There Was the Moon

[i] Interesting visual experience with some cerebral narrative, only about 60 minutes long with at least one optional objective (which I didn't do). The story had some enjoyable psychological twists, and I would say it ended on the high note, even though it was a little tedious in between. The gameplay consists of walking around and occasionally solving sequencing puzzles. I didn't find the puzzles to be difficult but a few of them require you to memorize multiple patterns and then walk away - naturally, I forgot the patterns several times and got a bit annoyed with backtracking. Additionally, I kept having a problem just figuring out where left and the right side of the puzzle was, sometimes I had a correct solution but I put it in the reverse order. In general, I didn't care for the riddles, within the context of the strange world, I don't know why it would have some generic pattern matching blocking my way. Despite having like no texture in the game, the developer managed to create some compelling architecture, making it enjoyable to look around. I think my mind whispered "Wow" at least 8 times, not necessarily because the game was pretty, I just liked the illusions created by manipulating my perspective. The atmosphere was really good, it managed to inflict a feeling of isolation, even scaring me a few times with strange sound effects. I kinda appreciated the short dialogue, the game brings up some interesting philosophical views with little text on the screen, leaving some space for personal interpretation. I only met 2 characters in this game but they had some enjoyable dialogue, I only wish it had more of that. [h1] Pros: [/h1] + atmosphere and changing moods were very infectious + while the story was vague, it created an enjoyable mystery + there were some cool visual moments, but not the game as a whole [h1] Feedback: [/h1] [u] I wish it had more exploration [/u] - for $10 I expected a little more meat on the bone. I find that many similar games do well when you add lots of little secrets around the game for replay value, maybe more achievements to support them. I know there is that one optional thing you can do, but still, a little shallow. [u] The puzzles felt like a chore [/u] - I saw a few people praise the puzzles in this game and I am not really sure why. I thought they were very generic and frankly felt out of place in this universe. See, if the puzzle had something to do with an object in the game (and it had a few of those), sure, but doing some sequences, not the most creative thing you can do to block enjoyable visual progression - why I bought the game. [u] More characters please [/u] - the narrative was more enjoyable when you were talking to those 2 characters, having weird individuals adds personality to the universe, without them, you just have pretty locations. I wish you would use that aspect more often. [b] Overall Thoughts: 6/10 [/b] Some good ideas here and there, but maybe not self-aware enough to understand why I would buy a game like this in a first place. The story had an interesting premise and I would say the atmosphere of the world was the best part. There are very similar games to this one that do the exact same type of experience with 5 times more exploration value and better pacing, so there is your benchmark. [code]Review By: http://store.steampowered.com/curator/31294838-Hidden-Gem-Discovery/ [/code]

Wow... I feel as if I've just returned from a serious peyote experience! I really enjoyed There Was the Moon. It is a visual treat with a sound track that I took pleasure in listening to. The game is a surreal journey with a variety of puzzles that are not too difficult (although I admit it took me a while to figure out how to open some of the doors). You embark on trek through a temple-like structure with unique rooms, doors, stairs, and an elevator. Played from a first person perspective, the game is like a fantastic walking simulator with puzzles and items (and characters) to briefly interact with along the way. There are inventory items to gather but they are automatically used for specific purposes so there is no 'try this, try that.' Your ultimate goal is to perform a ritual and save humanity with a choice at the end. You can replay from the final save point in order to make a different choice and see the consequences. The game saves on exit and I did not lose any progress when taking a break in the middle of something. Overall, I think Ben Lapid did a great job on this game and I always marvel when one guy can put something like this together. It took me about 3 hours to finish (with all achievements and no cheating) so perhaps I am slower than most. I took my time, exploring so as not to miss anything. This paid off because I did not have to backtrack! I recommend this to those who enjoy an artistic game with a heroic quest and some diversionary puzzles. Personally, I have no complaint about the price and feel that the experience was worth it. The game costs less than going to a movie and was a whole lot more interesting! I hope we see more from Ben Lapid in the future.

