Disclaimer: I obtained Arcade Moonlander for free during a giveaway in the lockdown however I don’t do biased reviews.
Arcade Moonlander is an arcade style game where you are a rocket pilot. Your objective is to land your rocket at a designated landing spot that is located somewhere on the map. However, there are numerous obstacles in each level, including meteorites. For many reading this(of a particular generation) the concept will not be particularly new. Primarily because Lunar Lander is the main inspiration for this game. In which you have likeminded objectives as you have to land a Lander onto a landing spot.
Comparing this game to Lunar Lander there is many similarities. Whether that is the games art style to a monochrome style which is the same style Lunar Lander uses. Although I think it is a shame that it has only this style. As I would have liked an option to have a option for coloured graphics. Mainly so that it would look more appealing to many as not everyone will accept the monochrome graphics.
Also when it comes to gameplay both games are very similar. As both games use a standard landscape view and an arrow key based system (if using the default keyboard options). In which you use to move the position of the rocket and to use fuel in order to move. Although the control system used is a fiddly system to use in game. The control system dies have a purpose to provide a challenge. This is evident in the later levels which are very close quarter. This is because you have to keep manoeuvring the spaceship so that it doesn’t crash/fall.
But when it comes to game I feel that there is a wide selection of content on offer. As you get 3 different modes in which you each have a unique way of playing the game. Firstly you have arcade mode which is the bog standard mode. In which you have to locate a landing spot and land to it. This mode is very straight forward and easily understood mode to play on. However there aren’t many levels on offer.
Secondly you have adventure mode in which you have to land on the landing spots. However the map for this mode is much bigger map. This mode uses teleports to provide a sense of progression instead of using different levels. The landing spots also act as a checkpoint. This mode is also much more complex as you have to dodge even more obstacles that come into your path. Unlike other modes there are also multiple routes that can be taken to reach your objective(s).
Lastly you have procedural mode which is procedurally generated levels that are created by the game. This mode provides a limitless amount of levels. In this mode you can do 3 different methods of playing the game. Firstly there is quest mode in which you complete levels. However you have 3 lives and if you lose them or run out of fuel it is game over. Secondly there is a time trial mode which is based on completing levels against the clock. However, if you lose fuel/bump into something once you will have failed. There is practice mode which is playing the levels without any challenges.
Overall I can recommend this game if you are after a retro style game. I would especially recommend this game if you are after a game which provides a similar experience to Lunar Lander. However, due to the repetitive and limited content Arcade Moonlander is best to picked up during a sale.
