Brighter Shores

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,515 reviews
  • story
  • grinding
  • gameplay
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In "Brighter Shores," join the Hopeport town guard and uncover the mysteries of a storm-ridden harbor, unrestful goblins, and a corrupted Hopeforest. Gain powerful magic abilities to become a Cryoknight, Guardian, or Hammermage, while learning a variety of professions such as fisher, forager, chef, woodcutter, blacksmith, and more. With an ongoing story and hundreds of hours of gameplay, embark on an epic adventure in this land of magic.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

75%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,515 reviews
story208 positive mentions
grinding1,150 negative mentions
  • Charming graphics and sound design that evoke nostalgia for classic MMORPGs.
  • Relaxing gameplay with a focus on grinding and skill progression, making it suitable for casual play.
  • Frequent updates and responsiveness from the developers, showing commitment to improving the game.
  • The grind can feel excessive and repetitive, with little meaningful progression or rewards.
  • Combat mechanics are simplistic and lack depth, making battles feel dull and unengaging.
  • Skills are locked to specific zones, leading to a disjointed experience and requiring players to restart skill progression in new areas.
  • story1,165 mentions

    The story in "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the main questline and dialogue contain the classic charm reminiscent of the Gower brothers' previous works, the overall narrative feels thin and often requires extensive grinding to progress. Players express frustration over the high skill requirements for quests, which can lead to a disjointed experience where the story is interrupted by lengthy grinding sessions, making it difficult to stay engaged. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the humor and creativity in the quests, suggesting that with more content and improved pacing, the story could become more compelling in future updates.

    • “The quests are interesting and the graphics style feels like the nostalgic 2000's style was polished, refined, and significantly upgraded.”
    • “The quests have been the highlight so far with Gower's trademark very British witticisms.”
    • “The story is nice, the difficulty is there.”
    • “The story is so short and non-existent... if there were more side quests in between the main ones, it would help a lot.”
    • “The quests are copy-paste filler fetch quests, similar to the worst-designed of the quests in other MMOs such as WoW or OSRS.”
    • “The quests require ludicrous skill levels before continuing, and the main story can't be continued until you reach a combined level of 60.”
  • grinding1,157 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed feedback, with many players noting its excessive and often tedious nature. While some enjoy the nostalgic grind reminiscent of "Old School RuneScape," others find it unfulfilling, as progress often resets between episodes, leading to a sense of pointless repetition. Overall, the game caters to those who appreciate grind-heavy gameplay, but it may deter players seeking more meaningful progression and variety.

    • “Overall the length of episode 1 is good; it isn't too grindy in my opinion.”
    • “Overall, the game's fun and not really grindy (I think?).”
    • “Leveling isn't too grindy mid-way through; the options available to you are cool.”
    • “This is a game that asks you to grind for the sake of grinding.”
    • “The game doesn't reward you with much after doing the grinding, and the biggest issue is a lack of motivation.”
    • “It feels like you're grinding just for the sake of grinding, without a sense of progression.”
  • gameplay879 mentions

    The gameplay of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its grind-heavy nature and repetitive mechanics reminiscent of classic MMORPGs like RuneScape. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and potential for deep skill progression, others criticize the lack of variety in gameplay loops, clunky combat mechanics, and the restrictive episodic structure that resets player progress. Overall, the game offers a simple and accessible experience, but many feel it lacks the engaging depth and social interaction expected from a modern MMO.

