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"Mothlight" is an RPG set in a unique world composed entirely of Dreg Ore, a pure metal formed from human bodies melted in the black sea. Players explore this world, gear up, and fight bizarre bosses while thriving in civilization built on Dreg Ore continents. The story revolves around Neethan threatening Augus amidst the game's harsh time.

Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot
Mothlight screenshot

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 331 reviews
story89 positive mentions
grinding8 negative mentions

  • Mothlight features a captivating and unique story that draws players in, with themes of mental health and cosmic horror that resonate deeply.
  • The art style is distinctive and charming, combining hand-drawn elements with pixel art, creating a visually engaging experience.
  • The soundtrack is exceptional, enhancing the atmosphere of the game and complementing the eerie and unsettling tone.
  • The gameplay can feel overly simplistic and easy, with many players finding combat to lack challenge and depth.
  • Some players experienced issues with the user interface, particularly with character sprites blocking important stats during battles.
  • The game can be confusing at times, with unclear directions leading to aimless wandering and difficulty in progressing through the story.
  • story
    173 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Mothlight" is a compelling blend of dark themes and abstract storytelling, centered around Enzo, a feline character navigating a haunting world filled with eldritch horror and emotional depth. While some reviewers noted its linearity and occasional generic elements, many praised its unique narrative, captivating characters, and immersive atmosphere, enhanced by a striking art style and an evocative soundtrack. Overall, the game is recognized as a hidden gem for those who appreciate rich storytelling in indie RPGs, despite its simplistic gameplay mechanics.

    • “Mothlight is a great little RPG, a mood piece with a well-written story and captivating world.”
    • “The story is so intricate and beautifully written and executed.”
    • “The characters, the world-building, the lore behind it all, the story, etc. is all just beyond awesome.”
    • “Who would've guessed the combination of an eldritch horror story, an indie RPG, and horrific imagery would be so... underwhelming?”
    • “And while I'm being honest, the entire plot and general concept of the game is just sort of glue/duct-taped together.”
    • “Story is convoluted, nonsensical, and emotionless.”
  • music
    124 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising its unique and atmospheric qualities that enhance the overall experience. While some tracks are described as fantastic and fitting for the game's eerie setting, others are noted to be grating or not to everyone's taste. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive storytelling and emotional depth.

    • “The uniqueness of the creatures and horrors in this game along with the soundtrack being something new to me led the whole game to be an overall amazing experience.”
    • “The music, that's another part which I honestly enjoy; it brings that sense of thrill, the action of how combat and scenery unfolds, the music practically breathes life into the game and it does it pretty well at that.”
    • “The soundtrack (which has 3 hours of music) is filled with bizarre melancholic sounds from experimental post/math-rock to melodically strong or confused rock pieces; it was super atmospheric and my ears loved it.”
    • “Lastly, I highly recommend turning down the volume; there are some really bad songs and sound effects that get grating very fast.”
    • “Now for the music... it's not at all bad, but it isn't great.”
    • “Mothlight also suffers from quite strange music that sometimes didn't fit the theme of the world.”
  • graphics
    89 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their unique and captivating art style, often compared to titles like "Undertale" and "Off." Players appreciate the hand-drawn aesthetic, which effectively complements the game's dark themes and engaging story, although some note that the overworld graphics can be basic. Overall, the visuals, combined with a strong soundtrack, create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the gaming experience.

    • “The art style and eldritch-inspired designs for the apostles absolutely captivated me, not to mention the amazing soundtrack and story.”
    • “The soundtrack, visuals, and ideas were all so unique and stylish; really fantastic work on this, and I wish more devs would take the plunge to make unconventional heartfelt creations like this most obviously was!”
    • “I absolutely love the art style and the fact that it's hand-drawn and how grotesque everything is, along with the fact that the artist turned his fears and problems into something beautiful.”
    • “This game has graphics, alright!”
    • “Paint art style money can buy.”
    • “The overworld graphics are rather basic and unassuming for the most part, but the visuals truly come to life in combat.”
  • gameplay
    57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this RPG Maker game is generally considered standard and simplistic, often overshadowed by its engaging story and unique art style. While some players appreciate the straightforward mechanics and the ability to skip battles, many find the combat tedious and lacking in depth, with minimal strategic challenge. Overall, the game is recommended for those who prioritize narrative and aesthetics over gameplay complexity.

