To the Moon Review

To the Moon is a profoundly emotional narrative-driven adventure that has touched the hearts of many players since its original release. Developed by Freebird Games and published by Serenity Forge, this 2024 reimagining brings the story back to the forefront, inviting new players and long-time fans to relive its poignant tale on modern platforms. While many games focus on delivering thrilling gameplay or complex mechanics, To the Moon offers a simple, story-focused experience that prioritizes emotional storytelling over traditional RPG elements.

At its core, To the Moon explores themes of love, loss, and the human desire to reshape our past. Players assume the role of two doctors, Dr. Eva Rosalene and Dr. Neil Watts, who work for a company that allows them to alter the memories of dying patients, granting them a chance to live out their final wishes in their minds. Their latest patient, Johnny, wishes to go to the Moon, a request that seems inexplicably essential to him. The doctors dive into Johnny’s memories to understand why, exploring his life story in reverse and uncovering long-buried secrets, regrets, and unfulfilled dreams.

While the gameplay might be simple, To the Moon’s power lies in its masterful storytelling, driven by heartfelt dialogue, a moving soundtrack, and a narrative structure that keeps players engaged until the end. With its blend of nostalgia, humour, and profound emotional moments, To the Moon is a game that will linger in the minds of those who play it long after the credits roll.

Setting and Story

To the Moon is set in a world where technology allows doctors to manipulate memories, granting dying patients their last wish by altering their recollections of their lives. The story begins in a secluded, picturesque house on a cliffside overlooking a lighthouse. This is the home of Johnny Wyles, an older man whose life is nearing its end. In this quiet, melancholic place, Dr. Eva Rosalene and Dr. Neil Watts arrive, bringing the equipment to let them enter Johnny’s memories and fulfill his final wish—to go to the Moon.

As the doctors delve into Johnny’s mind, they travel backward through his memories, starting with his most recent moments and working their way to his earliest childhood experiences. Each memory reveals a new fragment of Johnny’s life, from his quiet days spent in the company of his late wife, River, to the struggles and joys of their marriage. Along the way, players witness the tender yet sometimes tricky relationship between Johnny and River, whose unique personality and mysterious motivations impact his life.

The story takes players on a journey through a life filled with both happiness and sorrow. As they move through Johnny’s memories, the doctors discover that his wish to go to the Moon is tied to a deep-seated regret rooted in his relationship with River and an unfulfilled promise he made to her long ago. The narrative beautifully captures how memories shape who we are and how even the smallest moments can carry profound significance. The doctors’ exploration of Johnny’s mind is a journey through time and the complexities of love, loss, and the human desire for meaning.

One of the most compelling aspects of To the Moon is how it weaves Johnny’s story with the doctors’ experiences. As Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts navigate the emotional terrain of Johnny’s memories, their personalities and perspectives come into play, offering moments of humour and introspection that contrast with the heavier themes of the story. Their dynamic adds depth to the narrative, providing a sense of companionship for the player as they unravel the mysteries of Johnny’s past.

At the heart of the story is Johnny’s relationship with River, a woman whose quiet, enigmatic presence lingers throughout his memories. River’s unique way of viewing the world and her struggles with neurodivergence are central to the game’s emotional core. Her love for lighthouses, cryptic references to paper rabbits, and desire for connection reveal a deeply complex character that is difficult for Johnny—and even the doctors—to fully understand. This relationship, filled with tender moments and unspoken pain, shapes the trajectory of Johnny’s life and ultimately leads him to wish for a journey to the Moon.

As the story climaxes, the doctors uncover the truth behind Johnny’s wish, revealing a memory buried in his mind. This discovery forces them to decide whether to grant Johnny’s wish by reshaping his memories in a way that alters his connection to River or to leave things as they are, preserving the truth of his past. The game’s conclusion is a powerful meditation on the nature of memory, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and how our pasts define our present.

To the Moon’s story is a carefully crafted exploration of the human heart, filled with moments of joy, sadness, and profound reflection. It embraces the bittersweet nature of life, reminding players that even the most seemingly mundane moments can carry a universe of meaning. As the doctors navigate Johnny’s memories, they and the players are left to grapple with whether fulfilling a dream is worth altering the fabric of a person’s life.

Gameplay and Mechanics

To the Moon is a game where narrative takes center stage, and its gameplay is designed to support the unfolding story without overshadowing it. The mechanics are simple, borrowing elements from classic adventure RPGs but with a streamlined approach focusing on exploring environments, interacting with objects, and piecing together memories. It intentionally avoids complex systems or action-packed sequences, opting for a gentle pace, allowing players to absorb the story’s emotional beats.

Exploration and Interaction:

The core of To the Moon’s gameplay revolves around exploration. As players guide Dr. Eva Rosalene and Dr. Neil Watts through Johnny’s memories, they navigate environments ranging from the serene coastline surrounding Johnny’s home to the intimate settings of his past—his school, home, and moments shared with River. Players control the doctors using a simple point-and-click interface, directing them to examine objects, collect mementos, and engage in conversations with the characters they encounter.