외계 존재돌과의 계약을 달성하기 위해 달과 관련된 의식을 치루는 이야기 영원한 밤 아래에서, 해가 뜨지 않는 현상을 멈추고 인류 존속을 위해 의식을 치루면서 실제로 이게 무슨 의식인지를 알아내는 내용의 게임이다. 간단하게 마음에 들었던 점과, 아쉬웠던 점들을 서술하자면 : - 마음에 들었던 점 1. 기묘한 분위기 및 배경 게임 전체적으로 정적인 분위기를 풍기면서 실제로 게임 내 격렬한 움직임이 일어나지는 않지만, 비주얼적으로는 다양하고 기묘한 장소가 나오기 때문에 감상하는 맛은 있다. 가끔은 시야를 왜곡시키면서 시각적으로 감탄할 만한 장면들이 나오기 때문에 눈이 많이 심심하지는 않을 것이다. 2. 명확하게 설명되지는 않지만 나름 괜찮았던 스토리 + 멀티엔딩 게임을 켜자마자 보이는 About 탭을 누르면 (꽤 암울한) 세계관을 볼 수 있고, 게임을 하면서 석판들을 통해 시적인 형태로 게임 진행 힌트 및 스토리에 대한 힌트를 주기도 한다. 엔딩의 경우도 의외로 두 종류의 엔딩이 있는데, 배드엔딩이나 진엔딩의 구분이 있지 않기 때문에 두 엔딩을 보고 플레이어가 어떻게 생각하냐에 따라 마음에 드는 엔딩을 개인적으로 고르게 될 것이다. 엔딩 분기점은 아무것도 모른 채로 게임을 한 번 하면 눈치채기 쉽기도 하고, 만약 다른 엔딩을 보는 도중에 막히기라도 하면 제작자가 친절하게 스팀 가이드에 어떻게 다른 엔딩을 보는지 적어 놓았기 때문에 그걸 따라하면 2회차 때 모든 엔딩을 볼 수 있을 것이다. - 아쉬웠던 점 1. 가격에 비해 짧은 분량 및 적은 탐험요소들 가격이 1만원에 가깝지만, 1회차는 약 1시간 정도밖에 안 걸릴 정도로 짧은 게임이다. 또한, 플레이 타임이 짧아서 그런지 탐험을 할 수 있는 게임 내 장소나 상호작용 가능한 캐릭터들을 더 넣었더라면 게임 분량도 챙기면서 기묘함도 더욱 고조시켰을 수 있을 것 같아 아쉽다. 2. 게임은 탐험 + 퍼즐의 혼합형이지만, 약간 심심한 퍼즐들 퍼즐들이 퀄리티가 떨어진다던가 그렇지는 않지만, 퍼즐들 자체가 스토리랑 잘 어울리지는 않고 그냥 탐험만 넣기에는 게임이 심심해서 퍼즐들을 넣은 기분이다. 다행히도 퍼즐들이 어려운 건 아니지만, 만약 기억력이 좋지 않다면 백트래킹을 자주 해야 할 퍼즐들이니 꼭 나처럼 안 좋은 기억력을 믿지 말고 그냥 종이와 샤프로 기록할 건 기록하는 걸 추천한다. 결론적으로, 분위기나 시각적 경험들은 마음에 들었으나, 정가로 사기에는 아쉽고 무언가 역동적이고 비주얼적으로 충격적인 게임을 원한다면 크게 실망할 수 있다. 그래도 개인적으로 이렇게 기묘한 게임들을 좋아해서 추천. 여담) 게임 내 굉장히 귀에 거슬리는 효과음이 딱 두 번 나오는데, 둘 다 초반에 나와서 처음에 이걸 듣고 설마 갑툭튀 게임인가? 라고 생각해서 잔뜩 쫄은 상태로 1회차 때 배경에 클래식 음악을 틀고 진행하였다. 다행히 갑툭튀는 없으니 앞에 말한 2번의 고비만 넘기면 너무 걱정하지 않고 나같은 쫄보도 게임을 할 수 있을 것이다.

Really captivating environment and atmosphere! I love the lore behind the experience, too. It's a pleasure to walk these unusual settings - I find it pretty mesmerizing. Exploring these worlds gives me a similar feeling to when I explored temples in Zelda games. That's a rare feeling, and I really appreciate it! The sound design and ambient music fits the aesthetic really well. The puzzles are simple but help keep you focused as you explore the world. I'm intrigued, and excited to finish the experience. I'm only about 45 minutes in at the moment.

