Momodora: Moonlit Farewell

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,041 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell Game Cover
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
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"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is the latest installment in the Momodora series, where you play as Momo, a priestess on a mission to save her village from a demon invasion. With gorgeous pixel art, action-packed gameplay, and an engaging story, players will enjoy challenging combat and an atmospheric world. However, be prepared for grinding and intense battles. Overall, this single-player platformer features a compelling story, wonderful graphics, and a perfect soundtrack, with a wholesome and heartwarming message.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,041 reviews
story70 positive mentions
grinding15 negative mentions
  • Gorgeous pixel art and animations that enhance the overall experience.
  • Engaging combat system with a variety of sigils that allow for different playstyles.
  • Charming story and characters that tie up the series nicely.
  • Game feels too easy, especially with overpowered sigils and healing mechanics.
  • Linear level design with minimal backtracking and exploration opportunities.
  • Some bosses lack complexity and can be defeated without much strategy.
  • story251 mentions

    The story of "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is generally described as straightforward and somewhat simplistic, lacking the depth and emotional engagement found in previous entries of the series. While some players appreciate the charming characters and the nostalgic connections to earlier games, others find the narrative to be generic and underdeveloped, with minimal world-building and character interactions. Overall, the game is seen as a visually stunning metroidvania that offers a light, enjoyable story, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more intricate or compelling plot.

    • “The story is fun with enjoyable NPCs, and the character designs are great.”
    • “The story builds on the established lore of the Momodora series, and there are even some callbacks to older game events, which is pretty cool.”
    • “Moonlit Farewell continues to push the best of what Momodora is known for - an enjoyable story with interesting characters, challenging fights, responsive controls, a well-crafted world, superb music which felt like a part of the world rather than a 'game soundtrack', and gorgeous artwork throughout.”
    • “The plot is simple and not particularly compelling; you don't really meet any of the characters for long enough to get attached to them or their stories.”
    • “The story got an upgrade, but only in the quantity of conversations and characters, not in their quality.”
    • “But Momodora: Moonlit Farewell (the newest title) in my opinion has the opposite approach to the story.”
  • music228 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. The soundtrack is described as beautiful, immersive, and fitting for various game scenarios, with standout tracks that resonate with players long after their playthrough. While some found certain pieces less memorable, the consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and emotional depth.

    • “The music complements the atmosphere perfectly, transitioning seamlessly between dynamic, somber, oppressive, and moody tones as needed, enriching the overall gaming experience.”
    • “The beautiful pixel art, the area and character design, the lighting effects and the wonderful soundtrack all combine to an experience I was very happy to be lost in.”
    • “The soundtrack is perfect, environments are breathtaking.”
    • “The music is even more generic than the one in rutm; there are reused enemy sprites from momo3, the beginning locations are very boring... it certainly feels like a hollow sequel to what was a fantastic game.”
    • “However, the rest of the game isn't really anything to write home about; the story, characters, music, and gameplay are all kinda meh.”
    • “I didn't really take note of the music; it's mostly atmospheric. I probably couldn't give you an opinion on it even if my life depended on it; it's just kinda there.”
  • gameplay223 mentions

    The gameplay of "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is generally well-received, praised for its fluid mechanics, engaging combat, and beautiful pixel art. While some players appreciate the introduction of new features like the sigil system and stamina mechanics, others find the gameplay simplistic and less challenging compared to previous entries in the series. Overall, it offers a satisfying metroidvania experience, though opinions vary on its depth and innovation.

    • “The art is stunning, the gameplay is tight, and the soundtrack is pure magic.”
    • “An amazing game that deserves more recognition, not only for its beautiful and captivating art and music but also for its well-balanced, challenging, and engaging gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is astonishingly good.”
    • “From a gameplay side, I will say that I did find some of the boss fight balancing a bit uneven.”
    • “The dodge roll mechanic works well but is just about the only combat mechanic that requires skill.”
    • “However, the rest of the game isn't really anything to write home about; the story, characters, music, and gameplay are all kind of meh.”
  • graphics150 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their beautiful pixel art style, charming character designs, and fluid animations, which many reviewers describe as a significant improvement over previous entries in the series. The visuals are complemented by an immersive soundtrack, creating a cohesive aesthetic that enhances the overall gameplay experience. While some critiques mention a lack of innovation in certain areas, the stunning artwork and attention to detail remain standout features that elevate the game.

