Info about Erenshor:

Official game description:
**Erenshor** is a single player adventure designed to capture the game play and feeling of an MMORPG. You will meet and group with hundreds of Erenshor's _**SimPlayers**_ - which are your digital companions who persistently exist in the world, who progress independently, and who will always be ready to group and adventure along side you whenever you're ready.
Players will spend dozens or even hundreds of hours working on their characters. By the time they've reached the end game they'll be carrying godly weapons, long-lost spells, and legendary armor into battle - where they'll be nearly untouchable for all but the most fearsome opponents in Erenshor.
**Erenshor** is a single player love letter to the early MMORPGs that paved the way for the games we play today. Taking inspiration from the classics of the late 90s and early 00s, **Erenshor does not offer quick rewards or hand-holding.** Players will get lost, stumble upon deadly foes, and learn hard lessons. The keen adventurer will be rewarded.
Combat is deliberate and deadly. You'll need to consider positioning, strategy, and most importantly: what to do if it all goes wrong.
Your reward will be access to a monster's treasures once it's defeated. Some will drop swords, or armor, or jewels... and if you're lucky, it might have one of it's rare drops in its inventory - all for the taking.
If not - it'll respawn in time, and you'll slay it again for another chance.
Erenshor is built from the ground up to be a single player experience. All of the content, each puzzle, and all game play is hand built and balanced for one player, making Erenshor the only "MMO-Like" that is truly meant to be played alone.
You'll start with nothing, stranded on a small island off the mainland of Erenshor. With persistence, you'll gain power and wealth. Success will not come without failure, but with every party wipe and failed battle you'll gain experience and knowledge to come back and try again.
Partner with our signature **Simulated Players** to experience all of the content the game has to offer.
These players will level up alongside you (whether you're online or not), they'll find new items on their own and they'll find them with your help. They'll ask for loot drops, they'll buy and sell loot, join and leave guilds, and even invite you to raids as they get to know you. They'll remember you and how you treat them.
The **_SimPlayers_** all have their own pre-written personalities and motivations, and their own opinions of you and of the other players. You'll find favorites, and together you'll conquer the world of Erenshor one rare drop at a time.
Grow together as a 'server' in order to defeat Erenshor's toughest opponents... and then leave the realm to challenge the Gods themselves!
You'll hunt monsters, complete quests, and find lost artifacts worth more gold than you could ever wish for. Each upgraded item will bring tangible increases in power, and soon the unwavering foes before you will be pushed aside, revealing a challenge even greater.
*   NPCs all respawn. You can attack any of them, and they all drop loot. Even the good guys.
*   Factions exist. Wiping out a town may mean you're no longer welcome there... but it may open up doors elsewhere.
*   Thousands of unique items, from common drops, to legendary treasure.
*   Simulated Players: You may get an invitation to join a group of simulated players in slaying a dragon or even a God. The treasures are yours for the taking.
*   Cities, Dungeons, Tombs, Forests, Beaches, Forts, Meadows, Caves, and Mountain Ranges - a huge world to explore with secrets in every corner.
*   Lore and Story done your way. Investigate the mysteries of **Erenshor**, or don't. Kill mindlessly for power, or with direction and purpose.
*   A World Divided: The game world is divided into separate 'zones'. Areas are unique to themselves, and can be traversed at will - whether you're ready for it or not.
*   Multiple Character Slots and a shared Bank. Subsequent characters have the option of starting with a massive advantage, including XP bonuses.
*   No micro transactions. Ever.
_\*Note that SimPlayers do not use LLM or any other emerging AI model. They are run by a mixture of state machines and decision trees. This means no token fees, and no lapse in service after a certain amount of use._

Release date: Apr 14, 2025

Categories: Single-player, MMO, Character Progression, Exploration, Quest-driven Progression, Loot-driven Combat System, Class-based Combat, NPC Interaction

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair Monetization; summary: The game is praised for its fair pricing and absence of predatory monetization practices. Users appreciate the lack of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, and excessive DLCs, making it a refreshing experience compared to modern MMOs.
