[PlayStation 5] Review of Momodora: Moonlit Farewell

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, a sequel from PLAYISM and Bombservice, marks the grand finale of the beloved series. If you’re ready for another epic journey, stick around for our detailed review of this chapter.

Having played and thoroughly enjoyed Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight on PlayStation 4 back in 2017, and its spiritual successor Minoria in 2020, I was eager to dive into this latest installment. As a fan of Metroidvanias, I had high expectations, and I’m pleased to report that Moonlit Farewell did not disappoint.

This game unfolds five years post-Momodora III. You find yourself in the role of Momo Reionl, the high priestess of Koho, on a mission to uncover who is summoning demons to attack the village. A rogue bell-ringer has unleashed chaos, and it’s up to Momo to get to the bottom of this before the Lun Tree, the heart of the village’s life, is obliterated by the invading demons.

You can tailor your experience by selecting from two difficulty levels: Light and Normal. Light mode is perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back adventure without too much combat stress. The damage you take is reduced, and the window for invincibility post-hit is extended. In contrast, the Normal mode offers the traditional challenge expected by seasoned players familiar with the Momodora series.

Stepping into the game, you navigate Momo using either the left analog stick or the D-Pad, with the X button facilitating jumps. Holding X lets you reach greater heights. Combat involves swinging the Sacred Leaf with the Square button or strategically using the Kohonese Bow with R1 for ranged attacks, especially potent when your stamina is full. You can also dodge with Circle, keeping an eye on your stamina, and use the Healing Bell to regain health at the cost of some Mana. Interacting with characters or objects involves pressing up on the D-Pad.

As typical of the Metroidvania genre, your journey involves unlocking new skills to access different areas. Skills like a double jump, upgrades to cut through Demon Strings, wall jumps, and more will be crucial. You’ll want to keep an eye out for “?” indicators on your map that signal potential collectibles to assist in your quest.

The game’s world is brimming with items that can enhance your stats: Dotted Berries increase your health, Lumen Berries boost Mana, and Heavenly Lilies up your attack power, among others. You can even enlist Companions for help, though they’ll sit out boss battles. Sigils can be collected to tweak your gameplay experience, adding beneficial or challenging effects.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell also presents a comprehensive trophy list for trophy hunters, featuring a Platinum trophy. To achieve this, you’ll need to thoroughly explore the map, gather various collectibles, and meet specific milestones, including an amusing challenge to pet many cats. A Trophy Guide might come in handy for those who want to complete their collection.

The plot of Moonlit Farewell mirrors the introduction earlier, immersing you in the shoes of Momo Reionl, tasked with thwarting demon attacks triggered by a malicious bell-ringer. The story’s urgency grows as you race to prevent the destruction of the sacred Lun Tree.

Having completed the game once, you unlock Arrange Mode for a fresh challenge with mirrored maps, more formidable foes, and new adversaries not seen in your initial playthrough. For an even tougher endeavor, venture into Hardcore Mode where death means starting over as your save file is erased, making every move critical.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell is available on PlayStation 5 for $17.99, offering a rewarding conclusion to this series.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by PLAYISM.