Book of Travels

About

Join The Book of Travels and become a part of a unique social roleplaying experience that doesn’t hold your hand. Inspired by genre classics, this is a serene adventure that sets you adrift in a fairytale world... but it’s also an invitation to roleplay without the restraints of linear missions and plotlines. Feel at liberty to travel the free wilds and vivid cities of the Braided Shore peninsula.…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+11

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,050 reviews

story27 positive mentions

stability83 negative mentions

Beautiful art style and immersive soundtrack create a calming atmosphere.
Unique gameplay encourages exploration and interaction with NPCs without hand-holding.
The game offers a sense of discovery and personal storytelling, allowing players to create their own narratives.

Numerous bugs and technical issues can hinder gameplay and lead to frustration.
Lack of a quest log or tracking system makes it difficult to remember objectives and progress.
The game can feel empty and directionless, especially for players used to more structured RPGs.

story
249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
85%
4%
The game's story is characterized by a lack of traditional quest markers and logs, requiring players to engage deeply with NPC dialogues and take notes to track their progress. This open-ended approach fosters a unique, immersive experience where players can create their own narratives while exploring a beautifully crafted world. However, the absence of structured guidance can lead to confusion and frustration, particularly for those accustomed to more linear storytelling in games.
- “The game is a storybook come to life.”
- “The atmosphere crafted by the storybook visuals and soothing music allows you to endlessly explore without realizing how long you've been walking.”
- “Exploring the hand-crafted world and writing your own story either alone, with friends, or random strangers is a truly unique experience that only few games can offer these days.”
- “There are also quests; however, they have no quest markers or even a quest log, so you need to pay attention to dialogue as that is the only way you'll get hints on where to go and what to do.”
- “The lack of any kind of quest log, even one we might need to fill out ourselves, isn't nearly the innovative feature it's pitched to be, and makes even mundane tasks sources of potential frustration.”
- “I found it almost impossible for me to get into the game for a lack of a discernible story and I hate that I cannot see my character's expression.”
gameplay
176 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
75%
4%
The gameplay of "Book of Travels" is characterized by its unique, slow-paced exploration and emphasis on discovery, allowing players to engage with the world at their own pace. While the mechanics are innovative and the art style is praised, many players find the gameplay to be somewhat sparse and occasionally hindered by bugs, particularly in its early access state. Overall, it offers a relaxing experience that rewards curiosity and interaction, though it may not appeal to those seeking more traditional or action-oriented gameplay.
- “The gameplay is relaxing and it's cool when you run into other people.”
- “The gameplay centers around traveling the world, finding timed events/npcs on the maps, completing various quests, finding loot caches, and discovering in-game secrets/lore.”
- “A unique, mystical world with incredible art design and serene gameplay that encourages zen exploration, gradual character progression, and rewarding interactions with NPCs who subtly nudge you towards quests and loot.”
- “Boring, boring, boring and some UI/gameplay choices are totally bizarre.”
- “The core gameplay revolves around meandering empty scenic maps, scraping the ground for resources or garbage to sell, and coming up with something to do.”
- “With all its issues of such an early state: numerous bugs and non-user-friendly gameplay issues (e.g. server throws you off, save is lost, nothing is kept track of, you do it with pen & paper for yourself, errand-target NPC not available at the time you play, so be prepared to invest odd hours like you never have to work, socialize or sleep, just play).”
graphics
174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
45%
2%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning, hand-painted art style that creates a serene and immersive atmosphere, reminiscent of a living painting. Many players appreciate the unique visuals and calming soundtrack, which enhance the exploration experience, although some express concerns about performance issues and the game's overall content. While the art style is a significant draw, opinions vary on whether it compensates for the game's perceived lack of depth and gameplay mechanics.
- “The art style is breathtaking, so much so, you yearn for more to discover.”
- “The graphics can only be described as art.”
- “The atmosphere crafted by the storybook visuals and soothing music allows you to endlessly explore without realizing how long you've been walking.”
- “Graphics, while 'pretty', are very low quality, like playing in a painting or kids sticker book.”
- “Although the game launcher asks you for the graphic display you want, once the game starts, it's another display that is implemented and you cannot change it.”