It feels like a dream. A weird, surreal and eerie dream. A big sequence of liminal spaces. The ominous buildings, warping geometry and weird ambience really set the atmosphere for the game. Awesome experience.

The scenes were so pretty!! I loved the alternate ending. The puzzles were very fun as well!

I don't feel like I can give an unbiased review because atmospheric-surreal-abstract walkingsims are my husbands. The ability to inhabit a space that cannot possibly exist IRL is just the chef's meow. The puzzles here rely on logic based on space, process of elimination, and very simple math. They're more like hors d'oeuvres than the main course, something that I prefer because feeling stupid in a beautiful space kinda kills the mood. I did use pen-and-paper for one of the puzzles, but mostly due to my inability to juggle the order of numbers in my head more than anything else. The biggest draw here is obviously the visuals. Monochromatic neobrutalist structures outfitted with tasteful lighting makes this game what it is. I definitely feel that you either love it or you don't, so extrapolating here feels pointless. Yes, the whole thing is as pretty as the trailer shows. 1.3 hours for a single playthrough, and I felt pretty happy with that. Doesn't drag on, it's simple and engaging but not lacking, Makes me feel small and significant at the same time.

[h1] NEW REVIEW: [/h1] After writing my first review and refunding the game, I talked to the developer and was given a Steam Key to be able to give the game another shot. This time around, I enjoyed it much more. But I want to be honest about recieving the game for free, as it might have an impact on my opinion. You can read my old review below. First of all, I briefly want to highlight the fact that this game is made by a solo developer who is open to feedback, which for me is a very positive attribute. I was having trouble with one of the puzzles in the game, but after it was updated, it was much more enjoyable since I could understand the mechanics - but it wasn't too easy. I still stand by the fact that the game has beautiful scenery which makes even just walking through corridors an experience. Actually, that's the only word I could think of that accurately describes this game - it's an "experience". I'm fairly sure I got the alternative ending, which was, well, interesting indeed. Although I would say it felt a bit abrupt since I didn't feel done with the game, I still had unsolved puzzles to work on. But I still enjoyed the ending I got, left curious wondering what would happen if I actually finished those puzzles. All and all, I'm much happier with my... "experience"... this time around. And I would recommend playing it, for the beautiful surroundings and poetry if nothing else. But I'd also recommend reading my old review where I present another point of view. [h1] OLD REVIEW: [/h1] I've played this game for 40 minutes and I'm sorry to say I've requested a refund. There's a couple of things I'd like to say about it, though. I would recommend actually reading my review to see why this game wasn't for me - it still could be something for you. Firstly, it's absolutely beautiful. And I thought the name - "There Was The Moon" - sounded promising, like something for me. But buying it, I think I failed to understand how religious the atmosphere of the game feels. It's truly a ritual, a ceremony, you're taking part of when you play. The divine contact simply isn't for me, but that's just personal. It didn't stop me from enjoying the nice sorroundings in the game. About 30 minutes in, already having strumbled through puzzles not quite knowing what I was doing, I came to a point where there was a vault with a bunch of locked doors. I succeeded to unlock two or three doors out of pure luck, randomly pressing buttons. Then I realized how many doors were left, and I was overwhelmed and decided to quit. I'm sure there was some kind of system, or a clue somewhere that I missed, but to me it just seemed like the doors unlocked by chance. I gave up, it was too hard. If you're thinking about buying this game - just know that you're in for a challenge. A beautiful one though, for sure. But for me, the puzzles were just too hard. And I wasn't a fan of the religious eerie atmosphere. But it all comes down to one thing - it's too expensive. As a student, it's more worth to close the game and ask for a refund. I tried it, it wasn't for me. If it was free, I probably would've finished it and maybe even recommend it. But for now I don't think I can.

Aside from a couple weird glitches, this games atmosphere was absolutely beautiful and the puzzles were fun and challenging. However I could not for the life of me find the last conduit or get the alternate ending, but I still enjoyed the experience.

Very neat atmospheric game! The visuals are the highlight of the experience and it's artistically striking. The environments give me Myst vibes. Some puzzles have a good challenge but may need some more feedback, they don't feel typical or overused which is always nice. Has a linear feel but if you want something relaxing and easy going then this a good pick-up. :)