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

Garena Free City, the latest addition to the developer's expansive lineup, is now open for pre-registration on iOS and Android devices across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. If you've been eagerly anticipating the next installment in a renowned series, this game might just be the perfect interim entertainment.

Let's be straightforward: Garena Free City is essentially Garena's interpretation of Grand Theft Auto, set to launch on June 30th. Whether this is a boon or a bane hinges on your personal taste. At first glance, it might seem like a lackluster mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some promising features.

For starters, the game boasts an impressive character customization system, allowing detailed Sims-like adjustments to individual features. Unlike the realistic style of GTA, Free City introduces elements such as giant robots and summonable power-ups like deployable cover, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.

Bold & Brash However, it's evident that the game draws significant inspiration from the allure of Grand Theft Auto Online. This is a missed opportunity, as the more unconventional elements could have set it apart.

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 title, is promoting itself with a vast open world and quirky side quests—similar to Free City but with a distinct edge. Ananta differentiates itself further with an anime aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone but certainly offers a fresh take. My primary critique of Free City is its reluctance to fully embrace its unique aspects.

If you're keen on staying ahead of the latest game launches, don't miss out on Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," where you can discover upcoming titles you can play right now.