Moonlighter for Switch Reviews

Moonlighter game board

Moonlighter, developed by Digital Sun, is a unique indie game that easily combines an exciting journey through dungeons with the responsibilities of running a store. Originally released in 2018, the game was released on Nintendo Switch, inviting players to embark on an adventurous journey while running a bustling business.

With charming pixel art, engaging gameplay, and the perfect blend of exploration and entrepreneurship, Moonlighter has gained significant acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Dive into the World of Moonlighter 

The story of Moonlighter revolves around Will, a young merchant who dreams of becoming a hero. In the quaint village of Rhinocca, Will’s store serves as a gateway to mysterious dungeons that have suddenly appeared nearby. Players will guide Will as he delves into these treacherous realms, battling terrifying creatures, discovering ancient artifacts, and collecting valuable loot.

Gameplay in Moonlighter is divided into two main parts^

  • passing dungeons;
  • store management.

 Dungeons are procedurally generated, so each playthrough will be fresh and unpredictable. Battles are fun, with a variety of weapons, abilities, and strategies at your disposal. You will face difficult enemies and powerful bosses that require quick reflexes and smart decision making.

After successfully completing the dungeon it’s time to return to your store in the Marketplace. Here you can place items, set prices, and interact with the colorful characters who visit your store. The store management aspect is an exciting cycle of supply and demand as you strive to find the right balance between profit and customer satisfaction. It’s a delightful blend of commerce and adventure that will keep players engrossed for hours.

Charming Visuals and Captivating Soundtrack

example of Moonlighter graphics

Charming visuals and a fascinating soundtrack (200 words):

Moonlighter’s pixel art style is simply captivating. Every character, enemy and object is beautifully drawn, conveying a nostalgic essence while adding its own unique twist:

  • The animation is fluid and evocative, breathing life into the game’s charming world;
  • Each dungeon has its own distinct visual theme, creating a sense of wonder as you move deeper into the unknown;
  • Complementing the visuals of Moonlighter is a captivating soundtrack that further immerses players in the enchanting atmosphere;
  • The music easily adapts to different situations, from calm moments of exploration to adrenaline-pumping battles with formidable enemies.

The sound effects are also well designed, which enhances the overall impression and gives the game an extra gloss.

A Perfect Fit for the Nintendo Switch

Moonlighter feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The portability of the console allows players to enjoy the game on the go, making it ideal for quickly traversing dungeons or managing the store while commuting to work. Controls are intuitive, with both a touch screen and traditional controller available, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience regardless of your preference.

The game also supports local multiplayer on Switch, allowing you to team up with a friend and explore dungeons together. This cooperative mode adds an extra level of excitement and camaraderie to an already addictive gameplay experience.

Pre-shop shuffle Moonlighter

In Moonlighter, “rearranging before the store” is the term used to describe the process of rearranging and ordering merchandise before opening the store to customers. This critical step maximizes profits and customer satisfaction. Below is a description of the process of rearranging merchandise before a store opening and some tips on how to make it as effective as possible:

  1. Sort and Categorize: Start by sorting your inventory and categorize items based on their type or rarity. This makes it easier to find specific items when customers request them and helps set prices accordingly.
  2. Pricing Strategy: Determine a pricing strategy that takes into account rarity, demand, and competition. Experiment with different price points to find the one that brings in the most revenue while still satisfying customers. Remember that prices that are too high can discourage sales and prices that are too low can leave money on the table.
  3. Showcase design: Plan an attractive display case to effectively showcase your products. Arrange them in a visually appealing manner, using different types of stands and shelves. Consider placing eye-catching or high-value merchandise at the front to catch customers’ attention.
  4. Product placement: Strategically place products based on their popularity and demand. Place frequently requested items near the entrance for easy access. Group related items together to encourage shoppers to make additional purchases.
  5. Special offers and promotions: To attract shoppers, offer special offers or promotions. Group items together or provide discounts on specific items to encourage repeat purchases. Keep cost and profit margins in mind when running promotions.
  6. Replenishment: Make sure you have enough inventory of popular items to meet customer demand. Keep track of your inventory levels and replenish them before they run out. Avoid overstocking on less popular items, so you do not tie up funds on items that do not sell well.
  7. Customer Preferences: Pay attention to customer feedback and preferences. Monitor their reactions to prices, product placement, and promotions. Adjust store design and pricing based on customer reactions to optimize sales.
  8. Experiment and Repeat: Pre-store agitation is not a one-time task. Constantly experiment with different strategies, layouts and pricing to find what works best for your store. Monitor sales and customer feedback and adjust your approach accordingly.

