In the depths of the mimic moon Luna, a desolate prison awaits, and you, a condemned soul, must navigate its treacherous corridors. Developed by Benni Hill and published by Bonsai Collective, Luna Abyss promises a hauntingly immersive experience, where secrets of a lost colony and the enigmatic city of Greymont await your discovery. Guided by an AI overseer named Aylin, every step you take reveals echoes of a bygone era, unraveling a narrative steeped in mystery and foreboding….. we were certainly intrigued by the concept, and met with the developer for a preview.
What We Know:
Luna Abyss emerges as a first-person, bullet-hell shooter set within an otherworldly megastructure. Your journey unfolds on the mimic moon, Luna, where you embody Fawkes, a prisoner sentenced to explore its cryptic depths. The game’s unique mechanics eschew traditional manual aiming, favoring a lock-on system, giving rise to strategic combat. Players must discern enemy weaknesses and wield a diverse array of weapons, including the intriguing Shield Breaker. Engage with enigmatic NPCs, including the enigmatic prison warden Aylin, whose motives remain shrouded in ambiguity.
What We Saw:
During our hands-on session at Gamescom, we delved into a half-hour demo of Luna Abyss. The immersive experience offered a taste of the game’s atmospheric presentation and the innovative combat mechanics. Exploring the eerie red and grey landscapes of Luna, we navigated treacherous terrain, engaged in heart-pounding firefights, and encountered a few of the enigmatic denizens of the abyss.
What We Thought:
Judging by the demo, Luna Abyss stands as a potential gem of the indie gaming landscape, leaving an indelible mark with its unique blend of atmosphere, narrative depth, and high octane gameplay. The game’s departure from traditional aiming mechanics in favor of a lock-on system feels good, and strategizing against diverse foes, each with their own vulnerabilities, forms the backbone of Luna Abyss’ engaging combat. The Shield Breaker, a standout weapon, promises exhilarating encounters, adding depth to the arsenal and your combat options.
The game’s visuals are gorgeous, with impressive architecture and alien landscapes providing a canvas for an immersive experience. Luna Abyss channels influences from celebrated titles like Returnal, Control, and Portal, sprinkled with a bit of terror and intrigue on top. Aylin, the AI warden, adds an intriguing layer of mystery, her intentions – at least in the demo – veiled in ambiguity.
While Luna Abyss draws parallels to other iconic titles, it carves out its own unique identity, offering a challenging yet accessible experience. The balance struck in difficulty, reminiscent of classics like Doom, ensures a rewarding gameplay experience. As the enigma of Luna Abyss deepens, the promise of unraveled mysteries and enthralling encounters beckons, leaving us eager for the full release.
Press Play Media 