A Decade-Long Journey: The Creation of Brighter Shores
Andrew Gower and Fen Research have been crafting Brighter Shores since 2010, building a new game engine called FanForge specifically for this project. FanForge’s design ensures smoother gameplay, minimizing the lag and delays often associated with isometric games. The engine’s focus on responsiveness aligns with modern expectations for seamless, real-time controls, creating a polished and immersive experience for players.
This ambitious, indie-driven approach speaks volumes about Fen Research’s dedication. Andrew Gower has stated that the goal was to “do things that hadn’t been done before” while maintaining the elements of a classic RPG. With years of development and an eye for innovation, Brighter Shores is shaping up to be a distinctive addition to the MMO landscape.
Exploring the World of Brighter Shores
Brighter Shores unfolds in a fantasy world called Adria, where players start as town guards in the city of Hort. The journey begins with simple, introductory encounters that gradually open up a broader storyline, revealing a mysterious threat that looms over Adria. The game world is divided into a grid-based system, segmented into “rooms” that each act as mini-servers, providing both stability and immersive exploration. As players move through Adria, they’ll uncover hidden secrets, collect valuable items, and experience a genuine sense of discovery reminiscent of classic RPGs.
Each room feels unique, with its environmental elements and interactive objects. The exploration aspect is enhanced by information cards that provide context for items and places, adding depth to the world and encouraging curiosity. This intricate room-based system is designed to feel seamless, allowing players to journey smoothly through Adria without disruption.
Character Classes and Progression
In a break from the typical MMO format, Brighter Shores doesn’t ask players to choose a class at the start. Instead, players encounter the decision later in their journey, with three primary class options: Cryonite (focused on ice magic), Guardian (nature-based), and Hammer Mage (storm magic). Each class has access to melee, ranged, and magical attacks, making the choice more about playstyle and theme than rigid role assignment. This approach, which Andrew Gower describes as more welcoming, allows players to develop their preferences organically as they explore the game world.
Combat Mechanics: Strategy Over Speed
Brighter Shores’ combat draws inspiration from both traditional RPGs and games like RuneScape, blending real-time action with a turn-based system for underlying calculations. This setup allows for a relaxed, strategic approach rather than fast-paced, reaction-heavy gameplay. Combat will initially be straightforward, gradually introducing players to its mechanics and tactics. The game borrows elements from D&D, featuring enemies with elemental resistances and weaknesses that require thoughtful preparation and resource management.
As players progress, more advanced skills and equipment options will emerge, adding layers to the combat experience. With challenging content designed for seasoned players, Brighter Shores emphasizes planning and knowledge over speed, making it a fresh alternative to the action-heavy combat in many modern MMOs.
A Diverse Profession System
Brighter Shores offers more than just combat and exploration; it also emphasizes world-building through its unique professional system. With at least 15 different professions planned, players can choose roles ranging from gatherers and crafters to more interactive professions like detectives, solving in-game mysteries, or watchpersons engaging in combat scenarios. Notably, players aren’t locked into one profession, allowing them to switch based on their current interests or in-game needs.
This freedom supports a dynamic experience, letting players transition smoothly between money-making activities, crafting equipment, or preparing consumables for tougher encounters. The professions encourage a balance between active engagement and occasional downtime, aligning well with the game’s emphasis on a more involved, less idle form of play.
Monetization and Premium Pass Model
Brighter Shores follows a free-to-play model with a unique monetization approach: a premium pass that grants access to additional content while keeping the base game entirely free. The core content—hours of quests, exploration, and combat—will be accessible to all players, while new episodes or expansions will be gated by the premium pass. This is not a traditional microtransaction system; Andrew Gower has previously voiced his disapproval of pay-to-win mechanics, ensuring that Brighter Shores avoids intrusive monetization.
For players who want a deeper experience, the premium pass provides access to the latest episodes and exclusive perks like player trading. The premium pass also serves as a safeguard against botting, adding a layer of security to the in-game economy.
Why Brighter Shores Stand Out
From its professional system to the immersive world design, Brighter Shores stands out by embracing classic RPG values and merging them with innovative MMO elements. The decision to keep gameplay engaging yet casual-friendly, with a focus on strategy over reflexes, makes it accessible to a wide audience. The passion and creativity driving its development, along with Fen Research’s commitment to a fair monetization model, reinforce the sense that Brighter Shores is a labor of love.
For players nostalgic for classic RPGs yet eager for fresh ideas in the MMO space, Brighter Shores offers the promise of something truly new. As Early Access unfolds, fans can look forward to exploring Adria, discovering its secrets, and diving into a world that values exploration, strategy, and community.
With its Early Access phase just around the corner, Brighter Shores is ready to bring players a captivating new journey. Follow MMOexp and get the cheapest Brighter Shores Gold to help you—one that combines the best of old-school RPGs with the potential of a modern MMO.
MMOexp Brighter Shores Team