Moonbreaker
- February 1, 2024
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- 4h median play time
"Moonbreaker is a sci-fi turn-based strategy game with multiplayer and single-player modes, featuring a good plot, stellar gameplay, and gorgeous visuals/soundtrack. Engage in fast-paced tactical skirmishes, take on AI or other players, and customize your units in this digital miniatures experience. However, be prepared for grinding and expect ongoing content releases."
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and enjoyable painting system that allows players to customize their miniatures in detail.
- Gameplay is fast-paced and strategic, providing a fun experience for fans of turn-based tactical games.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and have made significant improvements since the game's early access launch.
- The player base is currently low, making it difficult to find matches, especially for new players.
- Some players feel that the game lacks depth and variety in its current state, with limited units and game modes.
- There are concerns about the monetization model, with some players feeling that it could lead to pay-to-win scenarios in the future.
- gameplay580 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Moonbreaker is generally praised for its engaging turn-based tactical mechanics, which blend traditional tabletop elements with unique features like a detailed painting system for miniatures. Players appreciate the depth and variety of strategies available, although some express concerns about balance and the potential for repetitive gameplay over time. While the core mechanics are solid and enjoyable, many reviewers hope for additional content and modes to enhance long-term engagement.
“Amazing game, great flow to the mechanics.”
“The gameplay is surprisingly good.”
“The gameplay has all the tools you need for infinitely outplaying possibilities, which will only grow as more units are added to the game.”
“The matches and game mechanics are very very shallow.”
“Right now, I'm a bit disappointed, gameplay simplistic and repetitive, almost no story and lootbox system to get new units, unless you hire them directly... after several 'bought' packs with units already owned.”
“The gameplay itself needs work and more variety of game modes, but shows promise to be really fun and strategic when the kinks are worked out.”
- monetization244 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has undergone significant changes, with most microtransactions being removed following player feedback. Currently, players can unlock all gameplay content without additional payments, and any remaining monetization is primarily cosmetic. While some users initially expressed concerns about the monetization system, many now find it fair and non-predatory, emphasizing that the game is worth supporting.
“In an age where most large-budget games hardly even work, and aggressive monetization plans are everywhere, this game really is worth supporting.”
“No microtransactions or loot boxes, you pay and you get the full game.”
“Highly recommended, devs swapped out the old monetization scheme several months ago and release updates very frequently.”
“After paying for the game and taking one look at the monetization, I had to immediately uninstall. Seriously, wtf is a founders pass... what did I pay 25 quid for a few weeks ago? Why can't you give us blanks for gameplay instead of XP? I was excited at first until I realized there's no way to progress apart from a crappy battle pass system. The fact that you have hidden paint colors behind a paywall is appalling; please sort it out because you are on track to ruin an otherwise great game.”
“In reality, it had a terrible microtransaction-ridden monetization model when the game launched, and now it's practically unplayable due to low player count.”
“Unfortunately, as many other reviewers are saying, this game should not be $30 (or $40 in Canada) only to have additional microtransactions heavily featured in-game.”
- story138 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Moonbreaker" has received mixed reviews, with many praising the rich lore and character development crafted by Brandon Sanderson, particularly through well-produced audio dramas. However, players express disappointment over the lack of a traditional campaign mode or deeper single-player content, feeling that the game heavily emphasizes PvP at the expense of narrative engagement. Overall, while the storytelling elements are appreciated, there is a strong desire for more interactive and immersive story-driven gameplay.
“The presentation of the core of the story and lore through audio dramas is very original and they are really well done in both script, audio design, and voice acting performance.”
“We get rich story from Brandon Sanderson himself creating great backstories for all characters!”
“The story is delivered through audio dramas which are 30-45 minute voice acted audio stories and every one exceeded my expectations.”
“Was very disappointed to learn when I started the game that there is no story mode and that this game seems to be completely based around the PvP aspect of strategy games.”
“The game advertises itself with Brandon Sanderson as being story-centric, but the single player modes are pretty bare bones.”
“If you were pulled into this partly because of Unknown Worlds' track record with Subnautica, and Sanderson's storytelling pull, you will be disappointed with the game as is.”
- graphics104 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely positive feedback, with many praising the detailed miniatures, vibrant art style, and overall aesthetic appeal. While some users noted areas for improvement, particularly in the user interface and certain visual elements, the game's unique sci-fi and fantasy design, along with its engaging painting mechanics, have been highlighted as standout features. Overall, the visuals are considered impressive, especially for an early access title, with a strong emphasis on translating the physicality of tabletop games into a digital format.
“The mechanics, graphics, painting, and overall design is top notch across the board.”
“This game knocks it out of the park in both gameplay and aesthetics.”
“The art style of the game as a whole is superb.”
“Visually, while the game is aesthetically pleasing, there's room for improvement, especially as it's still in early access.”
“Be warned, requires a somewhat better graphics card to view it optimally.”
“Graphics 6/10 - this score is misleading as it generally looks nice, but I'm not a huge fan of the art style they're using; nothing looks 'cool' and makes me want to paint it.”