Each environment is filled with items that trigger snippets of dialogue or reveal details about Johnny’s life. These interactions aren’t just about advancing the story; they also provide insight into the characters’ personalities and their thoughts on the memories they’re experiencing. For instance, a small trinket on a desk might evoke a wistful comment from Dr. Rosalene, while Dr. Watts might offer a sarcastic quip that adds a touch of levity to the proceedings. This back-and-forth between the doctors is vital to the game’s charm, offering moments of humour that balance out the heavier emotional themes.

Memento System and Memory Links:

Players must find and collect “memory links” in each scene to progress through Johnny’s memories. These links are connected to objects that hold emotional significance for Johnny, such as a plush toy, a photograph, or River’s handmade paper rabbits. Collecting these links allows players to unlock a “memento”—a critical item that bridges two points in Johnny’s past. Once a memento is activated, the doctors (and the players) are taken deeper into Johnny’s memories, travelling further back to uncover new layers of his story.

The memento system adds a light puzzle element to the game, as players must explore each memory to find the links needed to proceed. These puzzles are never overly challenging, but they serve as a way to encourage players to fully explore the environments and engage with the details of Johnny’s life. Each memento also requires players to complete a simple puzzle before it can be activated, typically involving flipping tiles to match a pattern. While straightforward, these puzzles offer a moment of reflection before diving into the next memory, allowing players to pause and consider the significance of the scenes they’ve just witnessed.

Dialogue and Decision-Making:

Though To the Moon is a linear experience, it dramatically emphasizes dialogue and character interactions. Much of the gameplay involves listening to conversations between Johnny, River, and other characters from his past and the doctor’s commentary. These dialogues are rich with emotion, often shifting between heartfelt sincerity, introspection, and moments of humour. The writing is sharp, with each line feeling purposeful in revealing more about the characters and their relationships.

While few direct choices alter the course of the story, players are often given opportunities to choose how the doctors respond to situations, adding a degree of personalization to their interactions. These choices can affect the tone of the conversations but do not change the overall narrative. The game focuses on guiding players through a carefully crafted story rather than branching paths. This design decision allows the narrative to maintain a strong sense of pacing and ensures that every player experiences the same emotional arc.

Immersion Through Simplicity:

The simplicity of To the Moon’s mechanics is both a strength and a potential weakness, depending on the expectations players bring to the game. The gameplay may feel too light for those looking for a traditional RPG or adventure game with intricate mechanics. However, the design serves a clear purpose: to immerse players in the story without distractions. The game’s mechanics are like the frame of a painting—meant to support and enhance the central work of art without drawing attention away from it.

The lack of combat, skill trees, or complex puzzles allows the story to flow uninterrupted, creating a meditative atmosphere where players can focus on the emotions and themes at play. The interactivity moments—whether moving through a familiar memory or solving a simple puzzle—are designed to keep players engaged without pulling them away from the narrative’s emotional core. For many, this approach allows To the Moon to resonate as few games do, turning playing into a profoundly personal experience.

A Journey Through Memory:

Ultimately, the gameplay of To the Moon is a vehicle for storytelling. It invites players to reflect on the nature of memory, the passage of time, and how our lives are shaped by the people we love. Each memory link and memento reminds us that even the most miniature objects can hold great significance, acting as touchstones that connect us to the past. By guiding Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts through Johnny’s memories, players are given a rare opportunity to witness life unfold, piece by piece, and to understand the regrets and dreams that define a person’s final moments.

In this way, To the Moon transforms its simple mechanics into something greater than the sum of its parts—a game that, through its minimalistic design, allows players to focus on the story’s emotional beats and connect with the characters on a profound level.

Graphics and Sound

To the Moon is a game in which its visual style and music work together to create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. While it might not boast the high-definition visuals or complex animations seen in many modern games, To the Moon uses its art direction and soundtrack to evoke emotions that align perfectly with its storytelling focus. The game’s presentation is a testament to the power of simplicity in art, proving that sometimes the most moving experiences come from the quiet moments rather than the bombastic ones.

Pixel Art Aesthetic:

The game’s visual style is built on charming, hand-crafted pixel art reminiscent of classic RPGs from the 16-bit era. Characters, environments, and objects are rendered with a nostalgic touch that feels like stepping back into the golden age of sprite-based games. The top-down perspective is straightforward, but it’s used effectively to convey the world’s details—whether it’s the rolling waves by Johnny’s house, the cozy interiors of his home, or the beautifully desolate settings of his memories.

What makes the pixel art of To the Moon stand out is its attention to detail. Each scene is lovingly crafted to capture the essence of a memory, from the vibrant colours of a summer day to the muted tones of a hospital room. To bring scenes to life, the game uses subtle animations, such as leaves blowing in the wind or Johnny and River standing together under the stars. These small touches add depth to the visual storytelling, making each moment feel like a snapshot from a photo album. The art style’s simplicity allows players to focus on the conveyed emotions rather than getting lost in flashy visuals.