    • “Borrowing itemization and mechanics similar to Dark Souls, you venture through different 'zones' with the colorful and simple environments contrasting the black and white hand-drawn style of the various creatures and characters you will encounter.”
    • “It was entertaining, the art is stunning, the soundtrack is fitting, the gameplay is fun, and the storyline is captivating.”
    • “The gameplay was enjoyable, and the battle system runs relatively smoothly and wasn't too repetitive.”
    • “Beyond that, the gameplay is just abysmally bad, and while most people aren't playing this for the gameplay, I think the creator tried too hard to avoid commenting on it.”
    • “That being said, the gameplay is by far the weakest part of this game.”
    • “The gameplay is fairly bland, but no grinding is required and most combat sequences are outright skippable if you don't feel like playing too much of the turn-based gameplay.”
  • atmosphere
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its compelling and immersive qualities, blending unsettling art styles, engaging soundtracks, and rich lore to create a unique experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a Lovecraftian vibe, filled with dread and intrigue, although some note that the atmosphere can wane in certain areas. Overall, the combination of visual and auditory elements significantly enhances the game's tone and player engagement.

    • “I really liked the writing and tone of the game, and it was only amplified by both the art, music, and atmosphere.”
    • “But the story is engaging and easy to follow, the worldbuilding really draws you in, and the atmosphere is amazing - both the art style of the characters and the awesome noise rock & acoustic soundtrack really give the game the kick it needs.”
    • “On that note, the second I left the first area, I found that the atmosphere was basically dead.”
    • “Mothlight started out strong for me with its unsettling atmosphere.”
    • “The sound design and music were in accord with the atmosphere of the game and you could really feel that time was spent on building that link between the sound design and environments.”
  • grinding
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal, with many noting that it avoids the typical grind associated with RPGs. While some battles can feel tedious and repetitive, especially with easy bosses, the lack of required grinding and the option to skip combat sequences are seen as positive features. The game offers a streamlined experience with little need for leveling up or excessive enemy encounters, making it accessible for those who prefer a less grind-heavy gameplay.

    • “I'm really glad it isn't grindy; the most grinding there is involves killing enemies in the Augus fields for coins.”
    • “There's little to no grinding, no leveling up, battles don't overstay, and while they happen, they're accompanied by great music.”
    • “There's no grinding aspect, which is one thing that I was expecting.”
    • “The pacing gets a bit tedious later on with battles having stronger enemies and the slow animation transitions not helping this very well, but the story mitigates this with its strong telling.”
    • “Despite the really good visuals, the gameplay isn't very fun (the final boss battle is especially tedious in that I was just hitting the enter key over and over) and a lot of the bosses were extremely easy to take down (Idris' berserker move basically kills all bosses in like 3 turns); the explanation of mechanics is really lacking.”
    • “The only downside is that you have to save over and over, going back to checkpoints every time you make any progress, because if you die without saving, you'll have to do everything all over again, which gets pretty tedious.”
  • emotional
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting its unique blend of dark themes, heart-wrenching character moments, and a captivating soundtrack. The art style and animations contribute to a profound sense of attachment, with many reviewers noting the game's ability to evoke feelings of sadness and nostalgia, reminiscent of other emotionally impactful titles. Overall, the game is praised for its unconventional storytelling and the emotional weight it carries, leaving a lasting impression on players.

    • “The soundtrack, visuals, and ideas were all so unique and stylish; really fantastic work on this, and I wish more developers would take the plunge to make unconventional heartfelt creations like this one!”
    • “I adored the dark themes and art direction, complete with emotional character moments, some of them heartbreaking.”
    • “The hand-drawn sprites, the little custom animations in every skill, and to a bigger extent the music, made me feel that this game had a soul.”
  • character development
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is noted for its unique and visually appealing designs, capturing a surreal and eerie aesthetic. However, some reviewers point out issues with pacing and coherence in character arcs, suggesting that the development may not always align logically with the narrative. Overall, while the character designs are praised, the depth and execution of character development could benefit from refinement.

    • “The character designs and designs for the monsters are fun, eerie, and twisted.”
    • “Character design is fantastic and captures the sort of surrealist monstrosities the enemies (and allies) are well, both in overworld sprites and battle sprites.”
    • “This game has such great lore and characters, even character design!”
    • “Mothlight also has some noticeable jank in pacing and execution, with backtracks in some parts and character development that doesn't really make sense sometimes.”
  • humor
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's humor is noted for its unexpected juxtaposition with darker themes, providing a unique and enjoyable contrast that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the clever use of comedic elements, such as quirky sound effects and whimsical spells, which contribute to the game's charm and visual appeal. Overall, the humor is described as distinctive and endearing, adding depth to the game's world-building.

    • “The themes addressed in the game are far darker than I expected, but I appreciated the world-building and the humor.”
    • “Great visuals, soundtrack, and funny.”
    • “What stands out for me is the art style and a sense of humor I can't quite put my finger on but loved, pug party spell though, pug party.”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game suffers from numerous glitches and bugs, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the combat system is described as simplistic and becomes increasingly easy in later stages.

    • “There are some odd glitches, and the combat is as primitive as it is easy (especially at later stages).”
    • “It is very buggy.”

Buy Mothlight

4h Median play time
4h Average play time
4-5h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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