Earthrise

Earthrise is a science fiction MMORPG set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity survives a Third World War on the island of Enterra. Advanced technology enables immortality through cloning and the Librarium data vault, overseen by a strict government controlling rebirth. Rebel factions like Noir clash with authorities, while opportunistic third parties exploit the chaos. The game features a classless skill system with over 100 customizable abilities unlocked through gear, alongside dynamic PvP combat, repeatable missions, and an economy-driven crafting system where players compete for resources and factories. Death carries consequences, requiring insurance to retain possessions when transferred to new cloned bodies.

Earthrise: Review

In the annals of MMORPG history, few games have sparked as much controversy and debate as Earthrise. Released in 2011 by the Bulgarian developer Masthead Studios, Earthrise promised a unique blend of post-apocalyptic science fiction, player-driven economics, and intense PvP combat. However, its legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and a game that, despite its ambitious vision, ultimately fell short of expectations. This review will delve into the intricacies of Earthrise, examining its development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy.

Introduction

Earthrise was conceived as a groundbreaking MMORPG that would offer players a rich, post-apocalyptic world to explore and conquer. Set on the island of Enterra, the game’s narrative revolves around a society rebuilt after a devastating Third World War, where cloning, nanotechnology, and quantum engineering have made immortality a reality. Players could choose to align with the totalitarian government of Continoma, the rebel faction Noir, or carve out their own path as neutral opportunists. The game’s flexible skill system, player-driven economy, and emphasis on PvP combat promised an experience unlike any other in the genre. However, Earthrise‘s launch was marred by technical issues, a lack of player base, and a narrative that, while ambitious, often felt disjointed and uninspired. This review will explore these aspects in detail, providing a comprehensive analysis of Earthrise‘s place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Earthrise was developed by Masthead Studios, an independent Bulgarian studio founded in 2005. The game was the studio’s first major project and was developed using the proprietary Earthrise Engine, which was also intended for use in the cancelled Fallout Online. The development team consisted of 147 individuals, including producers, programmers, artists, and designers, all working towards a shared vision of creating a unique and innovative MMORPG.

The gaming landscape in 2011 was dominated by established titles like World of Warcraft, EVE Online, and Rift. These games had set a high bar for what players expected from an MMORPG, and Earthrise aimed to differentiate itself through its post-apocalyptic setting, flexible skill system, and player-driven economy. However, the studio faced significant challenges, including limited resources and the technical constraints of the era. The game’s development was further complicated by the studio’s inexperience in creating a large-scale online game, leading to a rushed launch and a host of technical issues.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Earthrise‘s narrative is set in a distant, post-apocalyptic future where humanity has survived a Third World War but at a great cost. The surviving population has rebuilt society on the island of Enterra, where cloning, nanotechnology, and quantum engineering have made immortality a reality. The game’s narrative revolves around the conflict between the totalitarian government of Continoma and the rebel faction Noir, with players able to choose their allegiance or carve out their own path as neutral opportunists.

The game’s narrative is divided into several key factions, each with its own agenda and goals. Continoma is the corporate government that controls every aspect of its citizens’ lives, while Noir is a rebel group sworn to overthrow the totalitarian rule. The game also features several NPC factions, including the Alpha Sisterhood, a group of female scientists who study emotive interfaces, and the Seeyen, a subculture of people with incredible psionic gifts.

The narrative of Earthrise is ambitious but often feels disjointed and uninspired. The game’s lore is rich and detailed, but the execution often falls short, with characters and dialogue that feel flat and unengaging. The game’s quest system is designed as a mission system, with most quests repeatable daily, but the campaign quests tied to organizations or factions are not repeatable, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Earthrise explores several themes, including the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, the struggle for freedom in a totalitarian society, and the moral complexities of immortality. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the game’s technical issues and uninspired narrative, making them feel more like background noise than central themes.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Earthrise features a flexible skill system with over 100 skills, abilities, and tactics, allowing players to customize their characters to suit their playstyle. The game has no class restrictions, and equipping weapons and ‘devices’ unlocks new skills, adding a layer of depth to character progression.