By taking the time and effort to prepare your store in advance, you can create an attractive and profitable shopping experience for your customers at Moonlighter. Remember to balance pricing, product placement and customer preferences to maximize sales and customer satisfaction. Happy sales!

How many hours of gameplay is Moonlighter?

The length of gameplay in Moonlighter can vary depending on several factors, such as play style, explorer habit, and familiarity with game mechanics. On average, the Moonlighter main story campaign can take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours to complete:

  • The game consists of several dungeons, each with its own set of enemies, puzzles and bosses. The time required to complete each dungeon can vary depending on the player’s skill level and experience. In addition, the store management and economic aspect of the game can also take up a significant portion of the gameplay time.
  • Furthermore, Moonlighter offers replayability in New Game Plus mode, which allows players to replay the game at an increased level of difficulty while retaining their progress and gear. Exploring higher difficulty levels and aiming for a 100% completion can increase overall game time compared to the first playthrough.
  • It’s worth noting that Moonlighter gameplay can be highly addictive and addictive, often forcing players to spend extra time exploring dungeons, improving gear, and maximizing profits in the store. Therefore, while the main story campaign can be completed in a moderate amount of time, players can spend extra hours to fully experience its depth and enjoy the various gameplay elements.
  • Additionally, Moonlighter offers replayability thanks to New Game Plus mode, which allows players to replay the game with increased difficulty while retaining their progress and gear. Participating in New Game Plus and aiming for 100% completion, including unlocking all achievements or completing all additional quests, can extend overall game time.
  • It is important to note that individual play time can vary, as some players may spend more time exploring dungeons, managing the store or searching for additional content. Moonlighter offers a combination of action, exploration and store management, allowing players to choose their own pace and style of play.

Ultimately, Moonlighter’s playthrough time can range from 15 to 20 hours for the main story campaign, but the overall duration can be extended depending on individual choices and game goals.

Is Moonlighter a roguelike?

Moonlighter includes roguelike elements, but is not considered a strictly roguelike game. It features procedural dungeon generation, where the layout of the dungeon and the location of the enemies change with each playthrough. This adds replayability and unpredictability to the gameplay:

  • However, Moonlighter also incorporates other genres and game mechanics, such as store management and economic modeling. The game is divided into two main aspects: exploring dungeons and battling enemies, and managing the store where you sell collected items. The store management component brings a unique twist to the traditional roguelike formula as you balance adventure and successful business;
  • Unlike traditional roguelike games, Moonlighter offers a sense of progression beyond individual quests. As you collect loot, you can use it to improve weapons, armor, and abilities, allowing you to become more powerful over time;
  • The game also features checkpoints in dungeons, giving you the ability to save your progress and continue from a certain point if you die.

Overall, Moonlighter combines roguelike elements with other game mechanics to create a distinctive experience that combines dungeon completion, trading and character development. The game offers a unique blend of genres that sets it apart from traditional roguelike games, but provides a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.

Is Moonlighter a story game?

Moonlighter includes narrative elements, but it is not primarily focused on narrative gameplay. Although the game has a storyline, its main focus is on gameplay mechanics and the combination of dungeon play and store management.

The game’s narrative revolves around the protagonist, Will, a young merchant who dreams of becoming a hero. As Will ventures into the mysterious dungeons that have appeared near his village, players discover the secrets of these dungeons and the world of Moonlighter. The story unfolds through dialogues with NPCs, item descriptions, and episodic scenes.

However, the narrative in Moonlighter is not as prominent or extensive as in other narrative-driven games. The focus is on gameplay: exploring dungeons, battling enemies, collecting loot, and managing the store. The story serves as a backdrop to provide context and motivation for the game mechanics, but it does not define the main experience of the game.

Nevertheless, the game offers several intriguing story and world-building elements that can be uncovered as players explore and interact with the characters. Players can piece together the history and mythology of Moonlighter, adding depth to the game’s universe.

