To the Moon

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 25,426 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • emotional
To the Moon Game Cover
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"To the Moon" is a narrative-driven game about Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts, who enter the memories of a dying man, Johnny, to fulfill his last wish - to go to the moon. The doctors traverse backwards through Johnny's life, revealing fragments of his past and uncovering the reasons behind his unusual request. Through this emotional journey, players uncover a heartwarming story of love, loss, and unfulfilled dreams.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 25,426 reviews
story10,637 positive mentions
replayability64 negative mentions
  • story22,403 mentions

    The story of *To the Moon* is widely praised for its emotional depth and masterful storytelling, focusing on the poignant journey of two doctors who traverse the memories of a dying man to fulfill his last wish of going to the moon. Players are drawn into a beautifully crafted narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and regret, often leaving them in tears by the end. While the gameplay is minimal and often described as simplistic, the compelling story and evocative soundtrack more than compensate, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences.

    • “If you find yourself with 3-4 hours free and want to experience a really great story, 'To the Moon' is not to be missed.”
    • “The pacing and content of the story, the unconventional method of storytelling, and the music form a beautiful, tear-inducing blend that will stick with you long after playing the game.”
    • “To the Moon is a beautifully crafted emotional story with simple gameplay, touching music, and a narrative that will stay with you long after it's over.”
    • “It has very little player engagement, being a linear story with gameplay essentially amounting to clicking to move characters/progress dialogue to move that story along.”
    • “However, the gameplay itself (and here I'm talking about the square puzzles) is nothing special... it's just an (unnecessary) gimmick for a game that is 100% story.”
    • “The story itself was only decent, as the plot twists were easily foreseeable, and the characters weren't even compelling.”
  • music7,311 mentions

    The music in "To the Moon" is widely praised for its emotional depth and beautiful composition, often described as hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complementing the game's narrative. Many players highlight specific tracks, such as "Everything's Alright" and "For River," as particularly impactful, contributing significantly to the overall experience and emotional resonance of the story. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, enhancing the storytelling and leaving a lasting impression on players long after they finish the game.

    • “The pacing and content of the story, the unconventional method of storytelling, and the music form a beautiful, tear-inducing blend that will stick with you long after playing the game.”
    • “The soundtrack is masterfully crafted to amplify the atmosphere of the game and to keep you hooked for the whole ride.”
    • “The music perfectly complements the storytelling, enhancing every moment.”
    • “Creepy music + sentimental events left me feeling absolutely nothing.”
    • “The music was also very generic keyboard-y piano music throughout, never really tied to a particular scene or emotion, and overall didn't live up to the hype.”
    • “The music is repetitive (even a character in the game mentions it!), but it never gets annoying - quite the opposite, in fact.”
  • emotional7,179 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "To the Moon" is overwhelmingly praised by players, many of whom report being deeply moved to tears throughout the game. Reviewers highlight the game's touching narrative, which explores themes of love, loss, and memory, often describing it as a heartfelt journey that resonates long after completion. The combination of a beautiful soundtrack and well-crafted storytelling enhances the emotional impact, making it a must-play for those seeking a profound and memorable gaming experience.

    • “This was such an emotional and captivating storyline.”
    • “Although I was aware the patient was on his deathbed and this whole game was to fulfill his wish, I still ended up crying after I saw the ending; it was such a wholesome and happy ending.”
    • “To the moon is a beautifully crafted emotional story with simple gameplay, touching music, and a narrative that will stay with you long after it's over.”
    • “It's an interactive boring story, and that's about it.”
    • “Boring story, trash controls, and cheesy writing.”
    • “I went into this game thinking it would be a short, boring story, with very little character development, and content that would not keep me engaged long enough to finish it.”
  • gameplay4,376 mentions

    The gameplay in "To the Moon" is largely minimalistic and simplistic, primarily consisting of point-and-click mechanics, basic exploration, and easy puzzles that serve to advance the story rather than provide a challenge. Many players note that the game feels more like an interactive story or visual novel, with the emotional narrative and soundtrack overshadowing the lack of engaging gameplay elements. While some find the gameplay tedious and repetitive, the heartfelt story and character development are what truly resonate, making it a memorable experience for those who prioritize narrative over mechanics.