The environments on the Moon play a significant role in setting the tone for the story. Johnny’s home, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, serves as a central hub that players repeatedly return to as they explore different parts of his life. The isolation of the house mirrors the loneliness and introspection that permeate Johnny’s story. At the same time, the serene landscape offers a quiet beauty that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of his memories. The pixel art style gives these settings a timeless quality, making them feel like they exist between memory and reality.

Cinematic Presentation:

Despite its simple visuals, To the Moon manages to create cinematic moments through its framing and use of light. Certain scenes are enhanced by shifts in perspective or zoom-ins that focus on a character’s expression or an important object. While not frequent, these moments emphasize the emotional impact of key scenes. The game’s use of colour and lighting helps to guide players’ emotions, with warm, golden hues used for memories of love and joy, while darker, colder tones set the stage for moments of loss and regret.

One of the standout aspects of the game’s presentation is how it uses its limited art assets to convey a range of emotions. Characters are rendered as small sprites, yet their movements and expressions carry weight, making it easy for players to empathize with them. The way a character turns away during a difficult conversation or hesitates before taking a step forward speaks volumes, proving that even simple animations can be powerful when used thoughtfully. The result is an intimate and personal game where the visuals enhance rather than overshadow the narrative.

A Soundtrack That Tugs at the Heartstrings:

The music of To the Moon, composed by Kan Gao, is one of its most celebrated features. The soundtrack blends gentle piano melodies, haunting orchestral pieces, and nostalgic themes that perfectly capture the story’s emotional beats. The central theme, a simple but beautiful piano melody, serves as the musical heart of the game, recurring throughout the journey in different arrangements that reflect the changing tone of the narrative. It’s a piece that lingers in the memory long after the game ends, much like the story itself.

Each memory and scene into the Moon is accompanied by music that sets the emotional tone, whether it’s the quiet sadness of a piano piece as Johnny remembers River or the uplifting notes that play during moments of hope and connection. The soundtrack is designed to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, mirroring the story’s themes as players explore Johnny’s life. It’s the kind of music that invites introspection, encouraging players to pause and reflect on the scenes unfolding before them.

The sound design, while minimalist, is carefully crafted to immerse players in the world. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore, the creak of a wooden floorboard in an old house, and the distant call of seagulls all add to the atmosphere, making the game’s environment feel alive. These sounds are not meant to startle or overwhelm; instead, they serve as a comforting backdrop that allows the story to take center stage.

Voice and Dialogue:

To the Moon does not feature traditional voice acting, but its dialogue is written with such care that players can easily imagine the tones and inflections of the characters’ voices. The writing captures the essence of each character, with Johnny’s melancholy introspection, River’s enigmatic sincerity, and the doctors’ contrasting personalities all coming through in the lines they speak. The lack of voice acting allows players to project their interpretations onto the characters, making the experience more personal.

The game’s use of sound effects and music during key dialogue moments adds weight to the conversations. For example, a poignant line might be followed by a shift in music or a moment of silence, giving players time to absorb the meaning of what has been said. This approach ensures that the game’s emotional impact is not lost in its presentation’s simplicity; the thoughtful use of sound and silence somewhat amplifies it.

An Experience of Atmosphere and Emotion:

The visuals and sound of To the Moon come together to create an experience that feels both nostalgic and timeless. The game’s art style is a tribute to the old RPGs, while its soundtrack and sound design elevate the story’s emotional resonance. Every scene, every note of music, and every quiet moment is crafted to draw players deeper into the memories of Johnny Wyles, making them feel as though they are walking through his life alongside the doctors.

Ultimately, To the Moon proves that a game doesn’t need cutting-edge graphics or bombastic soundtracks to leave a lasting impression. Its visual simplicity and heartfelt music create an atmosphere as inviting as it is heartrending, offering players a chance to explore a story about love, loss, and the choices that define us. It’s a game that invites players to listen, feel, and reflect, leaving them with memories that linger long after the journey ends.

Final Thoughts

To the Moon is a rare gem in gaming—a story-driven experience that prioritizes emotion, human connection, and introspection over flashy gameplay or complex mechanics. Developed by Freebird Games and published by Serenity Forge, this reimagining of the classic adventure RPG remains a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting players to explore a life filled with love, loss, and unfulfilled dreams. It is a game that wears its heart on its sleeve, and in doing so, it manages to leave a lasting mark on those who take the time to experience its journey.

In conclusion, To the Moon is a game that transcends its simple mechanics and retro aesthetics to deliver a genuinely moving and thought-provoking experience. It’s a story about the power of memories, the pain of loss, and the possibility of finding closure, even when it comes too late. By placing players in the shoes of two doctors exploring a dying man’s mind, the game offers a unique perspective on life’s most profound questions and invites players to reflect on their own experiences.

Whether you’re a fan of narrative-driven games or simply enjoy a good story, To the Moon is an unforgettable journey worth taking. It is a game that reminds us of the beauty in small moments, the impact of the people we love, and the dreams that stay with us even as the years pass; for those willing to embrace its quiet pace and emotional depth, To the Moon offers a story that is sure to leave a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the most straightforward journeys can be the most meaningful.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of To the Moon for the PS5 version provided by Evolve PR.