- Wiki: score 100; verdict: High Dependency on External Resources; summary: The game heavily relies on external resources like the wiki due to its lack of in-game guidance and complex quests. While this can be frustrating for some players, others appreciate the nostalgic feel and community engagement. The need for grinding and the difficulty in finding gear upgrades are also notable points of contention.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game has received mixed feedback regarding its compatibility with the Steam Deck. While many users appreciate the game's unique features and overall enjoyment, there are significant issues with controller support and UI optimization for the Steam Deck. These issues require attention to improve the user experience, but the game is generally playable with some tinkering.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Nostalgic MMO Experience (weight 0.97): The game captures the essence of classic MMOs like EverQuest, with familiar mechanics, quests, and an old-school feel. It includes elements such as no quest markers, exploration-based gameplay, and a sense of adventure reminiscent of early MMORPGs.
- Unique and Innovative Gameplay (weight 0.86): The game offers a unique and innovative gameplay experience, blending single-player and MMO elements. It includes features such as simulated players, customizable settings, and a world that feels alive and dynamic, providing a fresh and engaging take on the MMORPG genre.
- Developer Engagement and Updates (weight 0.23): The developer is highly active, responsive, and engaged with the community, frequently updating the game with new content, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements. The developer's passion and dedication are evident in the consistent updates and community interaction.
- Customizable Game Experience (weight 0.12): Players have extensive control over their game experience, including adjustable difficulty settings, server settings, and the ability to customize their party and gameplay preferences. This flexibility allows players to tailor the game to their personal preferences and playstyle.
- Engaging Dungeons and Quests (weight 0.12): The game features well-tuned dungeons with unique layouts and challenging mobs, as well as interconnected and exploration-based quests. These elements provide a sense of adventure, lore, and richness, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience.
- Quality of Life Improvements (weight 0.1): The game includes modern quality-of-life changes and continuous improvements based on player feedback. Regular updates and patches address issues and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
- No Pressure or Toxicity (weight 0.08): The game respects the player's time and eliminates common stressors found in traditional MMOs, such as toxic players, guild drama, and the need to play at specific times. It offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience without pressure or anxiety.
- Active and Helpful Community (weight 0.06): The game has an active and welcoming community, with a helpful Discord server where players can interact with the developer and each other. The community also supports modding, with various mods developed to enhance the gameplay experience.
- Accessible and Playable on Multiple Devices (weight 0.04): The game is accessible and playable on various devices, including Steam Deck and low-end laptops. It also supports controller input, making it convenient for players to enjoy the game on their preferred platform.

Common complaints:
- Poor graphics and visuals (weight 0.29): The graphics are described as basic, ancient-looking, and not winning any awards. The visual style is criticized for being low poly and unappealing.
- Game lacks depth and content (weight 0.2): The game is criticized for its lackluster population, slow pacing, and lack of clear tutorials. Players report running out of content quickly and finding the world empty and bland.
- Unclear and unfinished quests (weight 0.09): Quests are criticized for being unclear, with no direction or markers. Some quests are not implemented or lack level recommendations.
- Clunky controls and UI (weight 0.08): Players find the camera controls extremely clunky and frustrating. The UI is described as too small, straining the eyes, and not user-friendly.
- Shallow AI and dialogue (weight 0.08): The AI communication is not deep, and dialogue lines repeat frequently, making conversations feel shallow and artificial. NPCs lack AI for script functions.
- Class balance issues (weight 0.05): Players report issues with class balance, with some classes being favored over others. The lack of class clarity and player feedback is also criticized.
- Limited NPC interactivity (weight 0.04): NPCs do not respond dynamically and lack interactivity with the world. They feel more like scripted NPCs rather than believable characters.
