RuneScape takes another step on the Road to Restoration with Combat Modernisation

For 25 years now, RuneScape has been a preeminent name in MMORPGs. Yes, it has lost a few players in recent years, but for something this long-lived, there's going to be ups and downs. Success aside, though, Jagex decided to inject some new life into RuneScape with the Road to Restoration.

The latest step on this road is the Combat Modernisation, which could be make or break for this entire venture. It's also a very tricky one to traverse. You can change too much to lose the magic, but you need to be competitive against things like Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. A very fine line to tread.

Luckily, Jagex had its ever-loyal playerbase at hand. These updates were refined through three months of betas, with participants offering feedback every step of the way. This has resulted in power modifications to dozens of abilities, timing corrections on some, and other such tweaks. 

The full extent of the update was so large that the official website had to cut it in two. You can check out part one and part two for the full experience. There were some things that jumped out at me, however.

For starters, the original combat styles are catching up to Necromancy. Now they can all reach level 120, and they each have Basic Attacks replacing auto-attacks. It is a nice idea, keeping players engaged while their other skills cooldown.

Melee attacks now build up a resource named Bloodlust, that trigger enhanced ability effects when consumed. Thus proving that Melee is the one true combat style, particularly dual-wielding.

One important thing to note, however, along with these ability reworks, some are being dropped completely, including Kick. Sad times, now how did I kick a lich!?

Finally, for our spotlights, food is also getting reworked. Their healing effect is no longer tied to your Constitution, which was just dumb to begin with. Also, eating now only drains 3 percent Adrenaline instead of 10, so you can consume your grub much more angrily. Makes more sense to quickly stuff it all down your face at once, then stop to enjoy a three-course meal during adventuring.

RuneScape is available from the App Store and Google Play.