Game: Moons of Darsalon
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows), Xbox and PS4 & PS5)
Developer|Publisher: Dr. Kucho! Games
Age Rating: EU 16 | US everyone 10+
Price: US $17.99 | UK £14.99 | EU € 17,99
Release Date: February 6th, 2025
A review was code provided, and many thanks to JF Games PR
Moons of Darsalon: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Moons of Darsalon is a delightful throwback to the golden age of retro gaming. It blends quirky humor, thoughtful design, and charming sci-fi aesthetics into a uniquely captivating experience. On the surface, it might look like just another platformer, but beneath its nostalgic veneer lies a game packed with depth, creativity, and personality.
Your mission is straightforward yet engaging: guide teams of lost darsanauts to safety across alien moons filled with treacherous terrain, hostile enemies, and environmental hazards. What sets Moons of Darsalon apart is how it cleverly combines fast-paced action, strategic problem-solving, and innovative mechanics, all wrapped in a package that lovingly nods to old-school gaming while embracing modern sensibilities.
Rescue Missions with a Twist
Although the premise sounds simple, Moons of Darsalon is far from simplistic. Guiding darsanauts to safety requires not just platforming skills but also strategic planning and adaptability. The game excels at keeping the experience fresh by introducing new mechanics and environmental challenges throughout its levels.
Some missions allow for a more laid-back approach, giving you time to explore, find survivors, and carefully guide them to safety without much interference. Other levels ramp up the tension, throwing enemies into the mix and forcing you to stay on your toes. This variation keeps the gameplay dynamic, ensuring no two levels feel exactly the same.
What’s particularly clever is the balance between mandatory and optional objectives. While you only need to save a limited number of darsanauts to complete a level, the incentive to return later and rescue everyone adds a layer of replayability and challenge. Whether you’re going for a perfect run or just trying to survive, the game gives you the freedom to play at your own pace.
Tools of the Trade
To tackle the diverse challenges of each level, you’re equipped with an arsenal of tools and gadgets that make exploration and problem-solving incredibly engaging. The ground maker gun is one of the standout mechanics, allowing you to create platforms on the fly to navigate tricky terrain. This tool encourages creative thinking, adding a puzzle-like element to the game.
Other tools include a laser gun for dispatching enemies (or even reshaping terrain), a light gun to illuminate dark areas, and a jetpack for vertical exploration. Vehicles, such as space trucks and dropships, further spice up the gameplay by introducing entirely new mechanics and challenges.
These tools aren’t unlimited, though. Ammo, jetpack fuel, and other resources are finite, adding a layer of resource management to the mix. Carelessly wasting your supplies can leave you stranded, forcing you to rethink your approach. Thankfully, collectables scattered throughout the levels allow you to replenish your meters, encouraging exploration and rewarding careful planning.
The controls, while initially a bit clunky, are ultimately well-suited to the game’s slower, more deliberate pacing. Jumping and movement feel weighty, requiring precise timing and mastery of mechanics like ledge-grabbing. While the learning curve may feel steep at first, it’s immensely satisfying to see your skills improve as you progress.
Leading the Crew
One of the game’s most enjoyable features is the emphasis on leadership. Using the D-pad, you can issue commands to your darsanauts, such as ordering them to follow, stay, or move in a specific direction. General commands are broadcast in a wide area around you, but you can also issue more focused orders by aiming at specific individuals with the thumbstick.
For the most part, the AI is impressively responsive, navigating obstacles and hazards with surprising competence. There’s a genuine thrill in watching your team follow your guidance, especially during chaotic moments filled with enemies and environmental hazards.
However, the AI isn’t flawless. In tight spaces or crowded environments, darsanauts can occasionally get stuck or confused, requiring some quick thinking to rescue them before disaster strikes. These moments, while occasionally frustrating, don’t detract from the overall experience.
Vehicles and Variety
If managing your crew and navigating environmental puzzles weren’t enough, Moons of Darsalon adds vehicles to the mix for even greater variety. Whether piloting a massive space truck or manoeuvring a nimble dropship, these segments introduce new gameplay dynamics that feel both thrilling and rewarding.
Each vehicle handles differently and comes with its own set of challenges, such as sustaining damage if handled too recklessly. These sections not only break up the platforming but also add a layer of excitement that keeps the gameplay from becoming repetitive.
Retro Charm and Humor
What truly sets Moons of Darsalon apart is its personality. The game is brimming with humour, often breaking the fourth wall to poke fun at players, developers, and even its own mechanics. This lighthearted tone adds a sense of playfulness that permeates every aspect of the game, making it a joy to experience.
For fans of retro gaming, Moons of Darsalon is a love letter to the past. From its CRT filter and ZX Spectrum-inspired load screens to its dough-like sprite designs and 8-bit speech synthesis, the game nails the aesthetic of classic titles while still feeling fresh and modern. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, appealing to both longtime gamers and newcomers alike.
Replayable and Rewarding
Each mission offers optional objectives that encourage creative playstyles and add significant replay value. Whether it’s rescuing all survivors, avoiding weapon use entirely, or completing a level within a strict time limit, these challenges push you to experiment with different strategies.
This flexibility is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Whether you prefer a pacifist approach or an all-out assault on enemies, Moons of Darsalon accommodates a variety of playstyles. There’s always something new to discover, making every return trip to the game’s alien moons feel worthwhile.
A Few Rough Edges
While Moons of Darsalon shines in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The AI, while generally reliable, can occasionally falter in tight or chaotic situations, leading to moments of frustration. Similarly, glitches sometimes rear their head, such as enemies spawning in inaccessible locations, effectively blocking progress. In these cases, restarting the level, or even the entire game, is sometimes the only solution.
The controls, while deliberate and ultimately fitting the game’s design philosophy, might feel sluggish to players more accustomed to fast-paced platformers. That said, this slower pacing is a deliberate choice that reinforces the game’s emphasis on strategy and planning.
Conclusion: Fly Me to the Moon
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.
Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot 
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