Rogue-like seems to be a very frequent genre of games I keep stumbling upon. Not to mention there is a lot of 2D Pixel Art that has become quite popular among games of the genre. One of the games I previously reviewed had this formula of a fast-paced Rogue-like game with 2D Pixel art. However, once we get to the core aspects of the game, Moonlighter turns out to be a very different experience than that of Flinthook.
As noted in our previous review, Everyone has done this type of adventure game with a thousand different degrees of pixel art. Some have co-op; others have a top-down view; so on, and so forth. Moonlighter’s special quality is that it incorporates a unique spin on how you get upgrades and craft materials.
Since I played the PC and Switch versions for this review, I find it appropriate to mention some differences between the different console versions. Additionally, I will talk about some of my thoughts regarding the game’s story and gameplay aspects. I will also disclose that I am not going to review the DLC (Between Dimensions) at this time. I want this review to remain pure to the base game before eventually moving to the DLC.
The World of Moonlighter
Moonlighter uses a system where you run a shop by the day and go on a dungeon crawling adventure at night. You explore each of the five dungeons in order to obtain loot and treasures which you can use to upgrade your gear and sell in the shop. In each dungeon is a guardian that must be defeated in order to progress to the next. With each dungeon unlocked, Will gathers more valuable loot to sell and bring in massive profits for him and the town.
The dungeons themselves are like Mystery Dungeons. These dungeons are thematic, randomized, and often respawn to give way for more goodies. However, nobody exactly knows where these dungeons come from or why they are so randomized in-story.
While there is an explanation, it’s hidden away through multiple cryptic notes left behind by other explorers. Of course, this may not mean much to a merchant who just wants to get some loot for his shop. So, whenever you’re done exploring the dungeons, it’s off to sell your treasures to whoever wishes for them. The townsfolk and travelers will certainly make it known if you’re overselling your products.
Some Extras to Shopkeeping
It’s going to be a bit tricky to figure out how the customers react to the pricing. Sell an item at too low of a price and you might lose a lot of potential money, try to do so with a high price and people will not want to purchase any of your items at all.
As such, it’s just easier to consult a guide for some more impatient players. However, I find that the mechanics can be interesting for someone who actually gets invested in the idea of being a store owner. Unfortunately, this can clash for the guy who wants to get a move on and get back to killing enemies and dungeons. While I did get invested into this shopkeeper mechanic, I also didn’t think it was going to be that appealing.
However, since the game’s release, there has been some stuff added which made the shopkeeping a bit better. For example, 11 Bit Studios added a new sort of thief that will go straight for the money in your cash register or the indecisive customers which require your attention for a successful sale. If you don’t want to play the shopkeeping part, you can have an assistant do the whole “Selling stuff” for you and they only take 30% of the revenue.
I believe that people who liked the shopkeeping mechanics would be pleased to come back to this game to find a bit more depth in the mechanics.
The Tough Life of the Merchant
Of course, since this is still a dungeon crawler game, there have been updates for the dungeons. The game added multiple elements that made things more challenging. For example, dungeons now have mini-bosses attached to them. These mini-bosses can give Will a tough time. However, if you learn how to play your cards right, you’ll be able to beat them.
Hidden within the dungeons you will be able to find portals to another realm. These offer a particular challenge that provides better rewards. Additionally, you get a weapon that gets destroyed the second the player leaves the dungeon. I like this because it provides a choice for the player, especially because that particular limited-time weapon can be used to defeat bosses.
What Are the Thoughts Now?
I find that the game is fun in short bursts. The cycle of having to run the shop and constantly getting new items to sell can get quite tedious if it isn’t for the bursts of gameplay. Because of this, I recommend the Nintendo Switch version as it offers the portability for those short bursts.
Unfortunately, the PC version seems to have come across several issues. There were moments where my screen flickered during gameplay. At some points, my graphics driver crashed entirely during a critical moment in gameplay.
Because of this, I will recommend the Switch version over the PC and PS4 versions. The New Game+, the addition of familiars and enhancement Rings, and many other aspects of gameplay also add some value for players. I believe that Moonlighter offers a lot more to do than before, which is a good thing.
Unfortunately, Moonlighter continues to remain grindy; The shopkeeping can get boring because you often have to look at charts to make sure you’re giving the correct prices; the combat can feel clunky with certain weapons. You know, it’s basic shortcomings of a game of its kind. If you are interested in a game like this, I’d say pick it up on the Switch.
What do you think of our Moonlighter Second Opinion? Are you going to get the game on Nintendo Switch, PS4, or PC? Do you find the shopkeeping mechanic in this game interesting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you like the pixel art style? Why don’t you take a look at our Mega Man X retro review? Stay tuned for our review of the Between Dimensions DLC!