Moons Of Darsalon Review (Xbox Series S)

Moons Of Darsalon Review, Moons Of Darsalon is a retro action “save-them-all” platformer including advanced physics combined with a unique retro feel. Complete rescue missions leading your colleagues to the closest base station. Fight enemies using your laser gun, and jet pack, destroy terrain, and even make new paths with the ground maker.

Moons Of Darsalon Review Pros:

  • Decent graphics.
  • 1.1GB download size.
  • 1000 Gamerscore with 14 achievements.
  • Two difficulties – fixed and adaptive.
  • Graphics settings – resolution, CRT filter, blur effect, scan lines, round corners, darks, pixel zoom, chromatic aberration, and color palette (full/Darsalon/128/col).
  • Puzzle platformer gameplay.
  • The goal of the game is to rescue all Astronauts within a level.
  • You can remap the controls.
  • 8 Bit soundtrack that kicks ass using a MOS 6581 Chip from 1982.
  • Comic book-style speech bubbles come up when you or an astronaut says anything from I can’t reach that ledge to help me!
  • You can order astronauts to follow, go left, go right, or wait.
  • Has an Abe Odyssey meets Lemmings vibe to it.
  • Brilliant animations.
  • Earn stars in a level for each of the given tasks including one for finishing a level within a certain time.
  • You can replay levels.
  • Simple controls.
  • Twitch Integration – Auto CRT, channel name, status, global cool down, user cool down, bubble extra time, and available command which is saying the phrase (50 character limit) and the nearest astronaut says it.
  • Community levels are complete with search filters.
  • Full physics system.
  • Tutorial pop-ups.
  • Excellent voice work using speech synthesis.
  • Clever level design from the layout to the need to shine a light on astronauts so they can see.
  • Classic Sinclair loading screens from the typing in load tape to the screeching of the loading.
  • A real retro treat.
  • Full terrain destruction.
  • Big boss encounters.
  • So much fun to play.
  • Unlock and use additional color palettes for the graphics which can mimic other popular consoles.
  • Two endings for each difficulty.

Moons Of Darsalon Review Cons:

  • Couldn’t see the GIF maker in this version.
  • Progress is tied to difficulty.
  • Can get very difficult.
  • Controls can be a bastard, especially grabbing ledges.
  • The light source on an astronaut is really small and short-range.
  • Doesn’t have a level creator.
  • At times it can be hard to know what is a platform and what is the scenery.
  • The astronauts are quite weak health-wise.

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Moons Of Darsalon:

Official website.

Developer: Dr. Kucho! Games

Publisher: Dr. Kucho! Games

Store Links –

Xbox

  • 8/10
    Graphics - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Sound - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Length - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Fun Factor - 9/10
8/10

Summary

The game offers a visually appealing experience with decent graphics and a manageable download size of 1.1GB. Players can earn a total of 1000 Gamerscore through 14 achievements, adding a rewarding aspect to the gameplay. The game features two difficulty settings: fixed and adaptive, catering to different player preferences. The extensive graphics settings, including resolution, CRT filter, blur effect, scan lines, round corners, darks, pixel zoom, chromatic aberration, and color palette options, allow for a customizable visual experience. The puzzle platformer gameplay revolves around rescuing all astronauts within a level, with the ability to remap controls for a personalized touch.

The 8-bit soundtrack, powered by a MOS 6581 Chip from 1982, adds a nostalgic charm to the game. Comic book-style speech bubbles enhance the storytelling, with astronauts expressing their needs and actions. Players can command astronauts to follow, go left, go right, or wait, giving the game an Abe Odyssey meets Lemmings vibe. The animations are brilliant, and players can earn stars for completing tasks, including finishing levels within a certain time. The ability to replay levels and the simple controls make the game accessible and enjoyable.

Twitch integration adds a social element, allowing for Auto CRT, channel name, status, global cool down, user cool down, bubble extra time, and available commands. Community levels with search filters and a full physics system provide additional content and replayability. Tutorial pop-ups guide new players, while excellent voice work using speech synthesis adds to the immersive experience. The clever level design, which requires players to shine a light on astronauts, and classic Sinclair loading screens, complete with the nostalgic screeching sound, make the game a real retro treat. Full terrain destruction and big boss encounters add excitement and challenge to the gameplay.

Despite its many strengths, the game has some drawbacks. The GIF maker is absent in this version, and progress is tied to difficulty, which can make the game very challenging. The controls can be frustrating, especially when trying to grab ledges, and the light source on an astronaut is small and short-range. The game lacks a level creator, and it can be difficult to distinguish between platforms and scenery at times. Additionally, the astronauts are quite weak health-wise, which can add to the difficulty.

In summary, the game offers a nostalgic and visually appealing experience with customizable graphics settings, engaging puzzle platformer gameplay, and a rewarding achievement system. The 8-bit soundtrack, comic book-style speech bubbles, and clever level design add to its charm. However, the absence of a GIF maker, challenging controls, and weak astronauts may detract from the overall experience for some players.

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!