- music70 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many players praising the soundtrack as dynamic, fitting, and elevating the overall experience. The voice acting and sound design are also highlighted as top-notch, contributing to the game's charm and immersive atmosphere. While a few players found the music less impactful, the majority agree that it significantly enhances gameplay and is worthy of a standalone release.
“The soundtrack is fitting and elevates the mood.”
“The amount of love and passion that is clearly visible in the detail, voice lines, and even the music shows that they are trying to make the best game possible, which is something a lot of developers don't do anymore.”
“The music isn't really a focus here but what exists is fitting and suitable.”
“- music is kind of whatever to me, didn't particularly like or hate it - might just be that it's not my style of music.”
“The painting soundtrack could be the background music of my life and I wouldn't complain.”
- grinding26 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is perceived as tedious and less enjoyable compared to real-life painting, with many players expressing frustration over the time required to unlock content. While some players are open to microtransactions for cosmetic upgrades instead of grinding, others feel that the game should provide a more relaxing experience without excessive grinding. Overall, the consensus is that the grinding detracts from the enjoyment of the gameplay.
“It's just tedious if you have more than a couple to open.”
“I don't feel like grinding in a game that's supposed to bring me relaxation (especially when painting).”
“And somehow they've made virtual miniature painting more tedious and less fun than painting minis in real life.”
- humor21 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mix of low-key and quirky elements, with many players enjoying the hilarious voicelines and character animations. However, some critiques point to a reliance on clichéd, Marvel-style quippy humor that feels overused and uninspired. Overall, while the humor can be hit or miss, it often adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience.
“The voicelines are hilarious.”
“Characters are funny and quirky!”
“The little audio dramas that form the core of the narrative felt a little odd with the way they were put into the game, basically just audio files that can be played during games or while painting, but they were light and funny while still absolutely dripping with information and implications about the strange moons that it all takes place on.”
- replayability17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the potential for competitive play and quick team creation, many feel that the current character limitations and lack of depth significantly diminish replay value. Early access features show promise, but the absence of compelling content and engagement leaves some players feeling unmotivated to return. Overall, the game's replayability may improve with future updates and the introduction of PvP elements.
“The game is pretty well priced for what's on offer and it's got tons of replay value.”
“Got a lot to learn, but I can already see it's going to have great replayability and has great potential.”
“Creating new roster teams is quick and I love that all the characters are playable from the start.”
“Currently the game lacks replay value, just due to how the characters work alongside the low amount.”
“Completely removed any replayability from the game and removed a lot of the constructed nuance among pieces it has.”
“There was no tug pulling me back into the game, and so I feel like replayability will be low, except for those willing to spend money/time on becoming competitive.”
- optimization15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players reporting good performance and minimal bugs. However, some users have experienced issues with frame rates and high temperatures when running the game at maximum settings, indicating that further optimization may be needed. Developers are aware of these concerns and are working on improvements to enhance the gaming experience.
“Outside of that though the optimization is good and the game has little to no bugs.”
“+ very good performance on my system, ymmv I believe.”
“The developers have noted that performance and improved settings to maintain a good experience are on the way so hopefully the wait will not be very long.”
“As for performance, I did experience some poor FPS and high temperature issues since my PC was trying really hard to run this game at 144 FPS maxed out.”
“The developers have noted that performance and improved settings to maintain a good experience are on the way, so hopefully the wait will not be very long.”
“The idea of getting miniatures out of the loot boxes doesn't seem appropriate, and the rarity of the characters in the current performance seems a bit far-fetched.”
- character development12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by its impressive and varied character designs, which are well-integrated into the lore and storytelling. However, some players express disappointment over the lack of a dedicated story mode and the absence of original narratives from the author Brandon Sanderson, despite the engaging world and character aesthetics. Overall, while the character designs are praised, the depth of character development may not meet all players' expectations.
“The character design and world are great and genuinely interesting.”
“There’s around 40 so far and they all have great lore and character design which fits into the storytelling perfectly.”
“Character designs are quite interesting and varied.”
“I primarily bought it to enjoy playing a Sanderson story. Not only isn't there a story mode, but the audiobooks are written by someone else. It's just the world and maybe character designs that were done by Sanderson... what a disappointment.”
- stability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report a relatively bug-free experience for an early access title, there are notable issues such as a buggy hit chance percentage and freezing in certain modes. Players are encouraged to be patient as the developers work on resolving these bugs.
“Expect your experience to be quite bug-free.”
“Note: it's still in early access, please give them time to work out all the bugs, but overall not that buggy.”
“New patch, percentage hit chance is a bit buggy at the moment.”
“Most early access titles I played were very buggy and often unstable.”
“The PvP battles give a much larger sum of experience than the AI mode, and the cargo mode, which is supposed to give more experience for someone that doesn't like PvP, constantly freezes.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the strategic tension created during close combat, where players must carefully position their units to outmaneuver opponents, fostering a sense of anticipation and investment in each move. This tactical depth enhances the emotional stakes of the gameplay, as players feel the weight of their decisions in the heat of battle.