Moon

FPSes on a weak system is a controversial topic. Skeptics will sneer that it will be low quality because of the system requirements; AI, number of enemies on screen, etc. are all advantages to the more powerful systems. Moon is one of the most controversial examples of a FPS on a weak system yet, with those that love it, hate it and everything in between -- but if you're willing to accept that Moon can't and isn't trying to replicate a typical 7th gen console FPS, you certainly won't be one to hate it.

First and foremost Moon is a shooter, but it heavily relies on its adventure elements to provide for a unique pocket FPS. Sure, you'll be blasting away enemies of varying shapes and sizes, but Moon makes up for the DS' weak hardware with a Metroid Prime approach to the genre. Mission objectives are usually locating objects, instead of blasting away hundreds of on-screen enemies, and the player uses the RAD to do it.

The RAD is where Moon sets itself apart from other DS FPSes. Think of the Mark II from MGS4, but actually useful. The RAD can crawl into tiny vents where you can't, which is useful in two main ways; it can either locate hidden artifacts for bonus missions,or unlock a door you can't get past as a human. The RAD can also stun enemies, but outside of Moon's adventure elements the RAD is pretty useless.

That's not to say the game is all about finding artifacts and progressing through the story, of course. There are plenty of enemies hiding around corners and on cielings, and while the variety is lacking, enemy patterns are interesting and it's enjoyable to take enemies down. Boss fights are especially enjoyable, although they could have been much more with a decent soundtrack. Moon plays differently than most other current gen FPSes, which works in its favor.

Moon also employs an enjoyable, slightly eerie story. As Major Kane, you've been assigned to a secret mission on the Moon after Earth discovers a 'hatch.' When you get there, your men are mysteriously attacked by Extra Terrestrials; some are abducted by the aliens. Your commanding officer orders you down into the hatch, which is full of enough secrets to keep the plot interesting.

The way Major Kane communicates with people was taken right out of old-school MGS (Renegade Kid really has a crush on Snake), with the exact same interface, though lacking the voice acting. What's there to say about this obvious rip-off? It works, and it works well, so I'm not complaining.

After destroying the hatch, you'll go back out onto the surface of the moon in search of another -- which is the beginning of the car levels. While these levels only last a minute or two, it's worth noting that they are pretty bad, even considering how poorly other FPSes handle car control.

Aside from that, though, Moon controls like a charm. Think Metroid Prime: Hunters, but better -- aim with the stylus, move with the d-pad, shoot with shoulder buttons and switch weapons by tapping a button on the touch screen (thankfully, the game pauses the action to give you time to choose your weapon, unlike in Hunters). It's simple and intuitive, and probably as good as any DS FPS will ever control, but I would have liked to see some innovation. Melee attacks? Ducking? Grenades? While extremely accurate and fun to use, the DS' controls are as basic as they were in 2006.

It's easy to forgive the simple controls when you're using such a great arsenal of weapons, though. The variety here is nice, and each gun feels great. Weapons are a joy to use and, almost as importantly, a joy to look at.

No matter who you are, you'll be able to appreciate Moon's silky smooth, unwavering 60 frames per second. Not only that, but DS owners will appreciate the upgrade Renegade Kid has done to their engine; character models, textures, lighting, animations, etc., Renegade Kid has proved mastery over the DS hardware. Dark environments and a creepy atmosphere really help mask the DS' hardware limitations, as well. In my opinion, Moon is best looking 3D DS game on the market (screenshots and videos look far worse than the real thing, trust me). I never thought I'd say something like this, but Iwould love to see the Renegade Kid Engine be the Unreal Engine for the DS; Moon makes most 3D DS games pale in comparison.

Outside of the visuals, though, Moon's presentation falls flat. Multiplayer could have extended the life of a short game; even online ranking would have been nice. The soundtrack is pretty annoying; the series of bleeps and bloops may ocassionally fit in with the dark, bleak atmosphere, but for the most part it's just that -- a series of bleeps and bloops. Moon's presentation is pretty bare-bones, even considering the platform, and it's a shame considering how much potential the game has for multiplayer.

Repeating level design is also a large problem. Initially the design seems pretty good, but 3 hours later when you go past the same room for the upteenth time you might lose a little interest. Boss fights also repeat, which is a problem Hunters had, and it's even less excusable now that we're in 2009.

If you go into Moon with a pessemistic perspective, thinking it will suck for being on a weak platform -- you will hate it. There's plenty of criticism to level at Moon; it's short, has a terrible soundtrack, level design repeats far too often... But if you want to look at the good aspects of Moon, there's plenty to enjoy. It isn't Killzone DS, but I would recommend Moon to any DS fan with an appreciation for the genre.