One of the most underrated games of 2024 has just been released on consoles. Make sure you don’t overlook it again.

      We are currently experiencing a surge in Metroidvania games. With the genre becoming increasingly saturated, new releases — of which there are numerous — must innovate on the core formula that fans adore in order to stand out. A prime example is the exciting Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, which incorporates RPG elements and emphasizes player builds. In contrast, Momodora: Moonlit Farewell argues that simplicity is superior.

      Initially launched in January 2024, Moonlit Farewell is the fifth and final installment in Bombservice’s Momodora series. Although it lacks extravagant additions to the traditional Metroidvania formula, its commitment to a streamlined version of the genre’s essential elements makes it a refreshing experience. The game slipped under the radar in 2024, but now that it's available on consoles, Metroidvania enthusiasts have a great way to pass the time until Hollow Knight: Silksong.

      To address your concerns, no, prior experience with the other Momodora titles is not required before diving into Moonlit Farewell. There are familiar characters and world lore that franchise fans will appreciate, but Moonlit Farewell welcomes newcomers exceptionally well. This is partly due to its straightforward narrative. The priestess Momo sets out to save her village from impending ruin caused by evil forces. What more is there to know? This series exemplifies iterative design beautifully. While Moonlit Farewell serves as a conclusion, it is also the ideal starting point.

      Momodora: Moonlit Farewell – Launch Trailer – Nintendo Switch

      Back to basics

      Several elements come to mind when considering Metroidvanias: a vast interconnected map, collectible abilities, and impressive boss encounters. Moonlit Farewell encompasses them all. However, there is no excess here. In terms of exploration, the world of Moonlit Farewell feels appropriately scaled to create a sense of grandeur for the player. Within its swift eight-hour playtime, players will run, double jump, and roll through various intricately designed biomes. The game minimizes backtracking, as new abilities open up expansive areas that bring players closer to the game’s conclusion. Players can revisit earlier regions, but largely to hunt for collectibles.

      Combat and movement may feel the most striking to seasoned Metroidvania players. Not because Moonlit Farewell introduces anything particularly novel, but rather because it takes a different approach. Momo possesses only two attacks throughout the game: one for melee and another for ranged combat. There are no complex combos or parrying techniques—just dodge and strike until the foe is defeated. Momo’s actions carry a certain weight, which lends a strategic quality to this simple combat. Her movements take slightly longer than one might expect in faster-paced games, so timing becomes crucial when jumping, rolling, or attacking. If executed poorly, seemingly simple platforming and combat challenges can quickly become difficult.

      That is particularly true for boss battles. These often formidable creatures with large health pools can be quite challenging, utilizing a variety of techniques not available to Momo. Success frequently hinges on recognizing patterns and demonstrating endurance. To aid players, Moonlit Farewell introduces a degree of customization with Sigils, which enhance Momo's health, attack, and other attributes. While mixing Sigils doesn’t fundamentally change how Momo operates, it offers players a bit more flexibility.

      The crowning feature of what is admittedly Moonlit Farewell’s minimalist presentation is its stunning pixel art. While retro-inspired aesthetics often receive accolades for their visual appeal, Moonlit Farewell genuinely merits such praise. The depiction of enemies, allies, and every tiny detail of the game’s diverse landscape is achieved with remarkable care. Each pixel contributes a palpable complexity to every interaction. Most striking are the game’s vibrant particle effects, which illustrate leaves and debris gently drifting in the wind. Even in a 2D realm, these enhancements add a sense of depth.

      The relative simplicity of Moonlit Farewell’s approach to the Metroidvania genre is commendable for distilling it down to its fundamental elements. While there are numerous more intricate interpretations of what a Metroidvania can be, Moonlit Farewell serves as a reminder that all these concepts are built upon a solid foundation.

      Momodora: Moonlit Farewell is now accessible on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.