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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

64%

Audience ScoreBased on 210 reviews

graphics6 positive mentions

grinding4 negative mentions

The game has an excellent and friendly community that is very supportive of new players.
It offers a deep and complex gameplay experience with multiple play styles, including crafting, trading, and city building.
The game allows for casual play, making it easy to check in and manage your empire without needing to dedicate long hours.

Players can lose all progress if they take a break for more than a month, which is frustrating.
The game has a slow pace, which may not appeal to those looking for immediate action or quick results.
There are issues with bugs and performance, including a black screen that prevents players from accessing the game.

graphics
30 mentions
20 % positive mentions
70 % neutral mentions
10 % 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, horrifying, or visually displeasing due to inconsistent art styles. A few users appreciate that the graphics serve the game's deeper mechanics rather than aiming for dazzling visuals, suggesting that functionality may take precedence over aesthetics. Overall, the graphics seem to be a divisive aspect, impacting players' enjoyment and immersion in the game.
- “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
28 mentions
43 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The gameplay is noted for its depth and variety, featuring an exhaustive research tree and layered mechanics that enhance military movements and overall strategy. However, players express frustration with the integration of these systems, citing issues like slow progress tied to research levels and the distance between resource squares, which can detract from the experience. While some find the mechanics engaging, others struggle to stay invested due to these complications.
- “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
14 mentions
29 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The music in the game is primarily described as background music, with a limited selection of five tracks available. Players can purchase a soundtrack for $5 on Steam, which also includes in-game currency for various boosts, making it a cost-effective option. Overall, while the soundtrack is enjoyable, it does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience beyond the free browser version.
- “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 an 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
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game features significant grinding, typical of clicker genres, but offers a variety of PvP and PvE options that alleviate pressure on players. Despite its depth, the core grinding mechanics remain a prominent aspect of the gameplay experience.
- “It's a browser-building game that, despite its depth, still doesn't break itself free from its grindy core.”
- “Yes, it's a clicker of a game, and plenty of grinding, but there's plenty of options to either PvP or PvE, so there's no real pressure to beat up other players.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's humor, noting that it fosters a lively social environment where they can engage in enjoyable conversations and share laughs with others. The lighthearted interactions contribute significantly to the overall experience, making it a fun and welcoming space.
- “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.”
story
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The story is heavily focused on its rich backstory and lore, which many users find engaging and immersive. The depth of the narrative adds layers to the gameplay experience, enhancing player investment in the world. Overall, the lore is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
- “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.”
- “There is little to no character development, which makes the story feel flat and unengaging.”