    • “A game that tackles your emotions with an interesting story that unfolds throughout the gameplay and that you don't want to put down until you find out what's going on.”
    • “The gameplay revolves around story rather than mechanics, so it's akin to clicking through a story with some puzzles sprinkled on the side.”
    • “To the moon is a beautifully crafted emotional story with simple gameplay, touching music, and a narrative that will stay with you long after it's over.”
    • “It has very little player engagement, being a linear story with gameplay essentially amounting to clicking to move characters/progress dialogue to move that story along.”
    • “However, I had no interest in exploring said story when the actual 'gameplay' is incredibly tedious and repetitive with a frustrating control scheme.”
    • “The gameplay is almost non-existent, and as for the graphics...well there isn't any.”
  • graphics2,440 mentions

    The graphics of "To the Moon" are primarily 16-bit pixel art, which some players find charming and nostalgic, reminiscent of classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger. While many reviews note that the visuals are simplistic and may not appeal to everyone, they argue that the graphics effectively support the game's emotional narrative rather than detract from it. Overall, the consensus is that the story and soundtrack far outweigh any shortcomings in graphical fidelity, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate storytelling over cutting-edge visuals.

    • “The pixel graphics, story, and music made the whole experience tear-jerking and touching.”
    • “The graphics may be old style, but it doesn't bother you to tell the amazing and phenomenal story.”
    • “The graphics are charmingly 16-bit in style and color, and the music is terrific, fitting the story's mood perfectly.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely terrible and I want to wash my eyes.”
    • “The graphics aren't great but it's a 2011 game so... there's also a glitch with whether or not you receive the final achievement but there are guides to bypass this (it takes like 5 extra minutes).”
    • “The graphics are what you'd expect to have seen 15 years ago, but I guess people just call that 'indie' these days.”
  • humor1,658 mentions

    The humor in "To the Moon" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the witty banter and pop culture references between the two main characters, Dr. Watts and Dr. Rosalene, which often provide comic relief amidst the emotional narrative. However, some found the humor to be juvenile or forced, detracting from the overall impact of the story. Despite these criticisms, the game successfully balances humor and heartfelt moments, creating an engaging experience that resonates with players on multiple emotional levels.

    • “The humor adds just the right balance, keeping things light even when things get heavy.”
    • “The story and the hilarious interactions between our main characters make this game worth buying.”
    • “The banter between the two doctors made me laugh.”
    • “It aims to be a heartbreaking game, but the constant unfunny commentary from the two main characters (one of whom makes blatantly sexist remarks to his partner throughout the game) ruins any tension the game would otherwise build.”
    • “The writing was generally just distracting, with unfunny (and at this point dated) humor sprinkled randomly and unsuccessfully at inopportune times throughout the game.”
    • “The banter between the two doctors is painfully unfunny, and even at the story's most emotional (read: manipulative) moments, Dr. Watts still tries (unsuccessfully) to make light of the situation.”
  • atmosphere336 mentions

    The atmosphere of "To the Moon" is widely praised for its emotional depth, beautifully crafted soundtrack, and engaging storytelling, which together create a captivating and immersive experience. Players appreciate how the music enhances the mood, transitioning seamlessly between moments of humor and melancholy, while the pixel art style adds a nostalgic charm. Overall, the game is recognized for its ability to evoke strong feelings and create a memorable atmosphere that resonates long after playing.

    • “The soundtrack is absolutely breathtaking, adding vastly to the atmosphere and feel of the game.”
    • “The atmosphere, the music, and above all; the story create a breathtaking experience.”
    • “The music, the atmosphere, and the story is just such a joy which immerses you into the game.”
    • “I usually love games in this genre, but normally they have some kind of atmosphere that actually helps tell the story instead of hinders the experience.”
    • “The characters, however, are annoying as hell and it really ruins the mood if these two 'doctors' role are to be comedic relief in a 'depressing atmosphere' with the dude acting like he doesn't know anything and the woman being a stuck up know-it-all.”
    • “There are a couple of things which are not fitting into the carefully built-up atmosphere, totally ruining the experience.”
  • replayability205 mentions

    The game "To the Moon" is widely regarded as having very low replayability, primarily due to its linear narrative and lack of gameplay variations. While many players appreciate the emotional depth and storytelling, they note that once the story is experienced, there is little incentive to replay it, making it more akin to a short film than a traditional game. Overall, it is recommended for a single playthrough, especially for those who value narrative over gameplay mechanics.

