Is Brighter Shores The "New RuneScape Game"?

By Ryan in News • Published on November 15th, 2024

Andrew Gower (𝕏), a name synonymous with innovative MMORPG development, is the creative force behind two distinct games: RuneScape, a legendary online adventure, and Brighter Shores, a fresh take on the genre. Though these games share common roots and a few design principles, their paths and player experiences diverge significantly.

Shared Foundations

Both RuneScape and Brighter Shores were conceived at the St John's Innovation Centre, reflecting their shared origins. Both games adopt a point-and-click interface and utilize a grid-based movement system, giving them a familiar feel for players accustomed to old-school MMORPG mechanics. Additionally, their combat systems are simplistic, though RuneScape has evolved over time with the addition of the Evolution of Combat system in RuneScape 3.

Another hallmark of both games is their emphasis on skill training. RuneScape offers a wide array of skills that generally cap at level 99, while Brighter Shores takes this a step further, allowing players to train skills up to an impressive level 500.

Graphically, Brighter Shores feels like a visual evolution of RuneScape, with more modern aesthetics that still retain the charm of its predecessor.

Where the Differences Begin

Beyond these similarities, the two games diverge sharply in their design philosophies, monetization strategies, and approach to content.

1. World Design

   • RuneScape is celebrated for its vast open world, where players can freely explore and engage in diverse activities.
   • In contrast, Brighter Shores employs an episodic structure. Each episode represents a self-contained area, enabling players to experience new content simultaneously, fostering a sense of community and equal footing.

2. Player Progression

   • RuneScape rewards dedication but often favors seasoned players who dominate high-level content and accumulate wealth over years of play. Lower-level content may feel obsolete to them.
   • Brighter Shores, on the other hand, keeps the experience fresh for all players by introducing new episodes that level the playing field. This structure ensures everyone engages with the same challenges at the same time, promoting inclusivity.

3. Offline Progression

   • Brighter Shores embraces offline progression, allowing players to train skills or perform tasks while away from the game. RuneScape has limited offline features, offering only minor advancements through systems like player-owned farms or citadel upkeep.

4. Monetization

   • RuneScape's subscription costs have climbed to $9-$13 per month for a single character, and its reliance on microtransactions has drawn criticism from its player base.
   • Brighter Shores offers a more affordable subscription at $6 per month for up to three characters, demonstrating a player-friendly approach.

5. Company Philosophy

   • RuneScape, under Jagex, has faced backlash for prioritizing profit through aggressive microtransactions and inconsistent communication with players.
   • Fen Research, the team behind Brighter Shores, has cultivated a reputation for actively listening to its community and addressing player feedback promptly. This has helped foster a loyal and optimistic player base.

A Game for the Future

Brighter Shores represents a modern MMORPG that respects its players' time, money, and desire for fairness. While RuneScape's legacy is undeniable, its direction has left some players yearning for a new experience. Brighter Shores fills that gap, blending nostalgic mechanics with contemporary innovations.

For fans of RuneScape looking for a familiar yet fresh MMORPG, Brighter Shores may be the adventure they've been waiting for.

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