Creating an MMORPG is a huge task: massive it’s right there in the name, after all. So it’s remarkable to see a smaller indie game development team like Stormhaven Studios announcing the imminent release of their new MMO, Embers Adrift. Embers Adrift’s release date is set for October 15 and follows a beta period that has been open for early backers of the fantasy game.
Embers Adrift is set in a land called Newhaven. As a new player, you have traveled through a treacherous territory known as the Darklands and can explore it again for treasures, including a powerful alchemical called ember.
Stormhaven has gone its own way with Embers Adrift, skipping some standard MMORPG elements like minimaps and PvP. The developers say that they have created a unique system for AI and enemy aggression, and it has its own unique approach to death, recovery, injury, and recovery.
There is magic in the fantasy underworld of Embers Adrift, and it’s all tied to the ember itself; this can be used in alchemical decoctions and ‘spells’ that are available to any of the three basic character classes, which are spread across nine specializations.
Instead of using an in-game map, Embers Adrift has players navigate with the environment itself; you will have to figure out where to go using your own senses of direction and navigation.
The base game is available on the official Embers Adrift site and is on sale through October 31 for $29.99 USD or regional equivalent. Monthly subscriptions are $9.99 until January 1, at which time the monthly price for new subscriptions increases to $14.99.
Embers Adrift looks like it’s worth seeing on the strength of its views alone: the trailer and screens show vast fields of wildflowers, a towering ancient barrier stretching up to snow-capped mountain peaks, and an ancient forest of towering pine trees. Evergreen.
Austin-based Stormhaven says it wants Embers Adrift to be a truly community-driven game, and that the team is dedicated to making players part of the journey. It will be exciting to see where that leads.