Although Moonlighter has a story, it is not the central aspect of the game. It is more accurate to describe Moonlighter as a gameplay experience that includes light narrative elements to enhance the overall experience, rather than a game primarily focused on narrative.

What’s the difference between Moonlighter and Moonlighter complete edition?

MoonlighterMoonlighter Complete Edition
ContentBase gameBase game + All DLCs
Dungeon DLCsNot includedIncludes “Between Dimensions” DLC
Additional ItemsLimited selectionExpanded inventory and additional items
New WeaponsLimited selectionAdditional weapons and equipment
New EnemiesLimited varietyNew enemy types and encounters
New BossesLimited varietyNew challenging boss battles
Quality of Life ImprovementsLimitedEnhanced user interface, bug fixes, and optimizations
PriceLower priceHigher price due to added content

Moonlighter Complete Edition includes all of the DLC, particularly the “Between Dimensions” expansion, which introduces a new interdimensional dungeon, additional enemies, bosses, weapons, and items. This edition offers an enhanced gameplay experience beyond the base game.

In addition, the Complete Edition includes quality-of-life improvements such as an improved user interface, bug fixes and optimizations that have been implemented to improve the overall gameplay experience.

While Moonlighter provides satisfying gameplay on its own, the Complete Edition offers additional content and improvements that enrich the game world, increase variety, and extend the overall gameplay experience.

It is important to note that the availability and specific content of the different editions may vary from platform to platform and region to region, so it is always recommended that you consult official sources or stores for the most accurate information about the versions available to you.

Moonlighter price

PlatformPrice (USD)
Steam (PC)$19.99
Nintendo Switch$24.99
PlayStation 4$19.99
Xbox One$19.99

Please note that these prices are approximate and are subject to change. It is always better to check official store websites or verified retailers for the latest and most accurate price information.

In addition, it is worth noting that Moonlighter has been available for some time, and the game can be found at discounted prices during sales or as part of various package deals. So keep an eye out for offers to be able to buy the game at a lower price.

Conclusions

Moonlighter for Switch offers a unique and engaging experience that seamlessly combines dungeon and store mechanics. With charming pixel art, engaging gameplay, and a memorable soundtrack, the game draws players in for hours. If you like intense battles, strategic pricing, or exploration, Moonlighter offers it all with style.

If you like indie games that offer a refreshing twist on established genres, Moonlighter is a must-play. Its seamless integration with the Nintendo Switch makes it perfect for both long play sessions and quick playthroughs. So grab your sword, hone your merchant skills, and embark on a thrilling adventure into the mesmerizing world of Moonlighter.

Moonlighter for Nintendo Switch is a fascinating and unique gameplay experience that seamlessly combines thrilling dungeons and engaging control of your own store. Charming visuals and a captivating soundtrack create an enchanting atmosphere that enhances gameplay and immerses players in the world of Moonlighter.

The game’s pixel-art style is visually stunning, and the attention to detail in character design and environment creation is commendable. The animation is fluid and evocative, adding life to the game world. Combined with the mesmerizing soundtrack, Moonlighter is a feast for the senses, enhancing overall gameplay enjoyment.

Pre-Shop Shuffle mechanics add depth and strategy to the game, allowing players to optimize store layout, product placement, and pricing to maximize profit and customer satisfaction. The balance between dungeon progression and store management creates a unique gameplay loop that keeps players engaged and interested in their success as both hero and merchant.

Although Moonlighter does not have a broad narrative, its story elements and story give depth to the world and provide context to the gameplay. The game strikes a delicate balance between exploration, combat, and economic modeling, offering a satisfying and immersive experience that can keep players entertained for hours.

With seamless integration on the Nintendo Switch, Moonlighter is ideal for both long gaming sessions and quick play on the go. Thrilling gameplay, charming visuals, and a captivating soundtrack make this one of the most popular games on the platform.

As a result, Moonlighter is a must-play game for fans of RPGs with action, dungeon and simulation elements. The unique combination of genres combined with delightful visuals and an enchanting soundtrack creates an unforgettable gaming experience. So grab your sword, hone your skills as a merchant, and embark on an exciting adventure in the world of Moonlighter.