Moonphase Pass

Moonphase Pass is a fun take on a meeple placement mechanic in a roguelite package! That next run will finally be the one that gets me to the end, I KNOW IT!

[b] Target Audience: [/b] Strategy Gamers.....eventually. [I] [/i] [b] Summary: [/b] The problem here is simple: While the first few runs of the game seemed alright, something happens with the balance that throws it out the window, specifically when you get through the first run. Up to that point, the game is simple and going through the meeple placing is simple, but requires good strategy. Granted, there are some times where you can exploit certain situations, like using the healing tree and defending, but when the game's balance feels right, things can be interesting with the multi lane and different meeple placements. It's simple, but effective. The presentation is nice, but can be confusing at times (the rooms in particular). It's a good introduction into meeple like games I suppose....but then after the first run, things fall apart. I'm not sure what happens specifically, but after doing a few permanent upgrades, you start runs with 4/5 enemies that start able to attack incredibly strongly, to the point where you can't even get past the first set of enemies. It's almost like the game thinks it's on the second set of enemies for the rest of the new runs, and you can't even make progress to the permanent upgrades, you die immediately. It's frustrating, and even if you get lucky and get only two enemies and can somehow deal with it, then the next fight is 5/6 enemies. It doesn't help there are some items that I would expect (confirmation click sounds?) for the strategy elements, but really, its the balance that's the major problem here, and I can't really even look at the middle/end game because of that. [b]Stream Footage: [/b] https://youtu.be/dM5VOGuAluk [u] Lists: [/u] [b]Positives:[/b] [list] [*] Basic strategy elements work when balanced, leads to interesting decisions. [*] Simple yet effective meeple gameplay. [*] Interesting color and presentation that is still easy to get information out of. [/list] [b]Negative:[/b] [list] [*] Balance goes out the window with the roguelite nature and permanent upgrades. Gets to the point where you don't want to play anymore. Restarted repeatedly to confirm this. [*] No sound cues for clicks feels like a mistake. [*] Music is....odd. [/list] [b] If you want more reviews/information regarding games I've reviewed, visit my curator. [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/6861768/Dragnix Curator [/url][/b]