Of Moons and Mania

About

Of Moons and Mania is a single player action game. It was developed by Absurd Walls and was released on December 16, 2022. It received very positive reviews from players.

Of Moons and Mania is an interactive psychostic break, based on lived experience. It uses elements of its design to explain the struggles of psychosis, and tells a personal story about mental illness.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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94%

Audience ScoreBased on 36 reviews

emotional9 positive mentions

graphics2 negative mentions

The game offers a deeply personal and poignant exploration of mental health, resonating with players who have experienced similar struggles.
It effectively uses interactive dialogue to immerse players in the emotional state of those dealing with mental illness, making it a unique storytelling experience.
Many players found the game to be cathartic and relatable, appreciating its ability to spark important conversations about mental health.

The gameplay is minimal and lacks depth, leading some to question whether it should be classified as a game at all.
The graphics and overall presentation are described as lackluster and reminiscent of outdated web games, which detracts from the experience.
Some players feel that the attempt to address serious mental health issues through this medium is misguided and could potentially be harmful.

story
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The game's story is described as deeply personal and touching, offering a profound exploration of mental illness through an interactive format. While the gameplay may be clunky and not particularly challenging, it effectively supports the storytelling, making the experience worthwhile for those willing to engage with its emotional depth. Overall, it is a short but impactful narrative that resonates with players.
- “A deeply touching story, short but profound.”
- “It's a very touching and personal story, and well worth the hour it takes to play.”
- “of moons and mania tells a profoundly important story that I’d love everyone to experience.”
- “The gameplay did not really support or add to the story in any way and just kind of hindered it, I think.”
- “If you have an hour to burn on being presented with a story of someone who went through something quite intense using a simple game for telling it, do it!”
- “While gameplay is not very challenging and a little clunky at times, it supports the storytelling/pacing quite well.”
emotional
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to address serious issues like mental health, resonating deeply with players through a touching and relatable narrative. Many reviewers found the experience to be an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of profound impact that make the short playtime feel worthwhile. Overall, the game is recommended for those seeking an emotionally engaging experience.
- “A deeply touching story, short but profound.”
- “I would highly recommend this game to anyone who is looking for an emotionally impactful experience.”
- “It's a very touching and personal story, and well worth the hour it takes to play.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
17%
33%
The gameplay has been criticized for being minimal and not effectively contributing to the overall experience, with some reviewers noting it feels more like an afterthought rather than a core element. However, others appreciate how certain mechanics enhance the emotional narrative and provide insight into mental health issues, despite the gameplay being somewhat clunky and lacking challenge. Overall, while the gameplay may not be robust, it serves to support the storytelling in a meaningful way.
- “It's surprising how much this mechanic pulls you into their emotional state throughout the game.”
- “Its various mechanics make for a good explanation of how various mental health issues feel and what it's like.”
- “While gameplay is not very challenging and a little clunky at times, it supports the storytelling and pacing quite well.”
- “What negligible gameplay there is serves only as a flimsy excuse to pass this off as a game when gameplay wasn't the developers' intention... and that's a problem.”
- “The gameplay did not really support or add to the story in any way and just kind of hindered it, I think.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's graphics are criticized for their lackluster minimalist art style, which fails to meet contemporary standards and feels outdated. While acknowledging the effort required for high-quality 3D graphics, reviewers express disappointment in the visual presentation.
- “This game features very lackluster minimalist 'art' for graphics instead of anything remotely contemporary.”
- “Yes, contemporary 3D graphics take a lot of time and effort to create.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in this polished indie title is highly praised, featuring a great soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. With a playtime of just an hour, the compelling audio makes it a worthwhile investment for players.
- “It's a polished indie title with a great soundtrack, and for only an hour to experience the entire thing, it's absolutely worth a play.”