Erenshor, developed and published by Burgee Media, steps into the spotlight as a simulated MMORPG, released in Early Access on 14th April and available exclusively on PC. Designed to capture the feel of a classic online RPG without the need for servers or other players, Erenshor offers a persistent, open-world experience shaped entirely by the player. It’s an intriguing twist on the genre. As it begins its Early Access journey, the question is whether this solo-driven experience can truly capture the magic of an MMO or if it’s simply a clever imitation.
This is a preview, or a review in progress. There’s a lot of content to discover in Erenshor, and it’s a game I’ll be following closely as it levels through its Early Access period.
Old-School Charm, Familiar Faces
While I’ve been incredibly excited about Erenshor, there was a thought I couldn’t shake: I’ve seen many of these assets before. The game makes noticeable use of store-bought assets, many of which will be familiar to anyone who has spent time with indie RPGs on Steam. From environments to character models, there’s a familiarity that can make the visuals feel a little generic at times.
That said, this approach is understandable. For a solo developer or small team, using pre-made assets frees up time to focus on what really matters: gameplay systems, world design, and player experience. In Erenshor’s case, that focus is clear and allows the heart of the game to shine through.
While the visuals might not break new ground, there is a charm to them. For players who grew up during the early days of online gaming, Erenshor taps into a strong sense of nostalgia. It reminded me of the simpler charm found in games like RuneScape and EverQuest. Despite the familiar visuals, it captures the essence of those classics in a way that feels heartfelt and genuine.
A Familiar Grind with a Fresh Twist
If you’ve played your fair share of MMORPGs, you’ll feel right at home with Erenshor. The twist is that it’s entirely offline. That surprise hits you the moment you launch the game. It opens with a traditional login screen, complete with character creation, and then drops you into a world that feels familiar and nostalgic.
It captures that unmistakable new player feeling. You spawn into an unknown world, unsure of where to go or what to do, just taking it all in. Even the UI contributes to the illusion. A chat box sits in the bottom left corner, filled with simulated messages of players talking, trading, and trolling. It’s all smoke and mirrors, but it works. Erenshor immediately pulled on my heartstrings with this detail. It reminded me of those first steps in classic MMOs when everything felt mysterious and full of potential.
There are four classes to choose from: Arcanist, Druid, Duelist, and Paladin. I’ve been playing as a Paladin, taking on the hybrid tank role. I can generate threat, protect allies, and throw out healing spells, with a few damage abilities in the mix. It ticks all the boxes and delivers on the Paladin fantasy.
Combat follows a traditional tab-target system, with Q toggling auto-attack. It takes some getting used to, especially if you’re used to more action-oriented systems. Once I understood what Erenshor was aiming to emulate, I recruited a party of NPCs to fill in the classic roles of healer and damage dealer. From there, I started my journey through the opening zone, Stowaway’s Step.
Quests are scattered throughout the world, and while I initially approached Erenshor as a simple indie RPG, its deeper inspirations quickly became clear. I found myself playing with the game on one monitor and a wiki open on the other, just like I used to do with RuneScape. It’s clear the game is a love letter to a very specific era of online gaming. Some modern touches would be appreciated, like having quest indicators above NPCs, but the absence of these features encourages exploration. Finding hidden quests and secret locations feels genuinely rewarding.
A Love Letter to Classic MMOs
I’m currently level 15, with the max level set at 35. Progress is steady, requiring a mix of grinding and exploration, but I’ve genuinely been enjoying my time in Erendor. I keep finding myself thinking, “just one more level” or “let’s clear this area,” and suddenly, hours have passed. That’s always a good sign.
There’s already an active community forming on the game’s Discord, with regular interaction from the developer and some interesting mods in development. It’s clearly a passion project, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues to grow during Early Access.
If you’re curious, there’s a demo available. For the content already on offer, the full version’s price of £16.75 feels more than fair. If you have a soft spot for classic MMOs, Erenshor is absolutely worth a look.