Space Moth: Lunar Edition – Review | Blast of Color

Shmups are a funny ol’ genre. They can make a game out of the simplest themes ranging from Witches to spaceships. Then you also have cute ’em-ups and the stuff in-between. There are not many Moth-based games though, which makes Space Moth: Lunar Edition stand out.

Fly Me To The Moon

Space Moth: Lunar Edition is a reworked version of Space Moth DX, presumably off of the back of Star Hunter DX which I covered previously.

I’m sure this is covered in most Shmup reviews and I know I certainly make a point of this; with this genre, the narrative doesn’t matter at all. I make this point because as far I can tell there is no narrative. Saves you skipping pointless cutscenes, I suppose!

Flight of the Bumblebee

Space Moth: Lunar Edition is a vertical bullet hell shooter. It’s a genre that was quiet for a while but has made a comeback in a big way over the recent years. 

You take control of one of two ships, Space Moth or Hawk DX, each equipped with their different firing properties. Tasked with proving you’re the ultimate insect, you need to survive shooting down others while dodging walls upon walls of colorful bullets.

You have two types of shots, small bullets in a wider spread and a giant beam. The shot is ideal for smaller popcorn enemies, and the beam is there for the big boys.

Moth to a Flame

One of the first scoring mechanics you’ll get to grips with in this title is that the shot drains “soul” from bigger foes and also builds a circle around you. If you use your beam on soul-drained foes you get higher scores and the circle grows.

When your circle is big enough. you can trigger it. It’ll absorb any enemy fire, turning them into skills for you to collect and netting you even more points.

The risk Vs reward factor is strong here. Do you save it for a bullet heavy section and net all the points? Or do you keep using it knowing that you can build it up quickly enough if you’re confident of your skills?

There are of course area clearing bombs as well. These are great for sections you know will otherwise spell your demise. Alongside these are various bonus items that will put you even closer to beating that high score.

Iron Butterfly

The game also features a robust training mode for those tricky situations. It’s brilliantly tweakable ranging from sections to how many bombs and what level your circle is at. This is an essential mode for those who want to one credit clear this game.

The game consists of 5 Stages and also has several built-in achievements for those of you wanting a little extra challenge. The only real omission I’d like to see here is online leaderboards, which means you’ll be screenshotting and sharing the old-fashioned way. 

Bullet with Butterfly Wings

Visually Space Moth: Lunar Edition is a treat when it comes to the use of color. The models of ships are brilliantly drawn insects, but the stage design and use of bullet color is something else.

The game does more with less. It uses a minimalistic art style and it does lend proof to the old theory that a strong art direction can carry further than graphics.

The soundtrack is an absolute treasure for this title. I always say that a classic Shmup is as much about soundtracks as it is gameplay and Space Moth: Lunar Edition nails it.

Verdict

All in all Space Moth: Lunar Edition is a big boy shooter in a budget package. It’s a top-tier bullet hell experience for less than a trip to McDonald’s.

The only thing the game lacks is a difficulty mode choice for newcomers to the genre who want to work to that 1CC – That and online leaderboards. Aside from those, this is one bug you’ll want to spare its life.

SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION IS RECOMMENDED

If you would like to see more Shooters, you may be interested in our review of Cotton Reboot.

Many thanks go to Chorus Worldwide Games for a Nintendo Switch review code for this title.