Stash Review

Stash is a turn-based MMO with role-playing elements and a Sword & Sorcery fantasy setting, developed by FrogDice. Citing inspirations such as Baldur’s Gate, Wizardry, and D&D, the game seems to have embarked on the quest to “Bring back the magic to MMORPGs”. Does it have what it takes?

At first glance, the game’s childish, somewhat humorous aesthetic doesn’t seem to embody the Tolkienian pen-and-paper spirit. But it’s game mechanics reveal a deeply rooted RPG heritage. In fact, it’s based on Threshold RPG, a successful MUD operating for more than 20 years.

The limited character customization is quickly offset by a complex housing system placing emphasis on upgrading an furnishing your BOO, or Base of Operations, and setting it up as your main crafting hub. Purchasing and selling player-made items is a core gameplay element that encourages exploration and resource gathering.

The bulk of the experience consists in dungeon crawling through lengthy and rather difficult underground instances. Furthermore, larger PvE boss encounters, pivotal to today’s MMO experience, are to be tackled with a party and require careful planning and tactics. It’s worth mentioning that such adventures make use of procedural generation, a tool underused in MMOs.

The combat itself might be slightly boring but is quite refreshing for the genre. The turn-based, tactical grid, top down system both conveys a D&D-esque vibe and makes for quite the strategical experience, not too distant from the classical Heroes of Might and Magic series.

With an emphasis on community, multiplayer, in-game markets and player impact, Stash seems to have been able to grasp the essence of MMOs. With mostly positive reviews on Steam and a steady flow of content implementation, this cozy tabletop world is gathering some following, mostly due to the developers’ understanding and love for the genre.

It’s available on PC, Mac, Linux, and Consoles.