    • “Brighter Shores is an excellent game with great design and engaging gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay loop is similar enough to RuneScape that anyone who enjoys that type of game will likely enjoy this one as well.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is fun, though there's still plenty I'd like to see changed or added.”
    • “Poorly structured game mechanics with a primitive combat system.”
    • “The gameplay is just running in a circle, clicking the exact same nodes over and over.”
    • “The core gameplay is really bad, I doubt Andrew is gonna be able to fix this game.”
  • graphics386 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the charming art style that evokes nostalgia for classic titles like RuneScape, while others find the visuals somewhat dated or lacking in innovation. The overall aesthetic is often described as cozy and inviting, with a pleasing color palette and smooth animations, though some critiques point to a simplistic design that may not appeal to everyone. Despite the varying opinions, the graphics are generally considered a strong point of the game, contributing to an immersive and enjoyable experience.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with beautiful environments that make exploring a pleasure.”
    • “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
    • “I love the art style, the music, and the addictive grind this early access game has.”
    • “Gameplay is non-existent and the graphics and style are just... bad.”
    • “The visuals and dialogue are bland and lack a distinct look that sets it apart from what would look like a default asset pack on a game engine storefront.”
    • “The graphics look like something made 15 years ago, and I'm not a big fan of the room system, but those are clearly conscious stylistic choices.”
  • music235 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many players describing it as relaxing, charming, and well-composed. The soundtrack adapts dynamically to different gameplay scenarios, contributing to a sense of immersion and nostalgia reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape. While some reviews noted that certain tracks may not be particularly memorable, the general consensus is that the music significantly elevates the gaming experience.

    • “The soundtrack is to die for, and once you get used to its different take on progression, you start to create your own goals and strategies just like what you do in RuneScape.”
    • “The music evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, often shifting subtly in tone as you explore different areas.”
    • “The music is lovely and you can see a lot of work has been put into making the world feel alive and interactive.”
    • “It's not fun, it's not engaging, it's not particularly well written, it's not a looker, the music isn't amazing, the designs exist.”
    • “While the music and graphics are decent, the story is an afterthought, adding nothing.”
    • “Dialogue with characters is bland, and the music is forgettable—nothing about it stands out, leaving the world feeling devoid of any real personality or charm.”
  • humor148 mentions

    The humor in the game is often compared to that of classic RuneScape, featuring a blend of British wit, quirky dialogue, and amusing quests that resonate well with fans of the genre. While many players appreciate the lighthearted tone and funny NPC interactions, some feel that the humor can be hit-or-miss, with certain jokes falling flat or becoming repetitive. Overall, the game successfully creates a charming and entertaining atmosphere, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate its comedic elements.

    • “The game drags you into this funny, compelling little world that has so much detail it's mind-racking.”
    • “I spent 1 1/2 hours just looting the chests, laughing my off, and the dialogue doesn't let you take it seriously; it forces you to have fun.”
    • “The quests have unique and humorous dialogue.”
    • “The story is engaging, but many of the dialogue options are just unfunny jokes.”
    • “The humor falls flat and often feels forced, detracting from the overall experience.”
    • “I expected more clever wit, but the jokes often miss the mark and feel stale.”
  • monetization63 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the absence of microtransactions and the affordability of the subscription fee, which is seen as fair compared to other games. However, some players criticize the game for feeling like a cash grab, particularly due to the limited free content and the perception that significant gameplay is locked behind the premium subscription. Overall, while the lack of predatory monetization tactics is appreciated, concerns about the game's long-term viability and player engagement remain.

    • “No microtransactions or pay to win whatsoever.”
    • “There are no intrusive microtransactions constantly vying for your wallet, and the game opts for a humble subscription fee that feels fair and well worth the investment.”
    • “The fact this is primarily free and has a fantastic free-to-play model with no in-game purchases aside from a monthly subscription is really good and means people feel valued for their time, as to level up is to actually put effort in.”
    • “Brighter Shores feels like a rush job for a cash grab.”
    • “Mandatory progress resets, lack of any real party interactions with your friends, and the god awful monetization scheme with the premium pass.”
    • “Current state of the game feels like a cheap cash grab for members; hope to see it improve over time, but the current state is not good.”
  • atmosphere61 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its relaxing, immersive qualities, featuring beautiful graphics and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the cozy, inviting environment that encourages exploration and introspection, with a blend of humor and charm that adds to its appeal. While some find the gameplay simplistic, the atmospheric elements create a unique and enjoyable setting that resonates particularly well with fans of laid-back, grindy experiences.

