Brighter Shores

About

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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

75%

Audience ScoreBased on 15,170 reviews

story423 positive mentions

grinding2.3k negative mentions

The game features charming graphics and a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes classic MMORPGs like RuneScape.
The humor and witty writing contribute significantly to the game's enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.
The character development and professions enhance the experience, providing a satisfying progression beyond combat.

The grinding aspect is often seen as excessive and tedious, lacking meaningful rewards and making progress feel like a chore.
The story is criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, often feeling simplistic and linear with many fetch quests.
The monetization model raises concerns, with essential content locked behind a premium subscription, leading some to feel it resembles a cash grab.

story
2,380 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
77%
5%
The story in "Brighter Shores" has received mixed feedback from players, with many expressing disappointment over its lack of depth and engagement. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and humor reminiscent of classic games like RuneScape, others criticize the story for being overly simplistic and linear, often feeling like a series of fetch quests tied to grinding requirements. Additionally, the high skill level requirements for quests can lead to frustration, as players find themselves locked out of story progression until they invest significant time in grinding skills. Overall, while the game shows potential for storytelling, it currently struggles with pacing and accessibility for new players.
- “The quests are well-planned, involving talking to NPCs, and not just finding objects.”
- “The quests here just fill you with that same sense of wonder and adventure that you might have had as a child reading fairytales and Arthurian tales, and that's absolutely where the Gower brothers excel!”
- “The story seems like it has some interesting ideas, retaining that Gower charm from the old days in a mix of goofy dialogue and intriguing lore.”
- “Story quests are so meaningless, I wouldn't consider the game to even have a story.”
- “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 story is extremely confusing/sparse and you do about 3 missions and you hit a massive brick wall out of nowhere 'you need level >50 on fishing to progress'.”
grinding
2,358 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
The grinding aspect of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting its excessive and often tedious nature. While some enjoy the nostalgic grind reminiscent of "Runescape," others criticize it for lacking meaningful rewards and feeling like a mindless chore, especially due to the reset of progress between episodes. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grind-heavy gameplay, but it may deter players seeking a more balanced or 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.”
- “Currently the grind doesn't feel like it has much pay-off, just grinding to get to the next grind.”
- “The game is very grindy which is why I loved osrs and other mmo's.”
- “The entire game is grinding for no reason.”
gameplay
1,781 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
69%
9%
The gameplay of "Brighter Shores" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its grindy nature and repetitive mechanics reminiscent of classic MMORPGs like RuneScape. While some appreciate the relaxing, casual gameplay and innovative idle mechanics, others criticize the lack of engaging content, clunky controls, and a feeling of disconnection due to the episodic structure and limited social interactions. Overall, the game shows potential for improvement, but many players feel it currently lacks depth and variety in its gameplay loop.
- “Pitched as an 'anti-grind' MMO, this game incorporates AFK leveling mechanics to guarantee continuous progression for casual players with limited time and hardcore gamers seeking an old-school grindfest.”
- “Brighter Shores is an excellent game with great design and engaging gameplay.”
- “The gameplay delivers exactly what I hoped for.”
- “There is no gameplay.”
- “The main meat of the gameplay revolves around you clicking the same thing over and over and over again for a lot of hours, until you get bored and move to another clickable thing, that's exactly the same, just reskinned.”
- “The gameplay loop just feels bad.”
graphics
783 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
61%
3%
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. 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 seen as a strong point, though opinions vary on its execution and depth.
- “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
- “The visuals in Brighter Shores are stunning, with a soft, pastel color palette that immediately draws players into its tranquil world.”
- “The art style is charming and the idea of classes is cool; they just don't feel fleshed out yet.”
- “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.”
- “Brighter chores, mindless clicking, clicking clikcing clicking and more clicking to complete chores like fishing, cooking, cleaning, walking, running then after hours you find out game needs monthly subscription to continue further which I don't understand as graphics look sub par like a mobile game.”
- “I loved runescape played thousands of hours, so I thought I would give this a try but in all honesty it did not meet my expectations after playing over 6 hours I feel this game is bad, the quests were awful and left you wanting to claw your eyes out, the graphics are bad and it does not look nice in any way the skills all feel the same the combat is very outdated and boring, finally the thing that annoyed me the most is the map and the movement between zones it feels terrible and clunky and the puzzle map looks and feels terrible, I would sum it up as a runescape wannabe but nowhere near as good, poor poor game design.”
music
471 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
3%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many players describing it as relaxing, charming, and reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape. The soundtrack adapts dynamically to different gameplay scenarios, creating a sense of immersion that complements the visuals and gameplay. While some critiques mention that certain tracks may not be particularly memorable, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's cozy and engaging atmosphere.
- “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 definitely one of the game's standout features, reinforcing the sense of progression and the emotional beats of the story.”