    • “Oh, and above all of that, this game is gorgeous and I adore the art style.”
    • “The graphics are definitely the strongest point of this game; in fact, it kind of carries it. The sprites look great and the animations, especially on Momo, are very nice looking too.”
    • “Graphically speaking, the game looks gorgeous with its unique 2D pixel art style, combined with cute character design and a wonderful soundtrack that enhances every encounter and each relevant moment of the story.”
    • “One of the drawbacks to the new visuals I found while playing—the areas do seem a little more samey.”
    • “Artwork feels rushed; a lot of background and characters, like the big snake, clearly lack detail.”
    • “The art style is decent, but compared to the two previous games I played, it doesn't hold up.”
  • atmosphere37 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its depth and distinctiveness, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of music and art to create immersive environments. While some areas evoke a somber and melancholic tone, others blend lightheartedness with darker undertones, resulting in a rich and varied experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as beautiful, serene, and engaging, though opinions vary on its memorability compared to previous titles in the series.

    • “The dense atmosphere, the heavy music, the gorgeous pixel art all had me enraptured.”
    • “The music complements the atmosphere perfectly, transitioning seamlessly between dynamic, somber, oppressive, and moody tones as needed, enriching the overall gaming experience.”
    • “The art and music are at their strongest in this entry, and the atmosphere's palpable; each zone feels unique both with its scenery and the enemies that inhabit them.”
    • “The atmosphere was sombre and grim; the lack of friendly NPCs to interact with makes the situation more believable.”
    • “The atmospheres of the areas in the game feel uninteresting and bland.”
    • “It's a bit disappointing coming from the melancholy, desolate atmosphere of the prior entries, but the game's fun, so it's not really a problem.”
  • grinding15 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can feel tedious due to limited stamina, slow traversal, and a lack of early fast travel options, making backtracking and exploration less enjoyable. While some players appreciate the game's design and pixel art, others find the requirement for multiple playthroughs and extensive grinding for achievements to be a chore. Overall, the experience can be rewarding for dedicated players, but it often leans towards being more tedious than challenging.

    • “Traversing certain sections of the game can be very tedious, as you'll just be running along mostly flat ground with your very-limited stamina meter depleting every few seconds of sprinting.”
    • “Some things aren't all there like the dialogue can be weak, the game can feel linear, and the early exploration and backtracking can be rather tedious.”
    • “To get all achievements it requires at least 3 playthroughs, one of them being a no-deaths one in hardcore mode, so it might be tedious for completionists.”
  • emotional13 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke strong feelings, with players reporting moments of joy and sadness throughout their experience. The touching story, beautiful graphics, and enchanting music contribute to a heartfelt atmosphere, although some players expressed disappointment over limited character interactions and certain gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game is praised for its wholesome narrative and emotional depth, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate artistic storytelling.

    • “However, if you're looking for an immensely fun, artistic, heartfelt, and above all else beautiful experience, look no further.”
    • “When I started playing this, getting past the intro, I cried happy tears and smiled from beginning to end. After which, I cried again. This game felt like an absolute masterpiece; every moment of exploring felt whimsical. The music was beautiful, especially Koho's theme. This game delivered on so many levels; I wasn't ready.”
    • “The story is touching and the gameplay is perfect for a rainy indoors day... or whenever.”
  • character development11 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted for its appealing character designs and vibrant art style, which enhance the overall experience. However, some reviews criticize the depth of character development, suggesting it could be improved, particularly in comparison to previous entries in the series. While the visuals and music receive high praise, the writing and character arcs are seen as lacking, leading to a less engaging narrative.

