Moonlighter Reviews

Moonlighter is ranked in the 86th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Renan Fontes
Top Critic
9 / 10
Dec 26, 2018

In spite of an ending that arrives too soon, Moonlighter manages to offer an engaging balance of commerce and action up to the very end. There is a natural rhythm to opening the titular shop during the day only to dungeon crawl once night falls. Progression is constant, emphasizing a design philosophy that prioritizes a lack of wasted time above all else. From enhancing weapons to upgrading Rynoka, every piece of gold Will spends is in benefit to not only the player, but also the flow of it all. With surprisingly tight combat and an economy influenced exclusively by the protagonist himself, this is one of the most endearingly creative takes on action-RPGs this generation.

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9 / 10
Jun 14, 2018

Moonlighter was a joy of feverish repetition that somehow kept itself feeling fresh the whole 15 hours I spent with it.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2018

Moonlighter turns a boring chore into innovative gameplay. Its concept is unique, and it deals with overcoming in its most varied senses. Its flaws, such as the unbalanced bosses, are too small and can be easily ignored. It's a charismatic adventure that you have to try for yourself.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Nov 20, 2018

Moonlighter creates an excellent dungeon-crawling experience for fans of the genre. It combines rogue-lite elements with procedurally generated dungeons to create an adventure that's packed with surprises. Collecting loot to sell in the store adds a new side to dungeon-crawling experience that we don't often see. Selling in the store is multi-dimensional, as we must take supply and demand into consideration. Sometimes by trial and error, we learn the true value of things to assist us in our progression. Progression can be slow due to clunky combat that causes us to die frequently, and a lot of grinding is required to achieve better upgrades. Moonlighter does an excellent job of getting the player to want to delve deeper into the dungeons, since venturing further yields greater rewards. Intricate details and visuals give Moonlighter a memorable style. Enemy designs provide an ample challenge for the risky adventurer, but the story falls short because the narrative isn't memorable.

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8.8 / 10.0
Nov 5, 2018

I've been a fan of Moonlighter since it was first revealed and after having finally played it I can say it delivered. It's a game that fuses two different genres successfully. At one point you're navigating through floors of dungeons in different ways, fighting crazy enemies using a fun combat system. The next, you're growing a peaceful town and selling your earnings the way you want to through the shop you own. The action is fairly competent and constantly makin' cha-ching as a merchant is gratifying. The visuals are beautiful and nostalgic; the same is said for its music. If the idea of feeling stronger and playing smarter intrigues you, and if the choice to handle your earnings fancies you, then Moonlighter is a worthy time sink.

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8.8 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2020

While this game is a great adventure, it can become a bit of a grind. Working to get the loot to create the next level of weapons feels repetitive at times. Even working the store can be a bit of a bore after the 10th day in a row of manning the shop. Thankfully an upgrade comes in that lets the items be sold through an assistant for a percentage of the profits.

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8.6 / 10.0
May 28, 2018
Moonlighter: REVIEW (Pummel, Plunder, Price, Profit!) video thumbnail
85 / 100
Nov 13, 2018

Either going to the dungeon on an adventure or becoming a master shopkeeper, Moonlighter is the kind of game you'll struggle to put down. The Switch feels as it's true home, so if you haven't tried it yet, with this version you'll be out of excuses.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
May 28, 2018

A deft marriage of dungeon crawling, shop management elements and infectiously twee audiovisual presentation, Moonlighter makes a fine addition to the upper echelon of action adventures available on PS4.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 29, 2018

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RPG Fan
Top Critic
85%
Sep 4, 2018

Delving into these beautiful dungeons, while repetitive, can be rewarding if players have the skill. Barring that, they will at least learn that a problem can be solved by throwing enough money at it and buying a better sword.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 28, 2018

Moonlighter is an absolutely gorgeous adventure that tells an effective and heartwarming tale. The gameplay is top notch, even if it's a bit simplistic. Take away the launch day technical issues and you've got one top shelf production.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2018

Overall the two halves of the game fit together very well and combine to make an interesting game. Clearing out the dungeons can occasionally feel a bit grindy because I often had to do part of it over and over before I was able to get all the way through it. There's even a bit of a town management aspect as well. Additionally, there is even a bit of a story about these dungeons which is uncovered as you explore more of them and find various items. The story for the most part is sort of to the side and not the main thing, but it is interesting.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 31, 2018

Moonlighter is many things: charming, fun, and well designed. The gameplay loop is brilliant and addicting, and the pacing feels just right. The enemy and item variety is wide, and the combat feels tight. Despite some hiccups with the shop management system, it works well due to its simplicity. Overall, Moonlighter is a great RPG for those looking for something a little different in the genre.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2018

Moonlighter is an RPG game with unique idea that made by great game developers as an indie game that absolutely worth your time. Moonlighter has very fun and deep gameplay features based on shop management and action, but in some parts, lack of more elements and mechanisms is visible. Also I must mention that it is a gorgeous looking game with good details and unique art style. Moonlighter is recommended for fans of RPG games who love shop management elements. Be ready to explore dungeons at night, so you can provide your store with high quality goodies!

Review in Persian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Nov 2, 2018

Every action you take, whether it be in the dungeons collecting materials or in your shop earning gold to spend on upgrades, helps to move you further along towards your end goal. There were a few technical hiccups that cropped up from time to time and the last few upgrades needed a bit of grinding to unlock. But despite that, I constantly found myself falling victim to the classic “just one more run”.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 5, 2019

Will is adventurous shopkeeper and he is skilfull in his shop and inside dungeon as well.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

Goomba Stomp
Mitch Stewart
8.5 / 10.0
May 29, 2018

In 'Moonlighter', you take on the role of Will, a young shopkeeper with dreams to restore his town to it's former glory. To do this, he must descend into the ancient and mysterious dungeons and unearth the secrets they hold.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 9, 2018

Moonlighter expertly mixes a game about being a merchant with a game about being a warrior, and it presents this mix with heaps of charm. It may end a little quickly for some, but the experience is well worth a look

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8.5 / 10.0
Nov 10, 2018

Graphics are the main standout feature of indie game and the games unique visual style leaves a strong impression on the player. The narrative whilst simplistic is endearing and the concept stands out as memorable and unique, Moonlighter is a intriguing and clever approach at the action adventure genre and one which will have no trouble standing out.

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