    • “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
    • “The game has a rich, immersive atmosphere that is visually stunning and engaging.”
    • “The music is delightful, each track perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
    • “I entered this game expecting the chill atmosphere of a RuneScape fishing spot, with people hanging out and talking all day, but it feels more like a single-player experience as everyone silently runs around, clicks, and grinds their individual skills.”
    • “Attention intensive (1 click = 1 resource) so you can't relax and chat in an otherwise relaxing atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is very peaceful, the gameplay is simple but grindy, the music is fantastic and you can pet cats.”
  • optimization25 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with players reporting solid performance, smooth gameplay, and no significant bugs or crashes, even during extensive play sessions. Many users noted its polished visuals and efficient netcode, making it accessible on lower-end hardware. While some players suggested improvements like hotkey customization, the consensus is that the game is exceptionally well-optimized for an early access title.

    • “Performance was solid, with no bugs or crashes during my 103 hours of playtime.”
    • “This game is very polished and well-optimized.”
    • “It's probably the best-optimized game I've played in a while; I get more FPS on this game than I do on OSRS.”
    • “The only thing I ask for is the ability to set a hotkey for next target; that would make gameplay on my Steam Deck optimized!”
    • “At the very least, there needs to be some automated optimization which occurs when you switch episodes that replaces your current armor with the episode-relevant set and so on.”
    • “I understand under the hood this is most likely a feature for server efficiency/performance, but man, it takes away one of the beautiful aspects of this genre, which is socializing.”
  • emotional19 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of nostalgia, warmth, and immersive storytelling, though some players feel it lacks significant emotional payoff. While the visuals, sound design, and community contribute to a wholesome atmosphere, there are concerns about the depth of the narrative and the impact of gameplay mechanics on long-term engagement. Overall, the game evokes a cozy, nostalgic feeling reminiscent of classic MMOs, but some players desire more emotional resonance and meaningful progression.

    • “Every aspect of the game, from the visuals to the sound design to the gameplay mechanics, works in harmony to create a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience.”
    • “The music is definitely one of the game's standout features, reinforcing the sense of progression and the emotional beats of the story.”
    • “It was heartbreaking to see him in such a place, struggling to find a reason to keep going.”
  • stability19 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many players reporting minimal bugs and smooth performance across various hardware, including low-end systems. However, some users have experienced occasional glitches and technical issues, such as lag and login problems, indicating that while the game is mostly stable, there are still some kinks to be addressed.

    • “The game looks, sounds, and runs great.”
    • “21 hours in with no glitches or crashes.”
    • “Also, the game runs great on low-end hardware; I've been playing on a very cheap laptop with no problems.”
    • “1- Technical issues: some players encountered bugs and glitches that occasionally impacted their gameplay experience.”
    • “So buggy I played for 40 minutes, got to level 10, guard lagged out and it put me back to level 2 guard and I lost all my items. Not only that, but I can't log in at all.”
    • “Supposed to feel like RPG tabletop pieces, but just feels buggy.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the option to choose from multiple classes and explore varying difficulty levels, others feel that once the main story and side quests are completed, there is little incentive to return. The potential for replayability exists, but it may not be enough to encourage extended play beyond the initial experience.

    • “Funnily enough, they already found a way to make the game replayable by having multiple classes to choose from, and making every area have high and low level content.”
    • “Combat is incredibly relaxed, and with the potential to choose between 3 classes through main storyline progression, the replayability is going to be fantastic.”
    • “Limited replayability: while there are 3 character slots, I don’t see myself investing more time into them.”
    • “Lack of replayability: once the main story and side quests are completed, there may not be a strong incentive to replay the game.”
    • “Funnily enough, he already found a way to make the game replayable, by having multiple classes to choose from, and making every area have high and low level content.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the quirky quests and the emphasis on professions over combat. While the character design is minimalist and retro, it effectively conveys personality, and the environments are richly detailed. However, some players express frustration with the game's UI and storage system, which detracts from the overall experience.

    • “I enjoy the game in general, the quests are quirky and interesting, and the character development is satisfying.”
    • “5/10 the story is decent but everything else is locked behind a premium pass. Character design isn't anything crazy, but it's not meant to be since their art style is more on the retro side. Combat is good once you grind your level high enough in each area, and professions are super fun.”
    • “If you are looking for a chill game where character development and professions weigh more than combat, this is it, you found it.”
    • “Character design is minimalist yet expressive, and the environments are rich with detail, from gently flowing water to distant mountain ranges.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

31hMedian play time
2553hAverage play time
9-88hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 70 analyzed playthroughs

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