    • “The replay value and enjoyment here lie not in taking branching paths for multiple endings, but in savoring the story once more.”
    • “This wondrous game has infinite replay value and will stay with you forever :)”
    • “Despite the game being roughly four hours long and having little replay value after you complete the amazingly good story, it is a masterpiece.”
    • “No replay value as there's nothing different to justify replaying it.”
    • “It doesn't have much replayability because of it, but the first playthrough is an amazing emotional experience.”
    • “The game will always be the same, so there's not much replay value to it.”
  • grinding158 mentions

    The aspect of "grinding" in the game is largely criticized for its tedious and repetitive gameplay, with many players expressing frustration over clunky controls and a lack of engaging mechanics. While some appreciate the emotional story, they often find themselves pushing through the monotonous tasks and dialogue, leading to a consensus that the gameplay detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as lacking the depth and excitement typically associated with RPGs, resulting in a tedious journey rather than an enjoyable adventure.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “There aren't big puzzles to solve, perfect reflexes aren't required, and there's no grinding to be done.”
    • “However, I had no interest in exploring said story when the actual gameplay is incredibly tedious and repetitive with a frustrating control scheme.”
    • “The gameplay is just tedious and extremely repetitive.”
    • “The sheer tediousness of playing the game gets in the way of an otherwise good story.”
  • character development81 mentions

    The character development in "To the Moon" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, effectively bringing its cast to life through relatable struggles and genuine interactions. Reviewers highlight the balance of humor, romance, and intrigue within the narrative, which enhances player investment in the characters' journeys. Overall, the game is noted for its masterful storytelling and character arcs that evoke strong emotional responses, making it a standout experience in the indie game landscape.

    • “To the Moon excels in character development, breathing life into its cast of characters with genuine emotions and relatable struggles.”
    • “The storytelling and character development over the course of the story are simply brilliant, making you forget that you're playing a pixelated point-and-click top-down video game.”
    • “The fantastic character development and compelling story make this a truly unique experience.”
    • “Most of the gameplay is walking around and interacting with things hoping to find orbs to break an orb to do a puzzle to get 2 minutes of 'character development' (I use that very loosely) and you do it over again.”
    • “I went into this game thinking it would be a short, boring story, with very little character development, and content that would not keep me engaged long enough to finish it.”
    • “Fantastic idea for a plot device, but where the writing and character development leads you is nothing short of a tragedy and back: you will be crying at least once playing this game and if you don't then you'll be damn close.”
  • stability56 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized for being buggy and clunky, with numerous glitches affecting gameplay, such as imprecise controls and occasional freezing. While some players found these issues frustrating, many noted that they did not significantly detract from the overall experience, often attributing the game's appeal to its compelling story. Overall, while the game has its share of technical problems, they are generally considered minor and manageable.

    • “I experienced no glitches besides the one con that I listed below.”
    • “Gameplay is easy and relaxing, the storyline is awesome, with no glitches or bugs.”
    • “The controls are simple, not buggy or broken.”
    • “There is no excuse for having such buggy and clunky controls even in a game from 2011.”
    • “The game is bug-ridden and generally unpolished.”
    • “Good story and music, but disappointing control with game-breaking glitches.”
  • optimization20 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering framerates, lag, and poor controls, particularly on modern hardware. While the storytelling and overall narrative are praised, the technical shortcomings detract from the experience, indicating that the game is not well-optimized for current systems. Players have noted that adjustments, like switching input methods, can alleviate some issues, but overall, the game feels unpolished and lacking in optimization.

    • “It may not be fully polished or optimized, but I can still say this game is a masterpiece story-wise.”
    • “Doesn't run too well on my machine for some reason, but for a game like this, performance is not that much of an issue.”
    • “Poorly optimized game, but superb story.”
    • “One of the introductory character's dialogues presents in such a stuttering manner it seems deliberate, but it mostly serves to annoy.”
    • “There's something technically wrong with the game; the framerate is a stuttering mess and I'm not motivated enough to find out why.”
    • “Aside from that, the graphics seem like it was made with RPG Maker and the game is far from optimized for running on my semi-modern hardware.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, with no microtransactions or in-game purchases reported, which players appreciate. However, some users express frustration over misleading claims about full controller support, likening the game's presentation to a soulless corporate advertisement.

    • “In-game purchases: ❌ not that I know of”
    • “Microtransactions / DLC policy: ☑️ no microtransactions, thank you!”
    • “It feels like something a soulless corporation would make for a sad pandemic advertisement.”
    • “I would give this game a paper bunny out of ten; I cried almost as much as I do at Thai insurance company ads.”
    • “None of this would be a problem if the game wasn't advertising full controller support, but it is, so I gotta complain.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

Buy To the Moon

Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
4hMain story
5hCompletionist
4-5hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 118 analyzed playthroughs

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