Moons Of Darsalon

The 2D shooter genre has been around for about as long as any kind of semi-modern gaming system. The idea of running across a side-scrolling map and shooting everything in sight is a tried and tested video game loop. In Dr. Kucho! Games new release, Moons Of Darsalon, we get something that looks very familiar indeed. At the same time, though, this new release – available in demo format just now – might just enough unicity to keep it fresh enough for players to keep enjoying for longer.

In this clearly retro-inspired platformer, you work through a series of missions to save your colleagues and get them back to base. You fight through enemies with your laser rifle and your jetpack, and the ability to destroy terrain can create exciting new paths to get through levels. Much of this has been done before, but does Moons Of Darsalon do enough to make it stay interesting?

An intriguing take on a proven formula

One thing to note about Moons Of Darsalon is that it does not really stray too far from a formula that was perfected long ago. While it lacks the character class swapping, it probably has a pace that could be compared to something like Broforce. This game does, though, contain some intriguing Lemmings-like puzzle elements that should definitely keep you playing for longer.

You need to be smart as you try and get your colleagues back to base without seeing them die. You need to be forward thinking and ambitious, and you need to take positive risks. You will no doubt fall into some frustrating periods as you play this, though, as like Lemmings it has a habit of watching the AI fail you in ways that you cannot really pre-empt. Generally, though, the moment to moment gameplay available in the demo feels really good to work through.

An excellent start for a potential classic (8/10)

What the demo of Moons Of Darsalon shows is a game that really knows how to make things challenging yet rewarding. The use of environmental destruction is really useful and it can make it pretty easy for you to get creative with how you get people through the levels. You also need to be on the lookout for enemies and obstacles, so that you can avoid your colleagues from being taken out before you get them home.

The game has a solid AI system in place, though there are obviously times when the AI will make simply inexplicable decisions. While the platformer AI is much better than you might find in some games, there is still much work to be done to get it as smooth as the developers intend.

Pros

• Interesting gameplay loop that makes use of a solid AI system to avoid frustration
• Authentic physics engine ensures that items and people move as you would expect
• Fun and frustrating in equal measure, ensuring you want to keep coming back for more

Cons

• Concerns it could lack depth as you move through the full release title levels