Garena Free City, the latest addition to the developer's expansive lineup, 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 renowned series, Garena Free City might just be the perfect interim fix.
Let's be straightforward: Garena Free City is 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 a lackluster mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some promising features.
For starters, the game boasts a robust character customization system, reminiscent of The Sims, allowing for detailed manipulation of individual features. Unlike the more realistic style of GTA, Garena Free City embraces a more whimsical approach, featuring elements like giant robots and summonable power-ups such as deployable cover.
Bold & BrashHowever, it's clear that the game also attempts to mimic the allure of Grand Theft Auto Online, which is somewhat disappointing given the unique and eye-catching elements it introduces.
Timing might not be on Garena's side with the release of Free City. While I believe no single app can dominate a genre on mobile, Ananta, another major upcoming release, is positioning itself with a vast open world and quirky side quests, much like Free City but with a more distinctive flair. Ananta's anime aesthetic might deter some, but it's striving to offer something different, which is where Free City falls short in my view.
If you're keen to stay ahead of the curve with new game releases, don't miss Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," where you can discover upcoming titles you can play right now.
