Moons of Darsalon Reviews
Moons of Darsalon is a lovely action puzzle platformer with a slight bug problem. With that said, it is so unique and so confidently designed that I don't think you should skip it.
As far as retro puzzle/platformers go, Moons of Darsalon is one of the most unique and entertaining I've played in quite some time. It's engaging, it's funny, and it's frustrating in (usually) the most entertaining of ways. The gameplay, graphics, and audio combine to remind us that sci-fi is still allowed to be campy fun. Gil Gerard would be proud.
Moons of Darsalon captures the zany slapstick of older platformers while introducing numerous tools to spice up the action. Though aesthetically beholden to a time and place, this is a worthy interpretation of a forgotten genre.
This retro-inspired game boasts engaging gameplay, quirky humor, and nostalgic visuals that will become a must-play for fans of classic platformers and puzzle games, offering a unique and memorable experience that pays homage to the golden age of gaming while introducing fresh and innovative mechanics that are sure to captivate both new and seasoned players alike.
Moons of Darsalon has some rough edges, but its charm and level design is usually enough to shine through. This is a game that builds upon a lot of old ideas, but manages to make them feel incredibly fresh. While it can trip over itself now and then, the end result is a memorable and fun puzzle experience that feels truly out of time.
Moons of Darsalon has a lot of creative ideas but has too much going against it. The game can be fun, but constantly losing can be discouraging rather than urging you to keep trying. The controls need a lot of refining as they can dampen the experience.
There is some fun to be found in Moons of Darsalon at times, and some of the more balanced levels offer a decent challenge. But too often I found myself cursing at the game for yet again killing me or making me fail more due to the fiddly mechanics than actual game design.
Moons of Darsalon knows exactly what it wants to offer: a modern experience inspired by retro gaming. However, this nature makes it a niche product, not suitable for all players. The high difficulty, unreliable AI, and some technical limits might discourage less patient players. On the other hand, those who love challenges and references to '80s classics will find a small independent gem in this game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Moons of Darsalon is at heart a return to nice gameplay mechanics with escort missions. However the gameplay is just not up to par. More often than not you will fail levels due to the stupid Darsanauts and the finicky commands. A good thing is that the game has a good sense of humour.
Is a product inspired by niche classics itself intended to appeal to a small audience? This is an inevitable rhetorical question that Moons of Darsalon does not shy away from. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. After a long development path, the strategic adventure from Dr. Kucho! Games also arrives on consoles repurposing all the gaming charm of forty years ago (argh), enhanced by modern technologies. It won't be an experience for everyone, that's for sure. But for those who grew up on Lemmings, this could be a very tasty trip down memory lane.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Moons of Darsalon is an interesting puzzle platformer with a whole lot of variety, but issues like the AI art loading screens will be deal breaker for some.
On the surface, Moons of Darsalon looks like it escaped from a time capsule planted in the early 90's. It evokes retro platforming with a challenge often missing in today's games, filling the gap that the likes of Lemmings have fallen into and disappeared. A game brimming with retro charm, it's a great callback to those who ever had a Commodore 64 or a TV heavy enough to anchor cruise ships with.
Despite its excellent aesthetics and sense of humor, and its competent level design full of surprises and challenges, which are generally well-designed, Moons of Darsalon's technical limitations limit it. Perhaps, with enough patches, we'll be able to experience the game as it was intended, but for now, bugs get in the way and hinder progress at various points.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Moons of Darsalon is a standout platformer that masterfully combines retro aesthetics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a generous dose of humour. Its mix of strategic problem-solving, creative tools, and engaging rescue missions make it a joy to play, even when occasional glitches or AI hiccups cause minor frustrations. For fans of retro-inspired games, puzzle platformers, or anyone looking for something truly unique, Moons of Darsalon is a sci-fi gem that deserves a spot in your library. With its charming visuals, witty humour, and rewarding gameplay, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.