Metroidvania fans, rejoice! PLAYISM and Bombservice have delivered the finale to the captivating Momodora series with "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell." Are you geared up for one last epic journey? Let’s delve into my review of this much-awaited release.
Having thoroughly enjoyed "Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight" on the PlayStation 4 back in 2017 and its spiritual successor "Minoria" in 2020, I was really excited to explore this new installment. As a fan of the Metroidvania genre, diving into "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" was a no-brainer!
This game picks up five years after "Momodora III," throwing you into the role of Momo Reionl, the high priestess of Koho. Tasked with uncovering the mystery behind the summons of demons that plague the village, Momo embarks on a mission to stop a malicious bell-ringer before the sacred Lun Tree—and the village’s hope—are destroyed.
Choosing your difficulty in this game sets the stage for your experience. Opt for Light mode if you’re after a more laid-back journey, as it reduces damage taken and extends the invincibility period after hits. Meanwhile, Normal mode presents the usual trials Metroidvania enthusiasts are used to, offering a balance between challenge and enjoyment.
Controlling Momo feels fluid and intuitive. Use the left analog stick or the D-Pad to guide her, with the X button letting her jump—hold it for a higher leap. Employ the Sacred Leaf for close combat with the Square button, or switch to the Kohonese Bow with R1 for ranged attacks. The stamina bar plays a vital role, affecting your bow’s damage potential and your ability to dodge incoming attacks using the Circle button. Healing is possible with the Healing Bell at the cost of Mana, ensuring Momo remains fit for her epic quest.
Exploration in "Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is key, as it’s packed with skills and collectibles that elevate your gameplay. Use the L2 button to bring up the map, aiding your navigation. Unlockables such as double jump, wall jump, and enhancements to the Sacred Leaf will unfold as you progress, allowing access to previously unreachable areas.
Scour every corner for Dotted Berries to boost health, Lumen Berries for more Mana, Heavenly Lilies for increased attack power, and Peaches to speed up stamina regeneration. Companions will join you too, except during boss fights, offering healing, currency through Lunar Crystals, or helping in combat. Sigils provide unique effects, some powerful and others, like the Fool, which challenging, by lowering health to one point.
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" comes equipped with an enticing array of trophies, including a coveted Platinum. Your mission, should you accept, includes exploring all map areas, collecting berries, lilies, sigils, and more, even petting cats! A handy Trophy Guide can assist if you need it.
The journey doesn’t end once you complete the main game. Arrange Mode awaits, flipping the map and adding new and more numerous enemies, heightening the challenge. For thrill-seekers, try Hardcore Mode, where death means your save file is wiped, demanding sharp reflexes and strategic planning to conquer its perils.
"Momodora: Moonlit Farewell" is available now on PlayStation 5, priced at $17.99. Fans of Metroidvania games will find this final chapter a satisfying closure to the beloved series.
Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by PLAYISM.