- “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.”
humor
297 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its witty writing, charming British sarcasm, and playful dialogue reminiscent of classic titles like RuneScape. Players appreciate the blend of pop culture references and lighthearted quests, although some feel that certain jokes can be overdone or fall flat. Overall, the game's humor contributes significantly to its enjoyable and engaging atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for fans of quirky, comedic storytelling.
- “But I think my favorite thing about the game is the funny writing.”
- “The funny responses, sarcasm, and snarkiness just make me giggle!”
- “The quests have unique and humorous dialogue.”
- “The story is engaging, but it's especially hard to stay invested when many of the dialog options are just unfunny jokes.”
- “The story is engaging, but it's especially hard to stay invested when many of the dialog options are just unfunny jokes.”
monetization
126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
63%
29%
The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and the low-cost subscription fee, which they find fair and reasonable compared to other games. However, some critics argue that the game feels like a cash grab, with essential content locked behind a premium subscription and a lack of engaging multiplayer features. Overall, while the subscription model is seen as a positive aspect, concerns about the game's depth and potential for exploitation remain prevalent.
- “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.”
- “No microtransactions, one of the cheapest optional subscriptions I've seen in years for an MMO, and it's made by the wonderful creators of RuneScape.”
- “Mandatory progress resets, lack of any real party interactions with your friends, and the god awful monetization scheme with the premium pass.”
- “Runescape but worse and they went the wizard101 route, advertising it as free when you only get a demo for free, the rest is behind a sub-based paywall.”
- “Current state of the game feels like a cheap cash grab for members, hope to see it improve over time but current state is not good.”
atmosphere
123 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
54%
2%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its relaxing, immersive quality, characterized by beautiful graphics, a calming soundtrack, and a charming, laid-back vibe reminiscent of classic MMORPGs like RuneScape. Players appreciate the inviting, dreamlike environment that encourages exploration and introspection, although some note that the social aspect feels more solitary than expected. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay experience significantly.
- “The graphics overall create an inviting, dreamlike atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the game's thematic elements.”
- “Whether you're walking along a sun-dappled beach or exploring an ancient, forgotten temple, the atmosphere is one of peace and quiet discovery.”
- “Its lush visuals, calming soundtrack, and reflective gameplay all work together to create an atmosphere of peace and introspection.”
- “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.”
optimization
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
47%
6%
The game is highly praised for its optimization, running smoothly with minimal performance issues even in early access. Players report impressive stability, crisp graphics, and efficient performance on various hardware, including the Steam Deck. Overall, it is considered one of the best-optimized games in recent memory, with a clean aesthetic and responsive controls.
- “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.”
- “For an early access game, it's stable and well-optimized.”
- “The performance is incredible, and it's nice actually having time to chat with folks in the area during combat.”
- “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 hot key for next target, that would make gameplay on my Steam Deck optimized!”
emotional
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the immersive visuals, sound design, and wholesome community that evoke nostalgia and warmth, others feel that the gameplay lacks emotional depth and meaningful progression. The music is highlighted as a standout feature that enhances emotional moments, but some reviewers express disappointment over the grinding nature of the game, which they feel detracts from any potential emotional payoff. Overall, the game is seen as a cozy escape, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeper emotional connection.
- “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.”
stability
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
5%
47%
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, particularly related to server connectivity and gameplay progression. While the majority find the game polished and well-optimized, a few have encountered significant bugs that impacted their experience.
- “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. I lost all my items I discovered, and not only that, but I can't log in at all.”
replayability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
42%
33%
The game offers a mixed experience in terms of replayability. While the inclusion of multiple classes and varied content levels provides some incentive for replaying, many players feel that once the main story and side quests are completed, there is limited motivation to return, leading to a general consensus of limited replayability.
- “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.”
- “Combat is incredibly relaxed, and with the potential to choose between 3 classes through main storyline progression, the replayability is going to be fantastic.”
- “The game is 1000% better and more playable with this spell.”
- “Lack of replayability: once the main story and side quests are completed, there may not be a strong incentive to replay the game.”
- “Limited replayability: while there are 3 character slots, I don’t see myself investing more time into them.”
- “Limited replayability: while there are 3 character slots, I don’t see myself investing more time into them.”
character development
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
Character development in the game is generally praised for being satisfying and engaging, with a focus on professions that enhance the experience beyond combat. The character design is described as minimalist yet expressive, fitting the retro art style, while the quests add a quirky charm. However, some players express frustration with the game's UI and storage system, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- “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 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.”
- “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.”