- Use of store-bought assets (weight 0.03): The game is criticized for using store-bought assets, leading to graphics issues and a dated gameplay feel.
- SimPlayers feel robotic (weight 0.03): SimPlayers are described as dumb and feeling like robots. They do not act like real players and consistently outperform the player in combat.
- Boring endgame farming (weight 0.03): The endgame is criticized for being boring and requiring farming for items. The auction house does not update new items regularly.
- Broken mechanics and immersion (weight 0.03): Players report broken mechanics and immersion issues, such as teammates pulling and healing when they are supposed to.
- Beginning zone issues (weight 0.02): The beginning zone is criticized for being meh and having muddled quests. A dungeon in the starter zone is reported as being too hard.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic MMORPG Mechanics (weight 0.28): The game simulates classic MMORPG mechanics, including group control, party-based combat, and guild mechanics. It features adjustable difficulty, class-specific abilities, and a strong emphasis on group-centric gameplay reminiscent of early MMOs like EverQuest.
- Exploration and Discovery (weight 0.2): The game emphasizes exploration and discovery, with a richly detailed world, hidden content, and interconnected quests. Players can explore at their own pace, uncover secrets, and engage in story-driven gameplay.
- Simulated Player Interactions (weight 0.19): The game includes simulated players (SimPlayers) with their own behaviors and interactions, creating a living world. These AI-driven characters can be geared up, act as mercenaries, and mimic real players, enhancing the multiplayer feel in a single-player environment.
- Complex Quest System (weight 0.1): The quest system in the game is designed to be challenging and requires exploration and reading. Quest markers can be toggled on or off, and quests often involve puzzles and secrets, providing a more immersive and engaging experience.
- Challenging Dungeons and Raids (weight 0.1): The game features challenging dungeons with unique layouts and deadly designs. There are plans to add raids, and players can explore a large world with levels, loot, dungeons, and boss fights.
- Single-Player MMO Feel (weight 0.08): The game is a single-player experience that captures the essence of an MMO. It includes features like in-game chat designed to parody MMO chats, NPC banter in world chat, and a world that feels alive despite being single-player.
- Slow Pacing and Content Pacing (weight 0.07): The game has a slower pace that requires thinking and exploration. It includes a variety of enemies and dungeon crawl feel, with little hand-holding, allowing players to go at their own pace.
- Customizable Server Settings (weight 0.03): The game offers customizable server settings, allowing players to adjust rates for XP, health, damage, and loot. This provides flexibility for casual to hard-hitting combat and personal time commitment.
- Progression and Leveling (weight 0.03): The game features a progression system from level 1 to 35, with ascension points beyond the level cap. Players can progress with their character from zone to zone, engaging in self-progression without hand-holding.
- Authentic World Design (weight 0.03): The game features authentic world, dungeon, and encounter designs. The zones have distinct character and atmosphere, and the concept and execution of the game are well-crafted.
- Relaxing Gameplay Loop (weight 0.03): The game offers a relaxing yet addictive gameplay loop, with meditative and repetitive combat, satisfying crafting, fishing, and mining. It provides a stock-standard MMORPG gameplay loop that is easy to pick up and play.

Performance notes:
- Performance and Optimization Issues (weight 0.04): The game has mixed performance reviews. While some players report that it runs well, others experience optimization and texture issues. There are also mentions of bugs, although efforts are being made to fix them.
- Steam Deck Compatibility (weight 0.02): The game is playable on the Steam Deck and can also run on Android via the mobile port of Proton. Players report that it works great on the Steam Deck.
- Mechanical Bugs (weight 0.01): Some players have encountered mechanical bugs, specifically related to loot pickup, which can impact the gameplay mechanics.
- Runs on Low-End Hardware (weight 0.01): The game is reported to work on low-end hardware, such as a crappy little laptop, indicating good performance on less powerful devices.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for MMO fans (weight 0.21): The game is highly recommended for fans of classic MMORPGs, particularly those who enjoyed games like EverQuest and World of Warcraft. It offers a nostalgic and flexible MMO experience.
