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Nintendo Switch Review: Deliver Us The Moon

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Fast Facts

Deliver Us The Moon
Developer: KeokeN Interactive
Publisher: Wired Productions
Website: View Here
Genre(s): Adventure, Puzzle
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Age Rating: PEGI 12
Release Date: 15/07/2024
Price: £15.99

A code was provided for review purposes

An astronaut stands in the foreground with a rocket ship looming in the background. Around the spacecraft are large pillars of metal holding the station in place.
The verticality of set pieces can be overwhelming and astounding.

Moon-umental Mystery

Deliver Us The Moon offers an intriguing narrative set against a backdrop of cosmic mystery. You play as an astronaut tasked with uncovering the truth behind a lunar power station’s sudden blackout, which threatens Earth’s energy supply. The story begins at a slow pace, which might not immediately capture your attention. However, as more pieces of the mystery fall into place, the plot becomes increasingly compelling. The tension escalates, and the stakes grow higher, pulling you into its orbit.

The game’s story is more than just a quest to restore power; it delves into themes of survival and sacrifice. The emotional depth of the narrative adds layers to the adventure, making it more than a typical space mission. As you progress, you’ll uncover secrets about what happened on the moon, and the revelations are both thrilling and thought-provoking. This blend of mystery and sci-fi storytelling makes Deliver Us The Moon an adventure worth taking to the moon and back.

A lunar rover vehicle with six wheels sits at the forefront. The shadows of the moon are forebroading but there is a lunar station in the background in the lit area from the sun. The station is set in the center of a giant crater.
The dark shadows of the moon’s surface add to the suspense when oxygen is limited.

Lunar-tastic Puzzles

The gameplay in Deliver Us The Moon is a clever mix of exploration and puzzle-solving. The game dynamically switches between first and third-person perspectives, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging. This mechanic adapts to different environments, like zero-gravity stations and lunar surfaces, making the gameplay immersive. The tools you acquire, such as the laser cutter and ASE robot, provide creative ways to solve puzzles, adding variety to the tasks you encounter.

Puzzles range from simple navigation challenges to more complex tasks that require strategic thinking. Early puzzles introduce you to the mechanics without overwhelming you, while later ones become more intricate, offering satisfying challenges. The game also includes unique set-piece moments to break up the standard gameplay, although not all of these moments are equally successful. Some, like the quick-time event train sequences, feel a bit awkward, but overall, the gameplay keeps you engaged.

A sign for the WSA, World Space Agency hangs on the buildings exterior. The nearly inhabitable Earth lays in ruin of rock, dirt, and metal. The large sign shows a giant space station.
The launch station on Earth for the WSA looks nearly abandoned.

Starry-Eyed Visuals

Visually, the Switch version of Deliver Us The Moon comes with some expected compromises but remains appealing, especially when played docked. The game manages to preserve dynamic shadows and real-time lighting effects, contributing to the atmospheric presentation. While the graphics don’t match the fidelity of more powerful platforms, they do a good job of maintaining the game’s visual detail.

However, the handheld mode suffers from significant resolution drops, particularly in expansive areas. This can make it challenging to spot small puzzle elements and details, which can be frustrating at times. Despite these limitations, the developers have done an admirable job of optimizing the game for the Switch. The environments retain their atmospheric charm, making the lunar landscape both mysterious and beautiful.

An astronaut pushes a cylinder into a machine to solve a puzzle. The large mechanical devices is made of metal and has wires coming out the side. The room is dark with only a small bit of light shining the way.
Moving canisters from locations can unlock doors and solve puzzles you encounter.

Out of This World Audio

The sound design in Deliver Us The Moon is exceptional, elevating the overall experience with its quality and attention to detail. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing the narrative to life with emotional depth and conviction. Each character’s performance adds to the immersion, making you feel connected to the unfolding story.

The music score and sound effects are equally impressive, creating a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the lunar setting. Whether you’re navigating the eerie silence of space or exploring the tense corridors of a moon base, the audio elements enhance the storytelling and mood. The meticulous attention to sound makes the game’s universe feel alive and eerily beautiful, immersing you fully in the experience.

The lunar station sits on the surface of the moon. It is large and has a tower in the center with four giant spoke legs fastened to the moon's cratered ground.
A space station on the moon is where a lot of the story takes place.

A Stellar Adventure

Despite a rocky path to the Switch, Deliver Us The Moon delivers a captivating narrative adventure that stands out. The docked experience shines with impressive graphics and smooth performance, offering an engaging experience that feels right at home on the console. While the game does take a visual hit compared to more powerful platforms, it remains visually appealing and retains its atmosphere.

The handheld mode, however, requires some patience due to noticeable resolution dips. These can be distracting, especially in complex environments, but they don’t detract significantly from the game’s overall enjoyment. Deliver Us The Moon is a compelling sci-fi tale that combines exploration with lunar intrigue, making it a journey worth undertaking. Even if you have to squint through a telescope at times, the experience is memorable and rewarding.

Gameplay Video

Check out my Nintendo Switch Gameplay without Commentary.

Rapid Reviews Rating


3.5 out of 5

3.5

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