Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer Metroidvania set in a mystical fantasy world where players control a female protagonist navigating intricate environments, battling foes, and acquiring abilities to uncover secrets. The game features pixel art aesthetics, challenging combat, and exploration-driven gameplay across interconnected areas.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight: Review

Introduction

In the realm of indie Metroidvania games, few titles have captivated players with the same blend of atmospheric storytelling, tight gameplay, and stunning pixel art as ‘Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight’. As the fourth installment in the Momodora series and a prequel to the original trilogy, this 2016 release by Brazilian developer Bombservice and publisher Playism has solidified its legacy as a must-play for fans of the genre. With its balance of challenging combat, rich lore, and emotional depth, ‘Reverie Under the Moonlight’ stands as a crowning achievement in the series and a benchmark for indie platformers.

Development History & Context

The Momodora series began in 2010 with the release of ‘Momodora I’, followed by ‘II’ and ‘III’ in subsequent years. Each game built upon the foundation of its predecessors, refining mechanics and expanding the lore. ‘Reverie Under the Moonlight’ (RUTM) was crowdfunded through Patreon and represents a significant leap in both narrative depth and technical polish compared to its predecessors. The development team, led by creator Guilherme Martins (rdein), utilized GameMaker Studio to create a larger, more complex world with fluid animations and detailed pixel art. The game’s release in 2016 helped place Momodora on the global gaming map, with subsequent ports to PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and other platforms expanding its reach.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set 400 years before the events of the original Momodora games, RUTM follows Kaho, a priestess from Lun village, as she journeys to the eastern Karst Kingdom to stop a spreading curse. With the land succumbing to darkness and the dead rising, Kaho must collect four crest pieces to gain entry to the Karst Castle and face the queen. Along the way, she encounters characters like Cath the Knightess, the mysterious Lubella Dim, and hellish creatures born from the curse. The narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, duty, and the灰色地带 of faith, with Kaho ultimately sacrificing herself to seal the curse, an act that reverberates through the series’ timeline. The game’s dialogue-free storytelling relies on beautiful cutscenes and environmental cues, allowing players to piece together Kaho’s motivations and the history of the world.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

RUTM excels in its gameplay mechanics, offering a blend of fast-paced platforming, tight melee combat, and strategic boss fights. Players control Kaho’s leaf-based attacks, bow and arrow, and various spells, each with unique properties. The dodge roll is crucial for avoiding attacks, while the ability to block arrows allows for dynamic counterplay. The Metroidvania structure encourages exploration, with new abilities unlocking previously inaccessible areas. However, the game’s emphasis on combat and limited item upgrades offers a refreshing departure from the genre’s traditional progression model. The difficulty curve is expertly designed, challenging players without frustrating them, and the short playtime (around 6 hours) ensures that the experience remains engaging from start to finish.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of RUTM is brought to life through vibrant, detailed pixel art that evokes both the beauty and horror of a cursed kingdom. Each area, from the moss-covered Karst City to the dank sewers beneath, is a masterful example of atmosphere and storytelling through environment. Parallax scrolling adds depth to the pixel art, creating a sense of movement through the world. The soundtrack, while sometimes sparse, effectively complements the gameplay with haunting melodies and tense boss battle themes, though some players have noted its lack of memorability. Overall, the game’s visual and audio presentations contribute to an immersive, unforgettable experience.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, ‘Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight’ received widespread critical acclaim.AGONistes praised its “sharp level design, engaging enemy placement, and gripping boss fights,” while Hardcore Gamer called it “the ideal mix of old and new.” Common themes in reviews included the game’s challenging but fair gameplay, beautiful pixel art, and emotional depth. However, some detractors pointed out the short length and sparse upgrades as minor shortcomings. The game’s success helped establish Momodora as a respected franchise, with subsequent titles like ‘Moonlit Farewell’ building upon its foundations. Its influence can be seen in other indie platformers that emphasize atmosphere and tight combat.

Conclusion

In the annals of video game history, ‘Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight’ stands as a shining example of what an indie team can achieve with passion, dedication, and a clear vision. Merging classic Metroidvania gameplay with modern sensibilities, rich lore, and emotional storytelling, it’s a game that resonates deeply with players. While the journey may be brief, the impact lingers long after the credits roll, making RUTM an essential experience for any fan of the genre.