- Worth the price (weight 0.17): Players find the game worth its price, especially for those who enjoy MMORPG gameplay. The game offers a unique and nostalgic experience that justifies its cost.
- Try the demo (weight 0.17): Many players recommend trying the demo to experience the game before purchasing. The demo is praised for being engaging and representative of the full game.
- Add multiplayer support (weight 0.17): There is a strong desire for official multiplayer support and more classes. Players hope for multiplayer expansion to enhance the game's appeal.
- Regular updates needed (weight 0.04): Players believe the game can be a major hit if updated regularly. They are excited for future updates and willing to buy expansions.
- Improve modding and readability (weight 0.02): Suggestions include making modding more accessible and improving readability and class clarity. These changes would enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Adjust game balance (weight 0.02): Suggestions include adjusting or nerfing certain items and reducing specific stats. These changes aim to balance the gameplay experience.
- Enhance NPC behavior and combat indications (weight 0.01): Improvements in NPC behavior and adding combat indications for blocks, misses, and dodges are suggested to enhance the gaming experience.
- Add more dialogue and events (weight 0.01): Suggestions include adding more dialogue, interaction, and random events with sims to make the game more immersive.
- Highly praised game (weight 0.01): Some players consider this one of the best games played in years, reminding them of what games can be. It stands out for its unique and nostalgic experience.
- Consider player feedback (weight 0.01): There is a call for more consideration of player feedback to improve the game. Players believe their input can significantly enhance the gaming experience.
- Finish starter island (weight 0.01): Players suggest finishing the starter island to provide a complete and engaging introduction to the game.
- Recommended for busy players (weight 0.01): The game is recommended for players with busy schedules who want a flexible and nostalgic MMO experience without a significant time commitment.
- Recommended for non-English speakers (weight 0.01): The game is recommended for players who prefer games in their native language, as it is fully translated and accessible.
- Hope for late game PvP (weight 0.01): Players express hope for late-game PvP emulation, which would add another layer of depth and competition to the game.
- Customer attention needed (weight 0.01): There is a recommendation for better customer attention and response to address player concerns and improve the overall gaming experience.
- XP for fishing (weight 0.01): Players suggest adding experience points for fishing to make this activity more rewarding and integrated into the game's progression system.
- Sims with quest direction (weight 0.01): Adding sims with their own quest direction is suggested to provide more guidance and structure within the game.

Other player notes:
- Game in Early Access (weight 0.01): The game is currently in Early Access, which means it is still under development and may have unfinished features or bugs.

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.21): Players are excited about the game's engaging and enjoyable gameplay, including interactions with simulated players and the sense of discovery and danger. The anticipation for future updates, such as guilds, improved interactions, and new content like raids, also contributes to this excitement. The unique gameplay premise and the potential of the game, along with its active development and frequent updates, add to the overall enthusiasm.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.19): The game evokes nostalgia by capturing the feel and mechanics of classic MMORPGs like EverQuest, WoW, and RuneScape. Players appreciate the old-school MMO vibes, including the sense of wonder and exploration reminiscent of early 2000s MMOs. The game's ability to recapture the essence of these older games, including their ambiance and gameplay style, brings back fond memories for many players.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the immersive experience of playing with NPCs, engaging in fun combat, and completing interesting quests. The unique experience of a solo game that feels like an MMO, along with the depth of gameplay and lore, contributes to their enjoyment. The old-school MMO vibes, flexibility, and the overall gameplay experience, including exploration-based quests and cool lore, are also highly appreciated.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Players find satisfaction in the enjoyable single-player MMO experience with AI players, the relaxing yet addictive gameplay loop, and the good value for the price. The flexible game schedule, engaging world, and the active community and developer involvement also contribute to their satisfaction. The game's unique and great gameplay, along with the enjoyable lore and world-building, add to the overall contentment.
