Game: Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows), Xbox and PS4&5)
Developer|Publisher: Bombservice | PLAYISM
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Teen
Price: US $16.99 | UK £14.29 | EU € 16,99
Release Date: February 6th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Stride PR.
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell – A Fond Farewell
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell marks the fifth and final entry in the long-running Momodora series, which first began all the way back in 2010. This latest instalment feels like the culmination of everything the developers have learned over the years, delivering a refined and polished action-adventure experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or completely new to the series, Moonlit Farewell stands as a solid, beautifully crafted adventure with engaging gameplay that’s easy to enjoy.
The Toll of the Bell
You step into the shoes of Momo Reinol, the High Priestess of Koho, a village suddenly besieged by demons after the ominous toll of a cursed bell. But Momo isn’t just a priestess; she’s also a skilled warrior, ready to take up arms and hunt down the bellringer responsible for summoning the demonic horde. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of NPCs, some helpful, some far less so, and slowly uncover the deeper mysteries surrounding the invasion.
If you’re new to Momodora, don’t worry. Moonlit Farewell is structured in a way that allows first-time players to follow along without prior knowledge of the series. The game keeps cutscenes and dialogue concise, allowing players to engage with the lore at their own pace. If you’re interested in the backstory, you can access documents in the game’s menu that provide additional context. This approach strikes a nice balance, catering to both those who just want a great action adventure and those eager to see lingering plot threads from past games resolved.
The Adventure Formula
Moonlit Farewell sticks closely to the tried-and-true action-adventure formula. The 2D world is large, interconnected, and full of secrets, with certain areas inaccessible until you acquire new abilities. If you’ve played other Metroidvania-style games, you’ll likely guess some of the upcoming ability unlocks, sprint, double jump, wall jump, and, you know, the drill.
Boss fights punctuate the adventure, ranging from massive, intimidating creatures to smaller, more agile foes who are just as dangerous. The game actively encourages exploration, rewarding you with stat-boosting collectables like berries and flowers if you venture off the beaten path. The map system even marks unexplored areas and hidden collectables with a “?” icon, making it easier to track down secrets.
That said, exploration isn’t without its frustrations. Backtracking can feel tedious at times, especially when you’re unsure where to go next. The game doesn’t hold your hand with objective markers, so your best bet is to seek out unexplored areas on your map. Since enemies respawn every time you re-enter a room, searching for the next progression point can occasionally feel like a chore.
Combat
Momo’s combat abilities are straightforward but effective. She wields a short-range sword for melee attacks and a long-range bow with unlimited ammo for precision strikes. A dodge roll allows her to evade hazards, and with perfect timing, she gains temporary invincibility, a crucial trick to master in tougher encounters.
Boss fights are a mix of towering monstrosities and fast, aggressive humanoid opponents. Interestingly, I found the latter to be more challenging than the larger bosses, as their speed and unpredictability forced me to stay on my toes. Fortunately, save points are generous, so if you lose a fight, you’re never too far from another attempt. The combat is fluid and rewarding, though the emphasis on dodging over parrying might not click with everyone.
The Sigil System – A Unique Touch
The most unique mechanic in Moonlit Farewell is its Sigil system. These collectable cards act as modifiers, adjusting Momo’s stats and granting her special abilities. You can find them hidden throughout the world or purchase them using shards dropped by defeated enemies.
At first, you can only equip a limited number of Sigils, but more slots unlock over time, allowing you to fine-tune your build. This system provides a nice layer of customization, letting players tailor their playstyle to their preferences. At the same time, it’s streamlined enough that players who just want to enjoy the game without diving into stat optimization can do so.
Additionally, you can find cute little companions to follow you around. They can assist you in your adventure, making the experience feel a lot less lonely.
Difficulty – Play It Your Way
On its default setting, Moonlit Farewell offers a moderate challenge. While boss fights can spike in difficulty, the game also provides multiple difficulty options, including an easier mode with adaptive mode. In this mode, the game grants buffs after repeated defeats, making each retry slightly easier. This ensures that both veterans and more casual players can enjoy the experience at their own pace.
The Best of Pixel Art
One of Moonlit Farewell’s greatest strengths is its stunning pixel art and soundtrack. The series has come a long way visually, and this game represents the pinnacle of the developer’s work in the genre. Sprites are beautifully animated, environments are richly detailed, and the world feels alive with elements like flowing water and lush foliage.
There’s a nice variety of biomes, from eerie, dimly lit caverns to foreboding demonic realms, each with its own unique atmosphere. Enemies are creatively designed, fitting seamlessly into their respective environments without feeling overly grotesque or unsettling,something that makes the game approachable even for younger or more sensitive players.
One small touch I really appreciated was the inclusion of retro sound effects from previous Momodora games, subtly woven into the experience as a nod to longtime fans. It’s little details like this that show how much care and love went into making this final chapter.
Conclusion – The Last Goodbye
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell sends the series off with a well-deserved celebration of everything that makes the franchise great. It doesn’t reinvent the action-adventure formula, but it delivers a highly polished and heartfelt experience that showcases the developer’s years of growth and refinement.
For longtime fans, it’s a fitting farewell. For newcomers, it’s an excellent starting point that may just inspire you to go back and explore the rest of the series. Either way, Moonlit Farewell is a fantastic adventure, one crafted with passion, precision, and a deep love for the genre.
Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot 
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