- “I have an i5 and a GTX 1050, but this game puts some serious pressure on my computer (even on potato graphics).”
music
142 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
35%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the immersive experience, with many players describing it as soothing, atmospheric, and perfectly fitting the game's art style. The soundtrack, often compared to calming ambient music, complements the stunning visuals and rich world, making exploration a relaxing and enchanting experience. Overall, the combination of exceptional music and art contributes significantly to the game's appeal, creating a captivating environment for players.
- “Absolutely obsessed with the art, the concept, the soundtrack, all of it.”
- “The atmosphere crafted by the storybook visuals and soothing music allow you to endlessly explore without realizing how long you've been walking.”
- “The music is beautiful.”
- “All in all, there is just not much redeemable here other than the artwork and music.”
- “Imho music is one of the most important aspects of gaming and it can and will create immersion and mood... so yeah, I think the frequency and duration could use an upgrade.”
- “In summary, I have now wasted my time to the point where the music gets annoying, too, and would rather take my refund and run and see if this gets better later.”
stability
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
99%
The game is currently experiencing significant stability issues, with numerous bugs and glitches reported by players, particularly affecting combat and multiplayer features. While some users acknowledge that these problems are typical for early access titles and express hope for future improvements, many find the current state frustrating and unplayable. Overall, the consensus is that while the game shows potential, it is still a "buggy mess" that requires considerable refinement.
- “I can understand that people may be frustrated with bugs, but the majority of my playtime has been bug-free.”
- “The game runs smoothly without any major issues, making for a stable gaming experience.”
- “I've experienced very few crashes, which speaks volumes about the game's stability.”
- “The game is exceptionally buggy, and the multiplayer features are often broken, making the process more of a burden than something built into the core game.”
- “I really want to like this game, because it looks great and it's trying something new and interesting, but the game is so buggy right now that it's quite unplayable.”
- “Currently, it's unfortunately a very buggy game - fast transit options are broken and glitchy and require relogs, status effects get stuck, and part of the inventory system is very broken.”
atmosphere
58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
41%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its picturesque and immersive qualities, combining beautiful art, soothing music, and a serene world that invites exploration and relaxation. Many players appreciate the game's unique aesthetic and the sense of wonder it evokes, making it a standout experience for those who enjoy calm, atmospheric gameplay. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as enchanting, captivating, and meticulously crafted, providing a rich backdrop for leisurely exploration.
- “The atmosphere crafted by the storybook visuals and soothing music allows you to endlessly explore without realizing how long you've been walking.”
- “The atmosphere, visuals, and soundtrack of this game are lovely, and it really makes you feel like you're embarking on an otherworldly journey in an oriental-inspired setting.”
- “The music, atmosphere, and art are all fantastic.”
- “However, the atmosphere and exploration in this game are amazing, and I'm very excited to see what will happen in part 1.”
- “The atmosphere of the game causes the world to feel lived-in.”
- “It's clear to me that much love and care was put into every design, as well as the soundtrack within the game, which completes the atmosphere wholly.”
grinding
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it tedious and overly repetitive, others appreciate its meditative quality and the focus on exploration rather than traditional combat grinding. Many express frustration with the slow progression and the necessity to repeatedly complete tasks for currency, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a significant hurdle that may deter players seeking a more dynamic and engaging gameplay loop.
- “The advancement/development of my character seems very tedious and repetitive.”
- “After you're done with the storyline available so far, you can start grinding for better gear, and oh what a grind that is… your abilities and fighting skills are gear-based and to be able to buy better gear from 'the best' vendor the intended way, you're going to need knots, that you get by doing tasks, but there are very few of them, and so to actually be able to buy any of that gear you're going to have to finish the same tasks over and over again, literally hundreds of times.”
- “I played for over 20 hours (some with Steam offline so it's reporting less) just to make sure it wasn't just a slow burn sort of game, but it doesn't really improve - you can access more things, but you just find out that those things are just as tedious and pointless as what you were doing before.”
