Moonlight Pulse

99%
Game Brain Score Based on 81 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Moonlight Pulse Game Cover
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Teamwork matters most in this seamless, fantastical metroidvania within a living, breathing world. Realize each character's true potential to take down an invading force of overwhelmingly powerful parasites.

  • Mac OS
  • Windows
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

99%
Audience ScoreBased on 81 reviews
gameplay9 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Moonlight Pulse features a unique and charming setting inside a giant space turtle, with engaging character interactions and a heartfelt story.
  • The character swapping mechanic is well-implemented, allowing for creative gameplay and problem-solving, with each character having distinct abilities that enhance exploration and combat.
  • The game has polished graphics, tight controls, and a memorable soundtrack, making it a delightful experience for fans of the metroidvania genre.
  • The game is relatively short, with a playtime of around 5-8 hours, which may leave some players wanting more content and exploration opportunities.
  • The fast travel system can be cumbersome, as it only allows for one-way travel through blood vessels, leading to potential frustration when navigating the map.
  • Some players found the character switching to be a bit clunky, especially when managing multiple characters during combat and exploration.
  • gameplay32 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a clever use of character swapping mechanics, which adds depth and variety to combat and exploration, though some players feel certain mechanics are underutilized. The game features creative boss designs and responsive controls, making for an engaging experience, despite its relatively short length. Overall, while opinions vary on the execution of some mechanics, many players appreciate the unique challenges and enjoyable character interactions throughout the game.

    • “I've played a ton of metroidvanias at this point, but this one still managed to surprise me with its clever use of mechanics and really creative boss design.”
    • “The gameplay itself is fun and engaging.”
    • “It makes good use of the character swapping mechanic, and while it can be a bit tricky to get the hang of, especially when you've assembled the full party, it feels great to successfully chain their abilities together to make a jump you weren't sure was possible or exploit the weaknesses of a tough group of enemies.”
    • “The aesthetic is great, but I'm really not enjoying the moment-to-moment gameplay with this one, which sucks considering how much everyone else loves it.”
    • “If I did have one criticism, it's that the game feels a bit too small and short to really leverage how many mechanics and ideas it has, so a lot of them end up feeling underdeveloped.”
    • “I found that the way the blood vessel fast travel mechanic is utilized early on was frustrating.”
  • story26 mentions

    The story of "moonlight pulse" is praised for its engaging narrative and character development, set within a unique premise involving a spacefaring turtle and its caretakers. Players appreciate the depth of the lore, the emotional investment in the characters, and the balance between exploration and storytelling, making it a standout in the metroidvania genre. While some find the story straightforward, it is generally regarded as heartfelt and compelling, with a desire for further expansions or sequels in the same universe.

    • “I want to say, simply, I absolutely adore this game, from the art style, to the characters, to the story itself.”
    • “Unlike most games of this genre, this game has a great story and makes you care for the characters; they have growth to them, and dialogue changes depending on which character you use during interactions.”
    • “The story takes place on and within a gigantic spacefaring turtle, and centers on a group of animals who live there and act as relatively microscopic caretakers, fending off parasites to maintain the literal health of their home, as they discover that it is coming under attack from a fearsome megapredator.”
    • “I don't like that kind of stuff, because storytelling and exploring are much more important to me.”
    • “The lore and backstory of the game is simple and short but still intriguing.”
    • “The story gives you only very broad directions of where to go, and mostly leaves it up to you to explore, but it works out with the compact world size and the clear and easy-to-read in-game map.”
  • graphics11 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming aesthetic and unique art style, which many players find engaging and well-executed. The pixel graphics contribute to a polished overall presentation, complementing the game's strong characters and story. While some players may have mixed feelings about the gameplay, the visual elements consistently receive positive feedback.

    • “What really got me interested is the setting and the art style along with it.”
    • “I want to say, simply, I absolutely adore this game, from the art style, to the characters, to the story itself.”
    • “Gameplay is responsive, graphics are wonderful and I love the bosses.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game has received positive feedback, with many players highlighting memorable tracks, especially during boss fights, and appreciating the moody soundtrack that complements the overall atmosphere. While some found the area music less remarkable, the soundtrack's impact lingered long after gameplay, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing the experience. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its unique setting and emotional depth.

    • “Definitely would love to see a follow-up game from this one or even a prequel, and absolutely would recommend giving it a go (also the music is great, a few very memorable bangers thrown in there).”
    • “And I'm still thinking about the soundtrack and lore like 3 weeks later (lol) wishing we could have a prequel so we can go back [to a certain place] and [change the outcome].”
    • “The normal area music isn't much special, but the boss fights are pretty jammin'!”
    • “Though admittedly I don't always pay much attention to music in games unless there's a pause in the gameplay.”
    • “A metroidvania with a unique setting and moody soundtrack that doesn't overstay its welcome.”
  • character development3 mentions

    The game excels in character development, offering a compelling story and well-designed characters that enhance the metroidvania experience. Players appreciate the engaging and emotional writing, alongside enjoyable gameplay mechanics and level design. Overall, it stands out for its depth in character portrayal and narrative.

    • “This is a rare game that combines great character development with an interesting story in a metroidvania format, and it does it well.”
    • “A smooth and enjoyable game with well-designed characters, a nice story, and engaging level design.”
    • “Fun movement, cute character designs, and engaging, surprisingly emotional writing.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with lengthy exploration hindered by circuitous routes and the absence of fast travel options, making long-distance traversal feel more laborious than typical for this genre.

    • “Firstly, the exploration can be quite tedious at times, more so than this style of game usually is.”
    • “Circuitous routes and no fast travel made long-distance traversal a bit tedious.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Players find the game to be a short yet highly enjoyable experience, with enough replay value to encourage multiple playthroughs. Its brevity enhances its appeal, making it easy for players to return for new saves and fresh fun.

    • “In conclusion, this is a short, but super fun and replayable gem.”
    • “It's a pretty short game, but it has a bit of replay value, and its brevity means I'm more likely to come back to jump into a new save for fun.”
    • “It's a pretty short game, but it has a bit of replay value. Its brevity means I'm more likely to come back and start a new save for fun.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is praised for its tight controls and charming 2D environments, complemented by an engaging soundtrack and a cast of adorable animal characters, creating an enjoyable overall setting.

    • “It's got tight controls, atmospheric 2D locations, and a whole bunch of adorable little animal characters.”
    • “Really enjoyed the overall setting, music, and atmosphere.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The game features engaging and heartfelt writing that, while rooted in the familiar "power of friendship" trope, delivers an emotional experience that resonates with players. The combination of fun movement and cute character designs enhances the overall emotional impact, making it a genuinely nice experience.

    • “Fun movement, cute character designs, engaging and surprisingly emotional writing.”
    • “The game controls well, the boss fights are fun, and the story is your basic 'power of friendship' cliché, but it's heartfelt, earnest, and just nice.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally considered acceptable, but many reviewers feel it lacks finesse and could be improved for a more effective comedic experience.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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