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

Garena Free City is now open for pre-registration on both iOS and Android platforms, available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. If you've been eagerly awaiting the next installment in a certain iconic 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 might seem like just another mobile clone of GTA, but a closer look reveals some promising features.

For starters, the game boasts a comprehensive 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 & Brash However, it's clear that the game also tries to mimic the allure of Grand Theft Auto Online, which is somewhat disappointing given the unique elements that could 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, the upcoming release of Ananta, which promises a vast open world and quirky side quests similar to Free City but with more flair, poses a significant challenge. Ananta's distinct anime aesthetic might deter some, but it's this willingness to be different that Free City seems to lack, which is my primary critique so far.

If you're keen on staying ahead of the curve with new game launches, be sure to check out Catherine's regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," to discover upcoming titles you can dive into right now.