Garena Free City, the latest addition to the developer's extensive lineup, is now open for pre-registration on iOS and Android platforms across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. If you're eagerly awaiting the next installment in a renowned series, Garena Free City might just be the perfect interim solution to keep you entertained.
Let's be straightforward: Garena Free City is essentially Garena's interpretation of Grand Theft Auto, slated for release on June 30th. Whether this is a welcome addition or not largely depends on your personal taste. At first glance, it might appear as just another mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some intriguing possibilities.
One standout feature is its robust character customization system, reminiscent of The Sims, allowing detailed manipulation of individual features. Unlike the more realistic style of GTA, Free City introduces more whimsical elements such as giant robots and summonable power-ups like deployable cover, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
Bold & BrashHowever, it's clear that much of the game attempts to directly mimic the appeal of Grand Theft Auto Online. This is unfortunate, as the more unconventional elements are what truly capture attention.
The timing of Garena Free City's launch might be less than ideal. While no single app can dominate a genre on mobile, the upcoming release of Ananta, which boasts a vast open world and quirky sidequests similar to Free City but on a grander scale, could overshadow it. Ananta also strives to offer something distinct, though its anime aesthetic might not appeal to everyone. My main critique of Free City so far is its reluctance to fully embrace its unique aspects.
Want to stay ahead of the game with the latest releases? Check out Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," to discover upcoming titles you can start playing today.
