Will Brighter Shores supersede RuneScape?

Brighter Shores, an upcoming MMO from one of RuneScape creators, Andrew Gower, is drawing a lot of comparisons to the classic MMO he helped develop in the first place. It’s not hard to see why though. They both use an isometric camera style and are more old-school, classic MMOs. With that in mind, it could be very challenging for Fen Research’s upcoming game to escape the shadow of an MMO that has existed for over 20 years, but we certainly think it’s possible.

While there are certainly a few places where Brighter Shores and RuneScape are similar, I don’t think this upcoming MMORPG from Andrew Gower is a clone of his original game in the least. Sure, there are similarities, but that’s not uncommon in the MMORPG space.

---

Is Brighter Shores a RuneScape clone?

No, Brighter Shores is not a RuneScape clone. While yes, both are isometric MMORPGs with more old-school art styles, there are plenty of differences between them. Fen Research’s MMO, while using a retro art style, has more modern, updated visuals, while still looking more traditional. Jagex’s older MMO, on the other hand, has graphics that are still dated. This has a positive effect in our modern market though - any PC or laptop can run it.

Sure, there are similarities, but there are also plenty of differences (Image via Fen Research)

There are other overlaps as well. Both games have a skill system that players can level by taking part in in-game activities — though that’s where that difference ends. RuneScape uses solely skill levels while Brighter Shores has actual classes and professions.

Regardless of whether you want to focus on melee or even use Necromancy, you can be anything you want to be in Jagex’s classic MMO, as you have tons of combat skills you can level. There are 29 total skills you can train in RuneScape, which is certainly impressive. However, as a game that doesn’t use character classes, this is important.

In Brighter Shores, you have specific character classes - Cryoknight, Guardian, and Hammermage. Each of these has its own unique playstyle, abilities, and attacks. In addition, there are also professions to take part in, and each region has its own.

Being able to work on certain skills while logged out is an amazing idea (Image via Fen Research)

For example, you can become a Chef, Fisher, Forager, Alchemist, and Guard in Hopeport. Then, if you have access to Crenopolis, you can become a Merchant, Detective, Leatherworker, Watchperson, or Stonemason.

This certainly feels different to RuneScape, and I’m more interested in how Brighter Shores works its classes/professions. I do like the concept of being able to level certain skills offline though, which is a benefit of this upcoming MMORPG.

However, here is where another similarity comes into play — monetization is similar, that’s for sure. Both games are free-to-play, but certain areas/skills are locked behind the optional subscription. We’ll have to see how popular this winds up being.

This MMO has a lot of promise, and we hope to see it surpass RuneScape (Image via Fen Research)

On a personal level, I don’t have any emotional attachment to RuneScape - I didn’t really play it when it was at its height of popularity. While the two MMOs are similar, I don’t think Brighter Shores is a clone of RuneScape at all. As to whether it can supersede Jagex’s classic MMO, I certainly think it’s possible.

Andrew Gower’s name is one that’s known in the RuneScape community for sure, so I think that could lead to lots of players coming over to give it a try. It’s similar enough for those players to dive in easily.

I could also see it being a huge success. It’s a cool-looking MMO that casual players should have no problem trying, while also having plenty for hardcore fans. While we cannot say for certain, I do think there’s a great deal of hope for this upcoming MMORPG.

---

Check out our other Brighter Shores guides and features.