Maroc - 3RD-STRIKE.COM - A La Une - 25/Mar 00:01

Momodora Moonlit Farewell (Switch) – Review

Momodora Moonlit Farewell is a tantalizing 2D Metroidvania platformer developed by Bombservic that was already available for PC, but is now also available on console. It combines satisfying combat with a generous dose of exploration and rich lore. It’s the fifth installment in the series. Yet, it’s still a great way to get into the series if you’re a newcomer. This game becomes quite addictive right from the start. Saving Koho Village as priestess Momo is a journey that every gamer should take at least once.  Story The story in this game starts out quite simple: demons appear after the Black Bell is stolen, and Momo is sent to investigate. This tale deepens and develops the more Momo advances toward uncovering the myths and history of her world. As you progress through the game, many pieces of a puzzle you wouldn’t expect to be so big start to fall into place. There is a satisfying feeling to unraveling these mysteries you stumble upon. Of course, Momo doesn’t have to save the world all by herself. She has a few friends who pop up here and there to help her out. These secondary characters are surprisingly well-written and have interesting plots of their own, which adds an extra bit of flair to the game. These characters, and how actions can deepen the bond with a select few, strengthen the secondary parts of Momo’s story. Graphics The pixelated visuals in Momodora Moonlit Farewell are mesmerizing. They’re vibrant and wonderful to look at, with a stunning world to explore and interesting character designs. These visuals offer both bright and dark atmospheres. And frankly, they’re just stunning. At times, though, it can feel like there’s a lot going on, especially when there are a lot of enemies in an area, but you’ll get used to that pretty quickly. The enemy design is another plus for the game. There are so many different enemies in each area and they all have a unique look. Each area has different graphical characteristics. For example, Fairy Village is made up of shades of green and yellow and feels more vibrant, while Demon Frontier has a lot of red and dark colors, which makes the place feel deadly. Another little thing worth mentioning here is that Koho Village, Momo’s home village, is full of cats you can pet. That’s a big plus for any game.  Sound The sounds in Momodora Moonlit Farewell are haunting yet charming instrumental melodies that add to the experience. At least this is the case when you actually pay attention to them. There is so much going on in this game that it is easy to overlook – or in this case, overhear – the game’s music. Towards the end of the storyline, however, the music gets better and more exciting as you approach the final boss. It’s hard to miss the melodies in this part of the game. Gameplay In Momodora Moonlit Farewell, you play as Momo, who basically goes on a journey to kick some demon butt, find out who’s summoning these fiends, and save the world. The game follows the typical format of a 2D Metroidvainia game. At the start of Momodora Moonlit Farewell, players are presented with a small tutorial that explains basic gameplay elements such as the importance of Lunar Crystals, how to summon a companion creature to accompany Momo, and how to find and ring a bell shrine to save your progress and replenish your health and magic points. It’s all explained upfront, so you won’t be left wondering what’s used for what as you play. Throughout your journey, you’ll find a number of companions who can travel with you, each with a specific ability that will help you along the way. Some will attack enemies, while others will replenish your magic points. These companions come in handy at times but don’t have much of a function overall. However, it’s cute to have a floating Grimalkin following you around all the time. Momo herself is endowed with the power of a sacred Maple Leaf, which is her primary melee weapon, as well as a bow and arrow to dispatch enemies from afar. Both are easy to use and make combat quick and fulfilling. The fights aren’t too difficult either. Honestly, this level of difficulty is just right to maintain a good pace in each area that Momo visits. You can also dodge most enemies if you’re in a hurry, or if you’re tired of fighting them over and over again as they respawn every time you return to an area. To enhance your gameplay experience, Sigils can be collected throughout the map. They offer new abilities and can be equipped based on your personal play style. As you progress, new sigils will become available for Momo to obtain. The Sigils add a strategic element that makes the game even better than it already is.  In Momodora Moonlit Farewell, you’ll always be counting on the map, because it’s easy to miss something. You’ll want to explore every nook and cranny, as most of them reveal a variety of goodies, such as berries that permanently increase your maximum health or a heavenly lily that boosts Momo’s attack power. One downside that should be mentioned here is that backtracking can become quite annoying, as fast travel isn’t introduced until later in the game. And there is some backtracking to be done, as certain areas will remain off-limits until Momo has acquired the appropriate skill. Conclusion Momodora Moonlit Farewell has its flaws, yes, but they’re nothing compared to how amazing the game is as a whole. It’s fun to play, the visuals are stunning, and even though the gameplay can be a little complex at times, this platformer is a must-play. Whether or not you’ve played any of the previous entries in the series, everyone should play this one. Fall in love with Momo, her friends and allies, and the world they are trying to save.