emotional
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply rewarding, with encounters fostering heartwarming cooperation and meaningful interactions. The game's whimsical elements, such as unique characters and events, evoke a range of feelings from joy to nostalgia, creating a wholesome atmosphere that encourages community support and storytelling. Overall, the experience resonates emotionally, reminiscent of the reflective journeys found in titles like "Journey" and "The Lord of the Rings."
- “When you do find them, though, the emotional payoff is pretty satisfying.”
- “The limited size of servers and the core gameplay elements mean that encountering another player in the wild (literally) is exciting, and often a heartwarming opportunity for wordless cooperation.”
- “Events, talks, secrets, encounters - the book of travels is an incredibly heartwarming read, so to say!”
optimization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report improved performance and a visually appealing environment that runs well on lower-end systems, others experience significant server delays and bugs, particularly on Linux. Despite these issues, many still find the game enjoyable and recommend it for its unique approach to MMORPGs.
- “Much improved performance for me.”
- “I didn't notice any significant performance issues with the client itself, though the lushness and vibrancy of the setting shows through while being very kind on system requirements.”
- “Even though this game is still rough around the edges and I experienced some performance issues, I still wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone who is curious about another approach to today's MMORPGs.”
- “It's incredibly buggy and unoptimized right now; there's a long server delay for just about every action, including combat or simply interacting with basic items.”
- “Horrendous performance on Linux.”
- “The only complaint I have about the game so far is it suffers notable performance hiccups now that the servers are finally operational.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as quirky and amusing, with a mix of funny glitches and character interactions that enhance the experience. While it lacks the classic wit of the Monkey Island series, players find humor in the game's mechanics, such as permadeath leading to ghostly antics and amusing gameplay elements. Overall, the humor contributes to a lighthearted atmosphere amidst its mysterious and beautiful design.
- “It's a funny sort of game - a little bit buggy, a little bit mysterious, and overall, very beautiful.”
- “Permadeath has me hilariously cautious - after being hilariously reckless - but hey, now I have a ghost character to bother other players with.”
- “If an otherwise potentially lethal glitch results in a funny bit of character building, that's a damn good sign.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The game's replayability is highly inconsistent, with some users rating it as low as 2/10 due to a lack of direction, while others find significant replay value in the varied experiences offered during each playthrough. Overall, opinions are divided, suggesting that while some players appreciate the game's potential for replayability, others feel it falls short.
- “In my opinion, $30 is reasonable given the considerable amount, quality, and replayability of content that the game has provided so far.”
- “The replay value of each outing is really fantastic, as each stroll I took through the same area turned out slightly different.”
- “The game lacks direction and replayability.”
- “Replayability: 2/10”
- “Hopefully the devs make it into a more playable game!”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The monetization model of the game is praised as a refreshing departure from the prevalent trends of microtransactions and cash grabs in online gaming, suggesting it could have set a new standard for MMOs. However, there are concerns about the technical requirements for game development, indicating that the game's potential may be hindered by the limitations of its engine.
- “In a different world, I truly believe this game could have been the inception of a new genre of games, and helped to rescue the world of MMOs from the modern insanity of microtransactions and the checklist approach to maximizing gameplay.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
The character development in the game is praised for its uniqueness and innovation, contributing to a fresh and engaging online RPG experience. Users appreciate the spectacular artwork and the intriguing world, which enhance the overall character progression system.
- “I do love the character design, and it really revolutionizes the failing online RPG realm.”
- “I'm leaving a 'recommend' based on the merits I know are already there - spectacular artwork, an interesting and fresh world to explore, and a pretty unique character development system.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “I was disappointed by the limited choices in character development, which made my experience feel repetitive and uninspired.”
- “While the character design is visually appealing, the actual development mechanics are underwhelming and fail to engage players.”