In the realm of indie gaming, 2023 has seen the emergence of a standout title, Lunacid, which has captured the hearts of many enthusiasts. This first-person RPG draws inspiration from the iconic King’s Field series by FromSoftware, inviting players into a captivating subterranean world brimming with secrets and exploration. The creative force behind this venture, Kira LLC, has recently unveiled their latest project, a prequel titled Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, set thousands of years before its predecessor.
Crafted using the Sword of Moonlight, a game development toolset rooted in the King’s Field legacy and released by FromSoftware in 2000, this new installment has been nurtured by a passionate community over the years. The result is a collection of user-generated dungeon crawlers that echo the distinctive style of King’s Field, reminiscent of the thriving fan mission community surrounding Thief or the extensive array of custom campaigns for Neverwinter Nights.
As anticipation built prior to launch, the visuals of Tears of the Moon piqued interest, and the concept of revisiting the King’s Field engine felt like a nostalgic return to form. However, there were lingering concerns about whether the game might feel too crusty, a term often used to describe the quirks and clunkiness of older titles that can sometimes deter players, regardless of their quality. Indeed, the game exhibits its share of jank: keyboard-only controls, problematic in-game controller support requiring Steam input adjustments, and a game-over screen that unceremoniously returns players to the desktop upon death.
Yet, despite these hurdles, the allure of the game proved irresistible. Players are finding joy in the experience, with many expressing a willingness to invest in it.
Delve deep
Tears of the Moon possesses an enchanting, isolating quality reminiscent of atmospheric exploration-heavy titles like Thief, System Shock, or Metroid Prime. After just an hour of navigating its intricate hub area and the initial dungeon, players are left yearning for more adventures within its depths.
The combat mechanics evoke a sense of nostalgia, characterized by the familiar rhythm of older first-person melee combat games. Players engage in what can be described as the Ultima Underworld/Elder Scrolls Shuffle—attacking enemies at close range while skillfully maneuvering to evade their counterattacks. With no options for blocking, dodging, or parrying, the simplicity of the combat loop offers a meditative break from exploration. Additionally, character progression is straightforward; stats increase automatically upon leveling up, alleviating the anxiety often associated with character builds in traditional RPGs.
Surprisingly forgiving, the game allows players to regenerate mana through successful melee attacks, enabling them to unleash powerful spells or heal themselves. Returning to the home base fully restores health, making the journey less punishing than initially anticipated. However, the game does present a challenge in the form of knowledge withholding, particularly for those unfamiliar with the original King’s Field titles. Lacking a tutorial, players are encouraged to consult a classic-style manual available in PDF format, which may be necessary at least once during their journey.
The game opens with a brief narrated introduction, quickly immersing players in a world that feels both cold and abrupt, reminiscent of the original Legend of Zelda. Players are tasked with locating five shards of a legendary sword amidst a mysterious poison mist. This design choice fosters a sense of intrigue and discovery, enhancing the overall experience. One memorable moment involved a cleverly hidden secret door that led to a treasure chest, only for it to unleash a formidable skeleton capable of swiftly dispatching the unprepared player. The triumph of leveling up and gearing up to confront this challenge provided a satisfying conclusion to the first play session.
As players delve deeper into this world, many are inspired to explore the original King’s Field games, which have influenced a multitude of beloved titles. Until that time arrives, Tears of the Moon stands as a delightful addition to the dungeon-crawling genre, offering a surprising and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
