Brighter Shores

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Brighter Shores is a single player and multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by Fen Research Ltd and was released on November 6, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Brighter Shores is an all new adventure from award winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower. Explore a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner. Brighter Shores features an ongoing story and hundreds of hours of gameplay. As the newest recruit in the Hopeport town guard, you are looking to make a name for yourself. This soon…

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70%

Audience ScoreBased on 8,384 reviews

story237 positive mentions

grinding1.3k negative mentions

The game has a charming art style and nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic MMORPGs.
The developers are responsive to community feedback and regularly implement quality of life updates.
The ability to train skills while offline is a great feature for casual players.

The game is extremely grindy with little meaningful progression or rewards for leveling up skills.
Combat feels simplistic and lacks depth, often resulting in a tedious experience.
Many skills are region-locked, forcing players to start over in new areas, which can be frustrating.

story
1,397 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
77%
6%
The story in "Brighter Shores" has received mixed feedback from players, with many praising its engaging writing and humor reminiscent of classic RPGs, particularly the Gower brothers' previous work on RuneScape. However, the narrative is often criticized for being overshadowed by excessive grinding and high-level requirements for quests, which can disrupt immersion and frustrate players. While some find the episodic structure and quest design enjoyable, others feel it lacks depth and coherence, leading to a sense of disconnection from the overall story.
- “Players can easily immerse themselves in a vibrant world filled with quests and engaging characters.”
- “The main story is engaging and interesting, and the side quests will keep you busy and mostly have their own unique and useful rewards.”
- “The quests are fun to do, until you hit a point where you have a level 0 skill and need 61 to progress in the quest, with said skill.”
- “The quests are extremely sequential, and there is a lot of mindless leveling up between quests.”
- “The story is stale, the gameplay is repetitive, the crafting is bad, and the grind is tedious as all hell.”
- “The quests are copy-paste filler fetch quests, similar to the worst-designed of the quests in other mmos such as wow or osrs.”
grinding
1,348 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting its extreme grindiness reminiscent of "Old School RuneScape." While some players enjoy the repetitive nature and find it relaxing, others criticize it for feeling tedious and lacking meaningful rewards, as progress often resets with each new episode. Overall, the game appeals primarily to those who appreciate grind-heavy gameplay, but it may deter players seeking a more dynamic and rewarding experience.
- “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.”
- “After 86 hours of grinding and playing this game, I don't feel like I gained any measure of power or unlocked anything noteworthy.”
- “There's no sense of accomplishment, just pointless grinding to get another skill level up.”
- “The amount of grinding you need to do is absurd and the dev has one hell of an ego.”
gameplay
958 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
68%
10%
The gameplay of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its grind-heavy mechanics reminiscent of classic MMORPGs like "Runescape." While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and user-friendly interface, others criticize the repetitive tasks, lack of engaging combat, and linear progression that can lead to boredom. Overall, the game shows potential for improvement, but its current state may not satisfy those seeking more dynamic and varied gameplay experiences.
- “The user-friendly interface allows newcomers to quickly grasp the mechanics while still offering enough depth to keep seasoned gamers entertained.”
- “It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner.”
- “The gameplay loop is effectively as follows: go out, gather up to 24 things (with many crafts requiring 2-3 different materials, so gather 8-12 of each, maybe buy some), go store or craft them, sometimes on the other side of the map, rinse, repeat.”
- “The gameplay is monotonous, consisting mostly of endless clicking with little to no meaningful progression or engagement.”
- “The gameplay loop is simply boring, nothing to actually achieve.”
- “The core gameplay is really bad, I doubt Andrew is going to be able to fix this game.”
graphics
453 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
60%
5%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the charming and nostalgic art style reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape, while others criticize the low-poly visuals and simplistic design. Some find the graphics inviting and well-suited to the game's cozy atmosphere, while others feel they lack complexity and vibrancy, making the game appear dated. Overall, the visuals are generally considered decent for the genre, though opinions vary widely on their appeal and execution.
- “The graphics, sound design, and animations are fantastic and gorgeous to behold.”
- “The visuals in Brighter Shores are stunning, with a soft, pastel color palette that immediately draws players into its tranquil world.”
- “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
- “The graphics aren't great, somewhat low poly stuff that makes this whole game look like it was made for mobile phones.”
- “The graphics are outdated, and the storyline fails to engage.”
- “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.”
music
251 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
39%
2%
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many players describing it as relaxing, immersive, and well-composed. While some users noted that the soundtrack may not be as memorable as others, the dynamic shifts in music according to gameplay events were highlighted as a strong feature. Overall, the combination of soothing melodies and engaging sound design contributes significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack is epic and very well done.”
- “The music evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, often shifting subtly in tone as you explore different areas.”
- “The music is delightful, each track perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack is seriously lacking in good music, which was one of my favorite things in OSRS.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
humor
167 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
2%
The humor in the game is a mix of charming, dry wit reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape, with many players appreciating the quirky dialogue and amusing NPC interactions. While some find the humor to be hit-or-miss, with occasional cringe moments, the overall consensus is that the writing adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience. However, there are critiques regarding the humor feeling forced at times and the game's grindiness overshadowing its comedic elements.
