In Lunar Lander Beyond, Atari and Dreams Uncorporated join forces to revive a classic arcade experience with a modern twist. As the captain of the Pegasus corporation, players navigate a universe filled with perilous missions, colorful pilots, and sinister truths lurking behind the stars. The game’s premise sets a captivating stage for players to dive into the challenging yet rewarding world of spaceflight in a modern take on one of the early physics-based classics.
One of the game’s strengths lies in its faithful homage to the original Lunar Lander while expanding upon its simplistic yet addictive gameplay. Players familiar with the arcade classic (or the game Thrust) will appreciate the familiar mechanics of navigating through space while carefully managing thrust and momentum to avoid obstacles and land safely at their destinations. However, the addition of a campaign filled with diverse missions adds a layer of depth and variety, keeping players engaged as they progress through the game.
Controls are intuitive yet nuanced, requiring players to master careful movements and quick thinking to succeed. While the basic controls effectively maneuver the spacecraft, some players may find the steering to be slightly sluggish, which can be frustrating, especially in moments that demand quick reactions. Nonetheless, successfully navigating through the game’s challenging scenarios brings a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration, making it all worthwhile once you complete your missions.
The game introduces a roster of unique pilots, each with their own set of abilities and attributes, adding depth to the gameplay as players strategize and experiment with different combinations to overcome obstacles. Additionally, the progression system rewards players with upgrades and new ships, further enhancing the gameplay experience and encouraging exploration and experimentation while adding replay value as well.
Visually, Lunar Lander Beyond shines with its colorful and striking sci-fi landscape, featuring hand-drawn art that brings the universe to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. The diverse environments, from the moons of Nueva Luna to the mysterious planet of Etimus, offer attractive backdrops for players to explore and conquer.
The audio complements the visuals perfectly, immersing players in the world of space exploration with its atmospheric soundscapes and dynamic soundtrack. The well drawn cutscenes further enhance the narrative, adding depth and emotion to the story as players uncover the mysteries of the universe – elevating this one beyond its arcade origins.
But while Lunar Lander Beyond excels in many aspects, it’s not without its flaws. Some missions can be downright infuriating, testing players’ patience and perseverance to the limit. The campaign structure, while offering variety, may also lack substance for some players, leaving them craving a more arcade-like mode that resembles the classic that this one’s based on. Still, another solid homage to the classics by Atari.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 