary by game and platform, so check the rating on the publisher’s site or with PEGI before a child plays. Our Responsible Play page lists tools for parents and carers.

No. We cover strategy and role-playing games only. There is no betting, wagering or real-money prize of any kind on this site or in our coverage.