RuneScape: Dragonwilds: A Magical Survival Adventure with a Side of Goblin Humor

Crafting spells and stories in a world where dragons and goblins coexist

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the mystical realm of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, where survival meets sorcery, and goblins have a penchant for diary writing. This early access title attempts to blend the best of survival games with the nostalgic charm of the RuneScape universe. But does it succeed in casting a spell on its players, or does it fizzle out like a miscast fireball? Let’s dive in and find out.

Gameplay: A Magical Mix of Mechanics

RuneScape: Dragonwilds offers a unique survival experience, drawing inspiration from heavyweights like Rust, Valheim, and Runescape itself. The game shines with its solid core mechanics and smooth performance, even when cranked up to high graphics settings. Players can expect a consistent experience, though the crafting and menu navigation might make you feel like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with mittens on. Controller inputs could use a bit of wizardry to improve their responsiveness.

Combat is a mixed bag. While melee combat feels like you’re swinging a sword through molasses, the magic system is a breath of fresh air. The variety of spells and the rune system add depth, making you feel like a true wizard. The building mechanics are another highlight, with snapping features that make construction a breeze. However, the survival elements might feel a bit too forgiving for those seeking a hardcore experience.

Progression is satisfying, with skills leveling quickly at first, then slowing down as you reach higher levels. However, the current system lacks impact, leaving players yearning for more meaningful unlocks. The game is still in early access, so expect some animations to feel like placeholders and content to be a bit sparse.

Graphics: A Beautifully Bumpy Ride

Visually, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a feast for the eyes, with beautifully crafted environments that balance realism with a touch of animation. The dragon designs are particularly impressive, making you feel like you’re in a fantasy epic. However, the game’s optimization is about as smooth as a goblin’s diary entry. Even high-end systems struggle with low frame rates and stuttering, making performance a major point of contention.

The graphics settings are limited, with preset options that leave players unable to tweak specific elements like shadows or foliage. This lack of customization is frustrating, especially when features like ray tracing are enabled by default. Technical issues such as texture pop-ins and blurry colors during nighttime scenes further detract from the experience.

Story: A Nostalgic Journey Through Goblin Diaries

The story of RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a rich tapestry of exploration, humor, and nostalgia. Players are drawn into a narrative that balances main and side quests, offering depth beyond the survival mechanics. The goblin storyline is a standout, with chaotic and humorous diaries that perfectly capture their theme. Meanwhile, familiar characters like Zanik evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for long-time fans.

While the story is engaging, the lack of voice acting makes the extensive text dialogue feel like a chore. Optional books scattered throughout the game world add layers to the narrative, but some players might find the linear questline predictable. Despite these issues, the lore is highly praised, with players eager for future expansions that delve deeper into the Runescape gods and other narrative aspects.

Final Verdict

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a promising title that combines engaging building mechanics and unique magic elements with a nostalgic story. However, it requires significant updates in combat mechanics, optimization, and user interface to fully meet player expectations. The game is a diamond in the rough, with potential that could be realized through future patches and content additions.

Score: 6.5/10