    • “The art design, animation, music, character designs, story, and actual gameplay are all tightly knit and well made.”
    • “I’ve always loved the character designs of this series, and that continued charm is on full display with this newly-improved stylistic iteration.”
    • “The beautiful pixel art, the area and character design, the lighting effects, and the wonderful soundtrack all combine to create an experience I was very happy to be lost in.”
    • “Even in the series’ most banal entries, at least the game design elements did not clash with one another, but Momodora: Moonlit Farewell takes away great elements from the predecessor, such as rewards for no-hit killing bosses, fun secrets, and a true Metroidvania map that loops in on itself multiple times in clever ways and trades it for a half-baked linear experience with an eye-roll worthy story and a level of writing that almost feels like the entire writing team for their previous games was fired, as well as some of the most bland boss battles in the series, boring character designs and a hardcore mode that only exemplifies the game’s further issues with lack of control response and typical Momodora one-hit kill shenanigans.”
    • “Really like the music and background graphics, but character development could be improved.”
    • “However, there are a few character designs that either feel too simplistic for the art style (the big one being a certain snake) or overly suggestive (another snake, this time the snake lady in the promotional images), though I suppose that sort of thing is up to personal preference.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely appreciated for its lightheartedness and quirky character designs, with players enjoying the amusing interactions and visual gags, such as the comical lamia boss. While some characters could benefit from more distinct and humorous dialogue quirks, the overall experience is filled with funny moments, including unexpected deaths and humorous player reactions. The pixel art and lively effects contribute to the game's charm, making the humor feel integrated into the gameplay.

    • “When she first did that multi slash attack, I was like a fangirl, just screaming because she was just so cool (plus, the gun dora was just too funny).”
    • “The pixel art was amazing followed by the visual effects, it really made everything feel so lively and punchy. There were points where there was a lot of clutter causing a silly death, but it ended up being funny, so I don't mind.”
    • “And if a funny anecdote is what'll pique your interest: this game made me respond to a boss' second phase with 'finally, gender equality.'”
  • replayability7 mentions

    The game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the variant modes and challenge options available after the first playthrough, others feel that the lack of hidden secrets and linear level design limits the incentive to replay. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience that can be revisited, especially for those seeking additional challenges.

    • “The sigil system is really fun, the boss fights are cool, the level design is great albeit linear (don't think there was a single room I hated), and it's short enough to have great replay value while not feeling like a waste of time.”
    • “After your first playthrough, you unlock some game modes which I haven't had much time to play yet, but so far it seems like a good challenge and replayability.”
    • “There isn't too much in the way of unmarked secrets, and I had found everything on my first playthrough, which is quite crippling for a metroidvania's replay value.”
    • “There is a variant mode available after beating the game once that I haven't tried, and plenty of ways to challenge yourself if you're looking for more replayability, but the main game coming in at around 10 hours is well worth it.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally positive, with some users experiencing no issues such as slowdowns or glitches, particularly on platforms like Proton and Steam Deck. However, there are mixed feelings, as others describe the game as somewhat messy despite its solid performance.

    • “Runs great on Proton as well.”
    • “I'm glad to report that it runs great on Steam Deck!”
    • “While I will give this a recommendation due to art and being solid/bug-free, this game is a bit of a mess.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game is highly praised for its exceptional optimization, featuring polished graphics, smooth gameplay, responsive controls, and a stellar soundtrack. Players report a seamless experience with no bugs, even on the Steam Deck, highlighting the overall performance as impressive.

    • “From the beautifully polished designs and animations to the smooth and well-optimized gameplay, the stellar soundtrack, the nice and responsive combat and controls, as well as the charming dialogue during the sparse story moments.”
    • “Alright, the game is really well done, with incredible graphics, tight controls, and good performance overall (I played the entire thing on the Steam Deck and never experienced bugs of any kind).”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

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Play time

8hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
4-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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