Garena Free City, the latest addition to Garena's expansive game lineup, is now open for pre-registration on both iOS and Android platforms in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. If you've been eagerly awaiting the next installment in a renowned open-world series, Garena Free City might just be the perfect interim thrill.
Launching on June 30th, Garena Free City is essentially Garena's rendition of the beloved Grand Theft Auto (GTA) experience. Whether this is a positive or negative development depends on your personal taste. At first glance, it may seem like just another mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some promising features.
One standout feature is its extensive character customization, reminiscent of the detailed options found in The Sims, allowing you to tweak every aspect of your avatar. Unlike the more realistic style of GTA, Garena Free City leans into a more whimsical aesthetic, including giant robots and summonable power-ups like deployable cover, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
Bold & Brash However, the game's clear attempt to mimic the allure of Grand Theft Auto Online might be its Achilles' heel. While the more eccentric elements certainly capture attention, the overt emulation of GTA's online mode could be a missed opportunity to stand out.
Timing might also not be on Garena Free City's side. With Ananta, another major upcoming release, promising a vast open world and quirky side quests similar to Free City but with a distinct anime aesthetic, Garena's game faces stiff competition. While some gamers might be put off by Ananta's anime style, the lack of a unique identity is the primary critique I have of Garena Free City so far.
If you're keen to stay updated on the latest game launches, don't miss Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," where you can discover upcoming titles you can play right now.
