FPSes on a weak system is a controversial topic. Skeptics will sneer
that it will be low quality because of the system requirements; AI,
number of enemies on screen, etc. are all advantages to the more
powerful systems. Moon is one of the most controversial examples of a
FPS on a weak system yet, with those that love it, hate it and
everything in between -- but if you're willing to accept that Moon
can't and isn't trying to replicate a typical 7th gen console FPS, you
certainly won't be one to hate it.
First and foremost Moon is a shooter, but it heavily relies on its
adventure elements to provide for a unique pocket FPS. Sure, you'll be
blasting away enemies of varying shapes and sizes, but Moon makes up
for the DS' weak hardware with a Metroid Prime approach to the genre.
Mission objectives are usually locating objects, instead of blasting
away hundreds of on-screen enemies, and the player uses the RAD to do
it.
The RAD is where Moon sets itself apart from other DS FPSes. Think of
the Mark II from MGS4, but actually useful. The RAD can crawl into tiny
vents where you can't, which is useful in two main ways; it can either
locate hidden artifacts for bonus missions,or unlock a door you can't
get past as a human. The RAD can also stun enemies, but outside of
Moon's adventure elements the RAD is pretty useless.
That's not to say the game is all about finding artifacts and
progressing through the story, of course. There are plenty of enemies
hiding around corners and on cielings, and while the variety is
lacking, enemy patterns are interesting and it's enjoyable to take
enemies down. Boss fights are especially enjoyable, although they could
have been much more with a decent soundtrack. Moon plays differently
than most other current gen FPSes, which works in its favor.
Moon also employs an enjoyable, slightly eerie story. As Major Kane,
you've been assigned to a secret mission on the Moon after Earth
discovers a 'hatch.' When you get there, your men are mysteriously
attacked by Extra Terrestrials; some are abducted by the aliens. Your
commanding officer orders you down into the hatch, which is full of
enough secrets to keep the plot interesting.
The way Major Kane communicates with people was taken right out of
old-school MGS (Renegade Kid really has a crush on Snake), with the
exact same interface, though lacking the voice acting. What's there to
say about this obvious rip-off? It works, and it works well, so I'm not
complaining.
After destroying the hatch, you'll go back out onto the surface of the
moon in search of another -- which is the beginning of the car levels.
While these levels only last a minute or two, it's worth noting that
they are pretty bad, even considering how poorly other FPSes handle car
control.
Aside from that, though, Moon controls like a charm. Think Metroid
Prime: Hunters, but better -- aim with the stylus, move with the d-pad,
shoot with shoulder buttons and switch weapons by tapping a button on
the touch screen (thankfully, the game pauses the action to give you
time to choose your weapon, unlike in Hunters). It's simple and
intuitive, and probably as good as any DS FPS will ever control, but I
would have liked to see some innovation. Melee attacks? Ducking?
Grenades? While extremely accurate and fun to use, the DS' controls are
as basic as they were in 2006.
It's easy to forgive the simple controls when you're using such a great
arsenal of weapons, though. The variety here is nice, and each gun
feels great. Weapons are a joy to use and, almost as importantly, a joy
to look at.
No matter who you are, you'll be able to appreciate Moon's silky
smooth, unwavering 60 frames per second. Not only that, but DS owners
will appreciate the upgrade Renegade Kid has done to their engine;
character models, textures, lighting, animations, etc., Renegade Kid
has proved mastery over the DS hardware. Dark environments and a creepy
atmosphere really help mask the DS' hardware limitations, as well. In
my opinion, Moon is best looking 3D DS game on the market (screenshots
and videos look far worse than the real thing, trust me). I never
thought I'd say something like this, but Iwould love to see the
Renegade Kid Engine be the Unreal Engine for the DS; Moon makes most 3D
DS games pale in comparison.
Outside of the visuals, though, Moon's presentation falls flat.
Multiplayer could have extended the life of a short game; even online
ranking would have been nice. The soundtrack is pretty annoying; the
series of bleeps and bloops may ocassionally fit in with the dark,
bleak atmosphere, but for the most part it's just that -- a series of
bleeps and bloops. Moon's presentation is pretty bare-bones, even
considering the platform, and it's a shame considering how much
potential the game has for multiplayer.
Repeating level design is also a large problem. Initially the design
seems pretty good, but 3 hours later when you go past the same room for
the upteenth time you might lose a little interest. Boss fights also
repeat, which is a problem Hunters had, and it's even less excusable
now that we're in 2009.
If you go into Moon with a pessemistic perspective, thinking it will
suck for being on a weak platform -- you will hate it. There's plenty
of criticism to level at Moon; it's short, has a terrible soundtrack,
level design repeats far too often... But if you want to look at the
good aspects of Moon, there's plenty to enjoy. It isn't Killzone DS,
but I would recommend Moon to any DS fan with an appreciation for the
genre.
