Garena Free City Pre-Registration Opens in SEA, Middle East, Africa

Garena Free City, the latest addition to Garena's expansive game lineup, is now open for pre-registration on iOS and Android devices in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. If you're eagerly awaiting a certain sixth installment in a renowned series, this game might just be the perfect interim thrill.

Let's be straightforward: Garena Free City is Garena's rendition of Grand Theft Auto, set to launch on June 30th. Whether this is a positive or negative development hinges on your personal taste. At a cursory glance, it might seem like a run-of-the-mill mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals its potential.

One of its standout features is a robust character customization system, reminiscent of The Sims, allowing detailed manipulation of individual features. Unlike the realistic style of GTA, Garena Free City introduces a whimsical mix, including giant robots and summonable power-ups like deployable cover.

Bold & Brash However, the game also heavily borrows from the allure of Grand Theft Auto Online, which can feel somewhat derivative. While the more eccentric elements are certainly eye-catching, it's clear the game is trying to capture the essence of its inspiration.

Timing might not be in Garena Free City's favor, though. With the imminent release of Ananta, another game touting a vast open world and zany side quests, the competition is heating up. Ananta distinguishes itself with a unique anime aesthetic, which might deter some but also sets it apart. The one critique so far with Free City is its reluctance to fully embrace its uniqueness.

For those looking to stay ahead of the gaming curve, don't miss Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," where you can discover upcoming games ready to play right now.