Illyriad - Grand Strategy MMO | Game Brain

Illyriad - Grand Strategy MMO Game Cover

Illyriad is a free-to-play, browser-based grand strategy MMO. Players build and manage their cities, expand territories, and engage in diplomacy, warfare, and trade with thousands of other players in a persistent, ever-evolving game world. The game offers a deep level of customization and strategy, with over 50 unique building types, numerous research paths, and a wide range of military and economic options.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

64%

Audience ScoreBased on 105 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

grinding2 negative mentions

The game has a fantastic and welcoming community that is very helpful to new players.
It offers a deep and complex gameplay experience with multiple strategies and play styles available.
The game allows for casual play, making it easy to check in and manage your empire without needing to dedicate long hours.

Players risk losing all progress if they take a break for more than a month, which can be frustrating.
There are issues with bugs and performance, including a persistent black screen that prevents players from accessing the game.
The game can feel slow and grindy, requiring significant time investment to see meaningful progress.

graphics
15 mentions
20 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them simple yet well-presented, while others criticize them as dated or horrifying. Many agree that the graphics do not detract from the gameplay, emphasizing that the game's depth and complexity are more important than visual appeal. However, there are concerns about the inconsistent art styles and usability of the interface, suggesting a need for improvement in visual coherence.
- “The graphics are simple but well presented.”
- “Dazzling graphics are not what this game is about; it is deep and complex but in an orderly way that makes me want to stick with it.”
- “The graphics are perfect for the game; this is not a game where they try to push the graphics past what is right for the game.”
- “The graphics are horrifying, and the interface is nearly unusable.”
- “I initially passed on this game as the graphics looked lame, sort of like one of those many phone games.”
- “What's more, they mix two and sometimes even three art styles and it's just visually displeasing and even somewhat upsetting.”
gameplay
14 mentions
43 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is noted for its depth and variety, featuring an extensive research tree and layered mechanics that contribute to a complex experience. However, players express frustration with the integration of these systems, citing issues with pacing and resource management that can hinder enjoyment. While the mechanics are generally well-designed, the overall execution may lead to a disjointed experience that can deter prolonged engagement.
- “There is really a very varied gameplay here.”
- “There's a research tree that is exhaustive, and actually affects gameplay in many subtle and unsubtle ways.”
- “Great depth of gameplay”
- “Seeing as the object of the game is to create and foster an integrated kingdom, this mechanic makes absolutely no sense and is unnecessarily frustrating.”
- “This is not necessarily a bad mechanic but it is an annoying one since the next resource square of the same type might be 2-3 times the distance away.”
- “The game mechanics simply won't allow it (all progress eventually ties to your level of research, which cannot be sped up).”
music
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is primarily described as background music, with a few enjoyable tracks available in the paid Steam version. Players can purchase the soundtrack along with in-game currency for a low price, but the overall music experience remains limited. Currently, there are reports of the music being down, affecting the gameplay atmosphere.
- “The Steam soundtrack is enjoyable.”
- “For the cheap price here on Steam, you get the music soundtrack and plenty of the premium currency for half the price of the normal.”
- “Besides achievements, full screen, 5 tracks of music, and improved chat room, there's nothing different from the browser version.”
- “Besides achievements, full screen, 5 tracks of music and improved chat room, there's nothing different from the browser version.”
- “Music is down right now.”
- “Though for the cheap price here on Steam, you get the music soundtrack and plenty of the premium currency for half the price of the normal.”
grinding
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players acknowledge that the game involves significant grinding, typical of clicker genres, but appreciate the variety of PvP and PvE options that alleviate the pressure to compete against others. Despite its depth, the game remains rooted in its grindy mechanics.
- “It's a browser-building game that, despite its depth, still doesn't break free from its grindy core.”
- “Yes, it's a clicker game, and there's plenty of grinding, but there are plenty of options for either PvP or PvE, so there's no real pressure to compete against other players.”
humor
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's humor, noting that it fosters engaging interactions with memorable characters, leading to enjoyable and often hilarious conversations.
- “The game is full of help from the start; you will meet some really great people and spend way too much time chatting and laughing online.”
- “The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and hilarious situations that keep you entertained.”
- “I love how the game incorporates humor into its quests, making even the most mundane tasks feel fun and engaging.”
story
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-500 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The story is enriched by a well-developed backstory and lore that adds depth to the game's world, engaging players with its intricate history and character motivations. This foundation enhances the overall narrative experience, making it more immersive and compelling.
- “The backstory is rich and immersive, drawing you into a world filled with intricate lore and fascinating characters.”
- “The narrative unfolds beautifully, with twists and turns that keep you engaged and eager to discover what happens next.”
- “The depth of the story is remarkable, offering layers of meaning that resonate long after you've finished playing.”
- “The backstory is poorly developed and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “The lore feels disjointed and confusing, leaving players with more questions than answers.”
- “The narrative is predictable and fails to engage, resulting in a lack of emotional investment in the story.”