As soon as the MMORPG classic RuneScape launched on Steam, bad reviews flooded in – and they come precisely from RuneScape fans…
What is the situation regarding reviews of RuneScape on Steam? The MMORPG classic was launched in its current version RuneScape 3 on October 14th on Steam. Although this MMORPG has been running for over 19 years in this version with its own launcher, it was able to attract almost 12,000 concurrent players at peak according to Steamcharts.
However, the reviews are a bit complicated. Although the average rating is 86% and very positive, there has been a noticeable increase in negative reviews in recent days.
RuneScape fans express their displeasure
What do the Old School players say about RuneScape on Steam? There are indications that Old School RuneScape is better.
- Melethril writes: “The ‘old RuneScape’ was different. Better…”
- Varg explains: “Robber and annoying microtransactions (MTX) significantly devalue player performance. Repeated broken promises from Jagex to reduce or lower MTX amounts.”
- YaMumsMoot says: “The only thing that has kept me from trying RS3 so far is that it’s filled with microtransactions. People will probably play RS3 more because it has better graphics than OSRS, but those people don’t know that ‘graphics don’t make a good game. It’s the gameplay.’”
- Dr Monocle advises: “Do yourselves a favor and play Old School RuneScape.”
Why is RuneScape poorly rated? The interesting thing about the situation is that the game is not being rated poorly due to shortcomings. Instead, a review bombing is taking place – and it’s coming from RuneScape fans!
However, not from fans of version 3 of the online game, but from the Old School version. They have been waging a campaign against modern RuneScape for quite some time.
What are the differences between the two versions? RuneScape has changed significantly over the past 19 years; it is one of the oldest active MMORPGs.
- The combat system has been completely overhauled
- Microtransactions play a larger role
- The graphics have been improved
- New content like Archaeology and excavations is continuously added
- Overhauls require frequent updates
Due to the intense criticism of the new features, the developer studio Jagex launched the Old School version in 2013, which is based on a rather early state and where only changes made in consultation with the players are accepted.
Why is RuneScape 3 so hated? It is these changes that upset the Old School fans. They alter the beloved game and ensure that developers have less time for the old version. Because there are still some issues in the Old School variant that have existed for years.
Moreover, Old School players do not like the microtransactions and believe that developers are developing away from the wishes of the players.
Can you understand the review bombing of RuneScape 3 on Steam?
The microtransactions in RuneScape 3 can indeed be quite harsh. Some players accumulate debt of over 50,000 $.
