The free MMORPG Therian Saga relies on a mix of strategy and tabletop, dividing player opinions on Steam.
What kind of game is this? Therian Saga is an MMORPG from 2012 developed by the indie studio Virtys. It has been available for free on Steam since 2013 and according to the developers, it features elements of MUD games, strategy, and tabletop games (via Steam).
If you want a glimpse into the gameplay of Therian Saga, we have embedded a gameplay trailer from 2016 here.
What features does the game offer? The Steam page for Therian Saga lists several aspects you can expect in the MMORPG.
- Skill-based: Therian Saga features a system that calculates your abilities or executes an action based on your hero, your tool, your companion, your location, and some magic.
- Sandbox: The developers describe the sandbox aspect with the words that it is up to you to understand how you progress in the game.
- Storytelling: Therian Saga tells its story in an old-school manner using text as the main medium.
- Crafting: The crafting system of the MMORPG is described as complex. It uses a mechanics for distributing the skills and materials you need for the final product.
- Long-term motivation: The game promises a wealth of content as it has been available since 2012.
- Auto-playing: Therian Saga advertises that you can program your hero as you like. This means your character performs actions that you impose on it – regardless of what you are doing. Your hero will also complete your tasks while you are sleeping or working, whether you are in the game or not.
“It has the same appeal as tending to a plant”
What are the ratings? The MMORPG has a total of 477 player reviews on Steam. These are mostly positive with 70%.
What do the players say? Players have mixed opinions on what they think of the MMORPG. Some find the game fun, while others are less impressed.
- “The game is special in its own way and does not have to be for everyone. But I think it is a hidden gem. […] Give it a try (via Steam).”
- “Actually, the game looks nice and it could really be a lot of fun if it weren’t for the timer on every activity. […] That’s something I can’t really get used to. There are people who like that, I don’t (via Steam).”
- “So far, I like the game. It’s definitely a game for casual players (via Steam).”
- “It’s advertised as an MMORPG, although it’s more of a clicker with time management and light RPG elements in an online world. This means that waiting takes up most of the game, which would be fine in itself if the time constraints weren’t so damn long (via Steam).”
The general opinion about the game is aptly summarized by Steam user DustKitten in a review, describing how frustrating yet rewarding the gameplay is:
This is a really terrible game and I love it. It has the same appeal as tending to a plant. It’s something I return to from time to time to tend to and watch, and I occasionally spend a few minutes on it. In return, I can watch it grow into something interesting and beautiful. Everything in the game is frustratingly slow, and it takes hours to make any progress at all. That’s what makes the game appealing.
DustKitten via Steam
In general, it can be said that Therian Saga is certainly not a game for everyone, and you should decide for yourself whether you find the MMORPG interesting or not. Some players like it, some don’t. In the end, it is available for free, and if you are considering testing it, you can do so with no risk.
Similarly, there are these 12 MMORPGs that are all free-to-play and offer various advantages and disadvantages.