- Frustration (weight 0.07): Players experience frustration due to various issues such as slow pacing, a steep learning curve, and camera control problems. Bugs, unclear quest directions, and non-functional minimaps also contribute to their frustration. Additionally, the lack of dynamic responses from NPCs, clunky gameplay mechanics, and the inability of AI teammates to provide adequate assistance further exacerbate these feelings.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Players experience joy from the enjoyable gameplay, humorous interactions with Sim players, and the lively game world. The active community, fantastic soundtrack, and the nostalgic feel of classic MMOs contribute to their joy. The unique experience of playing dungeons with computer-controlled players and the overall enjoyable gameplay loops and progression systems also bring happiness.
- Disappointment (weight 0.04): Players feel disappointed due to the lack of dynamic responses and helpful NPCs, as well as the overall gameplay experience and lack of content. Issues with combat, animations, UI, optimization, and the lack of deep communication with AI players contribute to their disappointment. The game's failure to feel like a true MMO and the absence of replay value and new content further add to these feelings.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the developer's effort, love for the game, and regular updates. The responsive developers, passionate community, and the game's well-paced content and design are highly valued. The dedication and responsiveness of the developer, along with the unique concept of SimPlayer NPCs, contribute to the overall appreciation.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players are hopeful for future improvements and updates, believing in the game's potential. The developer's commitment to making a great game and the strong foundation for future developments contribute to this hope. Players look forward to the game's future and anticipate that the issues will be fixed over time.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Players are excited about the game's current state and its potential for further development and updates. The enjoyment of grinding and dungeons, as well as the anticipation for new content, contributes to their excitement. The game's good quality despite being in early development stages also adds to this feeling.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players find amusement in the humorous banter of Sim players and the open chat. The funny interactions and the overall ridiculous yet enjoyable nature of the game contribute to their amusement. The behavior of Sim players and the humorous global chat also add to the entertainment value.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players are grateful for the existence of a game that fills the MMO itch without monthly fees or trolls. They appreciate the developer and the community, and are thankful for the game's unique concept. The gratitude extends to the developer for creating a game that meets their preferences and provides an enjoyable experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the solo developer's achievement and the careful crafting of the game. The developer's high engagement with the community and the remarkable depth and attention to detail in the game are highly appreciated. The game's well-done mechanics and the developer's love for MMOs contribute to this admiration.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful that the game can become a major hit with regular updates and consistent improvements. They see potential in the game and look forward to its expansion and improvement. The anticipation for future updates and the belief in the game's potential contribute to this hopefulness.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Players are interested in the game's unique idea and solid early MMO experience. The unique mechanics and features, along with the interesting gameplay, capture their interest. The game's concept of a single-player MMO-themed game and its unique mechanics contribute to this interest.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the realization of playing alone and the uniqueness of the game. The pleasant surprise of the game's existence and the unexpected interactions with bots contribute to this feeling. The game's ability to surprise players with its unique concept and gameplay adds to this emotion.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for the game and its genre, appreciating every update and the overall experience. The enjoyment of the game's unique concept and the love for the demo contribute to this emotion. The game's ability to capture the hearts of players and provide a lovable experience adds to this feeling.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Players find the game very relaxing, with no stress or worries. The game's ability to provide a relaxing experience and its calming gameplay contribute to this emotion. The lack of pressure and the game's soothing nature add to the overall relaxation.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Players feel relief from not having to interact with other players and avoiding the stress that comes with multiplayer interactions. The ability to enjoy the classic MMO experience without dealing with a toxic community contributes to this relief. The game's single-player nature and the avoidance of stressful interactions add to this feeling.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Players are engaged by the game's ability to hook them quickly after the initial tutorial. The immersive gameplay and the game's ability to suck players in contribute to this engagement. The game's captivating nature and the enjoyable gameplay loops keep players engaged and interested.}