This game is another favorite of mine in the "Metroidvania" genre. The game is pretty much another wheel greaser game, like most "Metroidvaina" games they all use a familiar format but what really makes them stand out (at least for me) is really in its presentation and execution and this game I feel gets a pass on both.
For the plotline, you're simply someone that is caught in a computer program and are in the form of a Maid avatar; why the heck Anime is obsessed with that outfit and role is anyone's guess but whatever. Anyway, after taking on that role you now must fight your way out. And that's pretty much it in a nutshell, the plotline I'll admit is nothing special it's been overplayed in my book. But like all "Metroid Vania's" were all here for the action and adventures and this game delivers well on both.
The graphic presentation is solid, really like the backgrounds and character designs, it really looks like it could be a well-designed game for the PS1 (PlayStation 1) or even Game Boy Advance which really adds to the throwback feel of the game. Really like the details on the background which have a Japanese vibe to it; but also, familiarity as their clear homages to the "Castle Vania" franchise; just like that franchise those homages never get old. Even like the enemies from cute broomstick floating witches who can kill you with bubbles or explosives. Giant Frankenstein monsters, demons, and any other colorfully strange enemies you would see in any anime. Music is also good, it's nothing that makes my favorite music track list but still they fit the game and their all a good listen.
The gameplay is solid as well as it's pretty much what you would expect from any "Metroid Vania" and action RPG. Your character is armed with kitchen knives in which you can throw a wide amount fast and damaging. You also have a secondary weapon where you can throw Chainsaws, or anything else to deliver extra damage. However, as you see in the game there is a catch as your knife and weapon throwing runs on a MP meter, the more you throw the more the meter drains. It does refill and there are ways to refill it but it takes a while to get to full so shoot carefully.
Another thing is in the time element which the game utilizes and plays with its physics well. From having a slow mo ability where despite moving slow, everything else moves slower but you have a minimal amount of time to maneuver so do it fast. Also, you have a time stopper stopwatch as everything around you is on pause except you; but the clock runs out fast and it takes time to recharge so use the stopwatch.
Also, there are other things to do when pause, where there are some lighted platforms, it can make move. Obstacles and enemies can pause where others are immune to its effects. You can collect some MP to refuel from obstacles your close and get past while on pause. You can throw knives close to enemies though it will drain some of your time and MP, the knives are on pause but once you turn the watch off well you can guess what happens next. And there are more tricks as you move further that I don't want to give away as you must see and use them yourself.
I even like the boss battles which are different as their kind of like the robot master battles from the "Mega Man" games. By their nature their timing and pattern puzzles as you must study their attack patterns well as well as being prepared for round two as they change it a little. But also using the element of time as your key to beating them. The length of the game is also really good as it's not very long campaign but I'm fine with that as I personally don't like to overstay, or you just feel like a mid light "Metroidvania."
The only weak point of the game is the story, it's a decent story. There's a bit of intrigue as you get further but overall, just feels generic. It could just be me on the matter, due to being an anime fan it's just the plotline is one that I feel has been played out to death, let alone most of the tropes you see in the game you might recognizes being an anime fan. But these are all things I can get past, as I said before we're more in it for action and adventure.
Luna Nights illuminates with fun.
Rating: 3 and a half stars.