The game’s combat system is dynamic and fast-paced, resembling a third-person shooter. Players must master movement and targeting to succeed in battle, with hundreds of different weapons and customizable armor pieces to choose from. The game’s PvP system is a central feature, with players able to kill other players, including those from their own faction, but not without consequences. Killing members of the same faction is considered a serious crime, with players facing severe penalties and a limited space of operation.

The game’s crafting system is complex and challenging to master. Players must gather resources, process them, and create useful items that can be sold, with the quality of the end product depending on the quality of the resources and ingredients, as well as the factory they were processed in. The best factories are also the most popular and will therefore be guarded by other players or bandits, adding a layer of risk and reward to the crafting process.

Earthrise also features a player-driven economy, with players able to find resource sites, defend them from other interested parties, and create useful items that can be sold. The game’s economy is dynamic and ever-changing, with players able to influence the market through their actions.

However, Earthrise‘s gameplay is marred by several flaws, including a lack of content, a small player base, and a host of technical issues. The game’s performance issues, including lag and glitches, make it difficult to enjoy, and the lack of a sizable player base means that many of the game’s features, such as guild rivalries and territorial warfare, are underutilized.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Earthrise‘s world-building is one of its strongest assets. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting is rich and detailed, with a unique blend of science fiction and dystopian themes. The island of Enterra is a small landmass that survived the brunt of the cataclysms that left the rest of the planet uninhabitable, with a unique ecology of mutated flora and fauna. The game’s setting is divided into several key locations, including Sal Vitas, the capital of Continoma, Old Town, a series of ruined residential, industrial, and administrative complexes, and The Nest, the original settlement of the Pioneers.

The game’s art direction is impressive, with a unique visual style that blends futuristic technology with post-apocalyptic ruins. The game’s environments are detailed and immersive, with a sense of scale and grandeur that is often lacking in other MMORPGs. The game’s character designs are also notable, with a diverse range of customization options that allow players to create unique and distinctive characters.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with a dynamic and immersive soundtrack that complements the game’s visuals. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, with a sense of realism and immersion that enhances the gameplay experience.

However, the game’s world-building is often undermined by its technical issues and uninspired narrative. The game’s environments, while impressive, are often empty and devoid of life, with a lack of NPCs and events that makes the world feel sterile and uninviting. The game’s sound design, while impressive, is often marred by performance issues, with audio glitches and desyncs that break immersion.

Reception & Legacy

Earthrise‘s reception at launch was mixed, with critics praising the game’s art direction and unique setting but criticizing its technical issues, lack of content, and uninspired narrative. The game’s Metacritic score is 51%, with critics noting that the game suffered from performance issues and a lack of a sizable player base. The game’s user score is even lower, with players criticizing the game’s technical issues, lack of content, and unfulfilled potential.

The game’s legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and a game that, despite its ambitious vision, ultimately fell short of expectations. Earthrise was shut down on February 9, 2012, just over a year after its launch, with Masthead Studios citing the game’s early release and failure to meet player expectations as the primary reasons for its closure. The studio also mentioned that a planned conversion to a free-to-play model was dependent on future investor and/or publisher interest, but this never materialized.

Despite its shortcomings, Earthrise has had a lasting impact on the MMORPG genre. The game’s unique setting, flexible skill system, and player-driven economy have influenced subsequent games, and its legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushing a game to market and the importance of meeting player expectations.

Conclusion

Earthrise is a game of unfulfilled potential, a ambitious vision that ultimately fell short of expectations. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting, flexible skill system, and player-driven economy are impressive, but they are often undermined by technical issues, a lack of content, and an uninspired narrative. The game’s legacy is one of controversy and debate, with critics and players alike praising its unique setting and criticizing its execution.

In the end, Earthrise serves as a reminder of the challenges and pitfalls of game development, and the importance of meeting player expectations. The game’s legacy is one of unfulfilled potential, but it is also a testament to the ambition and vision of its developers, and the enduring appeal of the MMORPG genre. Despite its shortcomings, Earthrise is a game that deserves to be remembered and studied, for better or for worse, as a significant chapter in the history of video games.