Lunistice Review (Nintendo Switch OLED)

For our Lunistice Review, we play a linear 3D platformer that is heavily inspired by the 32-bit era of yesteryear. Follow Hana the Tanuki on her adventure through her dreams! Explore the different dreamscapes to guide her to her final destination – The Moon – and try to uncover the secrets of “The Lunistice” along the way!

Lunistice Review Pros:

  • Chunky polygonal graphics.
  • 797MB download size.
  • 3D platformer gameplay.
  • Optional tutorial level.
  • Graphics settings – depth of field and CRT filter.
  • Game settings – always run, dead zone, sensitivity slider, UI scale, smooth turning, and shadows.
  • Camera settings – Invert axis and sensitivity sliders, alternate camera controls, and unlock the vertical camera.
  • Looks like a Playstation 1 game.
  • 3 save slots.
  • Level select to replay levels.
  • Each level is timed, has collectible cranes, and four character pickups.
  • End of level breakdown with two ranks awarded for performance and how many resets you had.
  • Runs at a fast pace.
  • Full 3D camera control.
  • A modern retro title as in it looks like a classic but has modern controls and features.
  • Feels good to play.
  • Simple spin to attack combat.
  • A lot of platforming.
  • Has a speed runner mentality to it.
  • Slow down button.
  • You can re-center the camera.
  • One of those games you keep coming back to.

Lunistice Review Cons:

  • Despite the camera control, it does have awkward angles.
  • Things you expect to be solid like rope bridge handles are not and you fall through.
  • It’s a tough game.
  • The jumping feels just off enough that simple jumps have a weird delay or overbite to it.
  • The hardest part is jumping straight ahead as it’s never clear what you can or can’t make/judge.
  • Levels have so many routes that you can feel lost at times.

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Lunistice. 

Official website.

Developer: Deck13 Interactive

Publisher: Deck13 Interactive

Store Links – 

Nintendo

  • 8/10
    Graphics - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Sound - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Length - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Fun Factor - 8/10
7.4/10

Summary

More of a speed runner, Lunistice is a 3D platformer where you need to go through levels as fast as possible whilst collecting Cranes (Origami figures) and attacking enemies. It looks really nice going for a Ps1 era game it moves at a fast pace and has few performance issues making it a good example of the game. I really enjoyed playing it as I would get through a level and then replay it and attempt to beat my record. The levels are big enough that you have many secret areas and hidden routes so it does have some sense of exploration in maximizing your run. The jumping is good except that coupled with the camera it is a nightmare to judge jumps straight in front of you. No leaderboards mean you are your only competition but honestly, the game plays so well that it’s worth a play even if you only do a level a time. Overall Lunistice shows that you can make a modern retro game that looks and plays the part.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!