Brighter Shores

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,519 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 7,519 reviews
story208 positive mentions
grinding1,152 negative mentions
  • The game has a charming aesthetic and nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic RuneScape.
  • The developers are responsive to community feedback and frequently release updates and quality of life improvements.
  • The passive skill training feature allows players to progress even while logged out, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
  • The grind can feel excessive and often lacks meaningful rewards, leading to a sense of monotony.
  • Combat feels simplistic and unengaging, with gear and skills resetting between episodes, diminishing the sense of progression.
  • The game lacks significant multiplayer features, making it feel more like a single-player experience despite being labeled as an MMO.
  • story1,171 mentions

    The story aspect of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of depth and direction in the narrative. While some appreciate the charming dialogue and humor reminiscent of classic games, the overwhelming grind required to progress through quests often detracts from the overall experience, making the story feel disjointed and tedious. Players express a desire for more engaging side quests and clearer quest requirements to enhance the storytelling and maintain interest throughout the gameplay.

    • “The quests are interesting and the graphics style feels like the nostalgic 2000's style was polished, refined, and significantly upgraded.”
    • “The quests tell fun stories and aren't difficult or annoying to the point where I want to look up a guide.”
    • “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 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.”
  • grinding1,159 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its heavy emphasis on grinding for the sake of grinding, reminiscent of "Old School RuneScape." While some enjoy the casual, laid-back nature of grinding and the ability to engage in it passively, others find it tedious and lacking in meaningful rewards or progression, particularly due to the reset of skills and gear with each new episode. Overall, the game appeals primarily to fans of grind-heavy mechanics, but may frustrate those seeking more engaging gameplay or narrative depth.

    • “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.”
    • “It’s 100% grinding with no satisfaction, story, or feeling of continuity.”
    • “The game doesn't reward you with much after doing the grinding, and the biggest issue is a lack of motivation.”
    • “The entire game is just mindlessly farming skills for no reward.”
  • gameplay877 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 casual experience, appealing to those who enjoy laid-back, grind-focused gameplay, but it may not satisfy players seeking more engaging and dynamic mechanics.

    • “Brighter Shores is a captivating indie title that blends elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay in a serene, yet thought-provoking environment.”
    • “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, and the subscription is dead cheap at £5 (UK price).”
    • “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 loop is solid but .. i mean i can't sugarcoat this: the game is runescape for fascists.”
  • graphics387 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the charming art style and nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape, albeit with modern enhancements. While some praise the visuals for their inviting and cozy atmosphere, others criticize them as simplistic or dated, likening them to mobile game graphics. Overall, the aesthetic is generally well-received, though opinions vary on its depth and uniqueness.

    • “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.”
  • music232 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 fitting for the game's aesthetic. 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 music evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, often shifting subtly in tone as you explore different areas.”
    • “The soundtrack is gorgeous, and the level design and theming is spot-on.”
    • “The music is delightful, each track perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
  • humor147 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.”
    • “I found the humor to be forced and lacking in creativity.”
    • “The attempts at humor often fell flat and detracted from the overall experience.”
  • monetization62 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 considered fair compared to other games. However, some users criticize the game as a potential cash grab, feeling that essential content is locked behind a paywall and expressing concerns about the overall value of the subscription model. Overall, while the lack of predatory monetization tactics is appreciated, there are significant concerns about the game's reliance on a subscription for full access.

    • “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.”
    • “My problem with that is the monetization.”
    • “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 and immersive qualities, featuring beautiful graphics, a charming art style, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the cozy, laid-back vibe reminiscent of classic MMORPGs, with elements of humor and engaging world-building that invite exploration and introspection. While some find the gameplay simple and grindy, the overall ambiance creates a unique and enjoyable environment for those who favor atmospheric gaming.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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!”
  • emotional19 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of nostalgia and a wholesome atmosphere, with players appreciating its immersive world, beautiful visuals, and evocative music. While some find the story lacking in depth and emotional payoff, many express a sense of comfort and community, highlighting the game's charm and the emotional resonance it can evoke despite its grinding nature. Overall, it offers a cozy escape that appeals to long-time MMO players, though some desire more substantial emotional engagement in the narrative.

    • “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 polished, there are still some kinks to address.

    • “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

    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 replay. Overall, the potential for replayability exists but may not be fully realized.

    • “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. The character design is described as minimalist yet expressive, fitting the retro art style, while some users express frustration with the game's UI and premium content restrictions. Overall, the game offers a satisfying character progression experience, particularly for those seeking a more relaxed gameplay focus.

    • “Character design is minimalist yet expressive, and the environments are rich with detail, from gently flowing water to distant mountain ranges.”
    • “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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

32hMedian play time
2521hAverage play time
10-96hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 71 analyzed playthroughs

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