Brighter Shores Early Access: A Month In – My Thoughts So Far

By Ryan in Feedback • Published on December 17th, 2024

It's been a little over a month since Brighter Shores launched into early access, and I've spent over 200 hours exploring Adothria, training professions, battling enemies, and diving into what this new MMO has to offer. Created by Andrew Gower—one of the original minds behind RuneScape—and his team at Fen Research, Brighter Shores offers a mix of classic MMO charm and fresh design ideas that set it apart.

One of the most unique aspects is the room-based world design, which trades the typical sprawling MMO map for smaller, segmented areas that optimize performance across all devices, from PCs to mobile. It's a bold choice that sparked plenty of debate among players, but after hours of playtime, I've found it works surprisingly well—though it does come with a few drawbacks, like restricted in-game chat.

The game also introduces Episodes, each acting like its own expansion, complete with unique quests, professions, and enemies. Add in professions that scale up to level 500, a solid free-to-play model with an optional Premium Pass, and plans for features like trading, PvP, and a much-needed combat overhaul, and it's clear that Brighter Shores has a lot of potential.

Of course, it's not without its flaws. Combat feels basic right now, the social systems are still barebones, and the PC interface could use more customization. But with regular updates and an ambitious roadmap, it feels like Brighter Shores is on its way to becoming something truly special.

In my full review, I dive deep into everything the game does well, the areas where it struggles, and what's coming next. Whether you're a fan of RuneScape, love MMOs, or are just curious about what makes Brighter Shores unique, there's plenty to discuss.

👉 Read my full review here: Brighter Shores in Early Access – Is It Worth Your Time? (Spoiler: Yes)

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