Garena Free City, the latest addition to the developer's extensive portfolio, is now open for pre-registration on iOS and Android devices in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. If you've been eagerly awaiting the next installment in a beloved series, Garena Free City might just be the perfect interim fix.
Let's get straight to the point: Garena Free City is essentially Garena's interpretation of Grand Theft Auto, set to launch on June 30th. Whether this is a positive or negative development hinges on your personal taste. At first glance, it may seem like just another uninspired mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some promising features.
For starters, the game boasts a comprehensive character customization system, allowing for detailed Sims-like adjustments to individual features. Additionally, unlike the more realistic approach of GTA, Garena Free City incorporates whimsical elements such as giant robots and deployable power-ups like summonable cover, which add a unique twist to the gameplay.
However, the game's attempt to mirror the appeal of Grand Theft Auto Online might be its Achilles' heel. While the more fantastical aspects are intriguing, the overt emulation of GTA Online could detract from its originality. Moreover, the timing of Garena Free City's release may not be ideal, as it coincides with the upcoming launch of Ananta, another open-world game that promises a vast, engaging world filled with quirky sidequests. Ananta differentiates itself with a distinctive anime aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone but certainly sets it apart from the competition.
My primary critique of Garena Free City so far is its reluctance to fully embrace its uniqueness. To stay ahead of the game with the latest releases, consider checking out Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," to discover upcoming titles you can play right now.
