Erenshor preview: A remarkably satisfying Simulated MMORPG

I recently got introduced to Erenshor, an in-development title from Burgee Media. The concept behind it is a simple one, and one I was ready to embrace: A Simulated MMORPG. With a design philosophy similar to what one might see in the early days of EverQuest or RuneScape, I tried the demo of the game to see what I thought of it and I have to say — I fell in love pretty quickly. It’s more than just an “old MMO” — it feels like a proper trip back in time.

More than an old MMORPG, Erenshor feels like one of the early MUDs, given its graphics. You can select a character archetype, and explore the tutorial island, getting used to everything the game has to offer. It’s an interesting time for MMOs right now — with RuneScape creator Andrew Gower starting Brighter Shores, and WoW celebrating its 20th anniversary, I’m here in a simulated MMO world — and I love it.

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Erenshor is a delightful trip back in time to the MMORPG genre’s roots

A single-player MMORPG like Erenshor shouldn’t work, but let me assure you that it does. The developer took careful pains to create a system that has chatter going on between people in the world, trying to buy and sell items, trading, and all manner of discussion. The small town you visit has merchants and guards, and you can even do a little crafting.

If you don't pay attention to NPCs, you're gonna have a bad time. (Image via Burgee Media)

It’s a little clunky though — it’s supposed to be though, as far as I can tell. There are little things that I’m not crazy about, but they’re far and few between. Like having to go to my inventory to re-equip my Mining Pick, so I can mine ore. That’s tedious, but it’s also incredibly quick.

This is not a game that holds your hand, either — the old-school games seldom did. You had to really pay attention to what NPCs say to you, and pay attention to the con rating before you fight enemies. In addition, Erenshor players have to watch out for enemies that spawn in — fighting three spiders on your own at level 2 can be pretty deadly.

It’s the little things that make this game such a joy to play. To move forward in this MMORPG, you need to press H (or the corresponding button on a controller) and “Hail” NPCs. If you see text in green, that’s a key phrase for you to type out, to get more information.

Adventuring alone is a no-go - bring some friends! (Image via Bungee Media)

It feels very immersive, having to actually talk to NPCs, learn important information, and then put it to use. Whether it’s trying to get a key to a lighthouse, or slaying a few bandits and monsters, the quest design is simple and easy to understand.

I love that the game refuses to hold your hand — that’s the way it was when I was a younger man. Sure, I love my quality-of-life changes and all my trackers, and mods in World of Warcraft, but there’s something pure, and enjoyable about this. While there are only a handful of hours in the demo, I wanted to just focus on this for now. I’m definitely going to dive into the full game when I have time.

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It’s the little things that make Erenshor such a delight

Clearing caves full of bandits away and mining for ore? Classic early-level MMO gameplay, and I love it. (Image via Bungee Media)

From solving puzzles, finding quests hidden in the world by talking to NPCs, and taking part in heated battles with bandits, there’s so much to love in Erenshor. I’d say about half my time in the demo was spent dying to spiders because I was trying to do everything on my own. I’d fight a spider, two more would show up, and I’d die.

Then I realized — “Wait… there are other NPCs out there in guilds and stuff! I should see if I can invite them to a party.” What a game-changer that was! You can hail players (flagged as green), and invite them to a party. If they accept, you can get them to pull, attack, defend, things of that nature.

The NPC I recruited thankfully had a heal spell, so when I got myself into too much trouble — as I so often do in MMOs — they were there to watch my back. Before long, we were slaying bandits with the best of them. Even in the demo, there’s plenty to see and do. I highly recommend trying Erenshor out.

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The graphics and music are dated, but purposely so

Sometimes it's nice to just idle in town and watch the world go by. (Image via Bungee Media)

The aesthetic is one of the things I love the most about Erenshor. The music is chill and relaxing, and the designs of towns and characters are solid. Attack animations are quality, and it’s nice to just immerse myself in a retro world like this.

It’s all done to recreate a specific style of MMO, and I think they nailed it. I wouldn’t mind hearing a bit of a tonal change in the music when you enter combat like FFXI used to do, but that’s not a necessity.

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In conclusion

Crafting ... crafting never changes. (Image via Bungee Media)

Other than finding the professions to be frustrating — but I always do so that’s not a crime Erenshor committed alone — and the world being a bit hard to navigate, this MMO is a real gem. I can’t wait to get deeper and explore what’s really on offer here.

This is the kind of MMO I can play anytime, without having to worry about my friends being online. No pestering people to try it with me! Whether it's purchasing skills from vendors, or trying one of the four classes (Duelist, Paladin, Druid, Arcanist), I've had a blast the whole time.

Though you should definitely try Erenshor — I haven’t been this satisfied with a single-play/simulated MMORPG since. If you’ve got some spare time, and are looking to see what MMOs used to be like, this game certainly will do just that for you. You can find it on Steam, with a full release coming sometime in the future.