- “It's fun going around talking to random NPCs because a lot of them have pretty funny lines of dialogue.”
- “The dialogue and interactions with NPCs can be humorous.”
- “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, making it hard to enjoy the otherwise interesting narrative.”
- “I found the attempts at humor to be more cringeworthy than funny, detracting from the overall experience.”
monetization
73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
59%
34%
The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it as a cash grab filled with intrusive microtransactions, while others appreciate the absence of pay-to-win elements and the presence of a fair subscription system. Some players express disappointment over the game's reliance on early access and potential for sudden shutdowns, while others commend the lack of microtransactions and the affordability of the subscription model. Overall, the sentiment is divided, with concerns about predatory practices contrasting with praise for a more traditional and player-friendly approach to monetization.
- “The subscription, if you want access to all content, is very, very cheap compared to what is offered in other games, and there are no microtransactions or pay-to-win features.”
- “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 leveling up requires actual effort.”
- “This game is infested with mobile app store-like microtransactions.”
- “I can not recommend a game with such egregious monetization.”
- “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.”
atmosphere
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
50%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its relaxing, immersive qualities, featuring beautiful visuals and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the cozy, inviting environment that encourages exploration and casual gameplay, reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape. Despite some technical issues and a slower pace, the charming ambiance and engaging world-building make it a standout title for those who enjoy atmospheric gaming.
- “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
- “Its lush visuals, calming soundtrack, and reflective gameplay all work together to create an atmosphere of peace and introspection.”
- “The game has a rich, immersive atmosphere that is visually stunning and engaging.”
- “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.”
- “Along with the sentiment that people like a change of atmosphere, so being able to only train in one location is going to burn you out quickly.”
optimization
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
57%
9%
Overall, "Brighter Shores" is praised for its exceptional optimization, with players reporting smooth performance, minimal bugs, and efficient server management that enhances multiplayer experiences. The game's design choices, such as the segmented "rooms," contribute to stability without sacrificing visual appeal, making it one of the best-optimized MMORPGs available, even in early access. Users appreciate the polished graphics and solid performance, with many noting that it runs well on lower-end hardware.
- “As a game developer, I’d say Brighter Shores is one of the most well-optimized, grind-heavy MMORPGs I’ve ever seen—across server performance, gameplay mechanics, and art direction.”
- “The performance is incredible, and it's nice actually having time to chat with folks in the area during combat.”
- “For an early access game, it's stable and well optimized.”
- “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.”
- “The only thing I ask for is the ability to set a hotkey for the next target; that would make gameplay on my Steam Deck optimized!”
- “They got rid of them because the developers realized that skill trees are a perfect example of the illusion of choice; there is always going to be a best/meta build and no one is ever going to deviate from it, lest you be unoptimized.”
emotional
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
13%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players, with some expressing a desire for deeper emotional investment and narrative engagement, while others appreciate its nostalgic and wholesome qualities. Many find the game's aesthetics, music, and community to create an immersive experience, though some feel that the repetitive gameplay lacks meaningful emotional payoff. Overall, players hope for future improvements that could enhance the emotional depth and resonance of the game.
- “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.”
- “The story is boring and filled with fetch quests.”
- “The emotional depth is lacking, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “I felt no emotional impact; the narrative was predictable and uninspired.”
stability
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
5%
43%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many players reporting a polished experience with minimal bugs or glitches, especially for an early access title. While some users experienced occasional issues, such as lag or minor bugs, the majority found the game to run smoothly across various platforms, including low-end hardware and Linux. However, a few players did encounter significant problems that affected their gameplay, indicating that while the game is largely 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.”
- “Supposed to feel like RPG tabletop pieces, but just feels buggy.”
- “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.”
replayability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the introduction of multiple classes and varied content that enhance replay potential, others feel that once the main story and side quests are completed, there is little incentive to return. Improvements made since launch have increased playability, but many still find the replay value lacking.
- “However, we should not forget that the game is way more playable than it was at the start, thanks to a lot of quality of life improvements added through player feedback.”
- “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.”
- “There is a solid foundation (mostly), but the game lacks replay value to me.”
- “[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.”
character development
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it satisfying and appreciate the focus on professions over combat, others criticize it for being limited and lacking individuality, as most characters end up mastering all skills. The minimalist character design complements the retro art style, but the overall experience is hindered by a frustrating UI and storage system. Ultimately, the game appeals to those seeking a chill experience, but it may not satisfy players looking for deeper character progression.
- “I enjoy the game in general, the quests are quirky and interesting, and the character development is satisfying. The combat is raw but has a couple of unique approaches.”
- “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.”
- “Conversations, blocky movement, very limited character development, felt very reminiscent of every game I played prior to Diablo I.”
- “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, professions are super fun, I don't know if you do more damage when you use a weapon suited to your class type lighting, ice, and nature but I hope you do.”
- “Character development feels limited, as every player ends up being a master of all trades and skills, leaving little room for individuality or specialization.”