MOONLIGHTER Review for Xbox One

Anyone up for some dungeon diving and money making? Moonlighter by developer Digital Sun and published by 11 bit studios sends you into multiple dungeons (five total) to raid and loot. Moonlighter is a rogue-lite action RPG where you loot dungeons then sell the loot at your shop. Meaning, you play as both the hero and the merchant.

The main character of the game is Will. He’s a young adventurer and merchant that runs his late father’s shop called Moonlighter in a town named Rynoka. With the dungeons closed, Rynoka’s economy fell because it relied on the dungeon’s resources. As you unlock more dungeons, it not only makes you more money at the shop, but also makes the town (and yourself) more popular.

The dungeons themselves are beautifully made and their monsters reflects the type of dungeon you’re in. They have a unique look that makes each one feel different and exciting. The third level has the best loot, which creates some added excitement when you’re able to do battle against the monsters in there.

There’s also a healing pool on every level. When you’re in need of healing this room helps out a bunch (it saved me quite a few times). However, the healing pools only regenerates a certain amount of health, so don’t forget your potions!

The mechanics of the bag are creative and interesting. You can carry 20 items, and some of these items have to be placed in certain spots in your bag.

There are also items that you use in the dungeon. One of these is a pendant to get you out of the dungeon for a small fee (this saved me multiple times when the unkillable dungeon monster chased after me). A mirror to sell extra items, but it’s for a fraction of what you would sell them at your shop. There’s also an emblem. This opens a portal for a large amount of money, but you’re able to go back to the same place you used it (this made me excited because I could continuously go back to the third floor!)

There are three different sets of pretty cool looking armor sets: light, medium, and heavy. Light armor increases your speed, medium armor keeps it the same, and heavy armor decreases your speed. However, medium and heavy armor do give you a bigger health boost.

There are five fun and unique weapons to use in the game. Each gives you an engaging play style to combat your dungeon foes, and makes you feel like a different type of hero.

One is a sword and shield. The shield helps repel attacks and it’s a close-range weapon. Another weapon is the big sword. The big sword does the most DPS, but it’s slow. However, when I learned how to time my attacks it became a deadly weapon to use.

There is also the spear. It gives you a little more range with your attacks so that you don’t have to be as close to the enemy as with a sword or gloves.

The fourth weapon is called gloves. This is another close ranged weapon where you fight with a series of deadly and rhythmic punches. There is also the bow and arrow. It does the least amount of damage, but it has the most amount of range.

Each weapon made me feel like a badass and they look badass too. They all also have a special attack, except for the sword and shield which has a special defense. All of these weapons have two impressive trees. One is a high DPS tree and the other is an elemental tree. I released my inner pyromaniac when I got to the fire element.

Overall, the combat is easy to pick up and they are all well balanced. Whichever weapon or tree you use is up to your own personal preferences.

You can upgrade the town by investing in other shops. Each shop does something different and is helpful in their own way. What’s awesome about this game is that you don’t need to be carrying the items in your bag when crafting. The worry of having to go from your chest to the store repeatedly is gone!

Vulcan’s Forge (blacksmith) makes and upgrades your armor and weapons.

The Wooden Hat is a shop that sells you healing potions and enchantments to help upgrade your weapons and armor. Hawker sells you items that help you with the décor of your shop. Each of his items he sells helps improve your store in different ways.

The Banker helps make you make more money by investing it.

Le Retailer is a rival shop that sells items from the dungeons just like you. If you’re after a certain item they will sell it to you. But it’s expensive.

You can also upgrade your own shop and make it bigger and better. This helps you sell more items at once and each upgrade gives you more chests for storage (yes!) But watch out for thieves! The bigger your store becomes, the more people that want to steal from you.

There are also four upgrades that improves specific parts of your store. A Cheap Sale Box, Cash Register, Bed, and Chest.

However, the town is not as engaging as the dungeons. This is where I think they could’ve added more story elements and character to NPC connections in the game. This would’ve made me feel more connected to the town. Its purpose is getting you ready to face the challenges within each of the dungeons.

Moonlighter is a fantastic game to relax and play. The graphics are dazzling and the game itself is superb. If you want the game to be more intense rather than relaxing, it does have harder difficulties. While the town could be more engaging, the game does an amazing job with the quality of life and the dungeons.

7.5/10

Watch the Moonlighter OST Village of Rynoka Trailer:

Moonlighter is available on Xbox One, PS4, PC, and will soon be on the Switch

Samer Alrayes

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I have always loved playing video games. As a writer, I see them as interactive stories. Just like with books and movies/television, people can become so immersed in a completely different world. I play a wide range of games like: Stardew Valley, The Witcher, Fortnite, and Destiny. I'm just a graduate student that writes stories and plays video games.

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