When you think of the sun setting in the evening, do you consider that it disappears? Logically the Earth has simply rotated, but what about from the moon’s perspective? Perhaps it does disappear to the viewpoint of the moon. The sun has set and it is now the responsibility of the moon to make sure that the sun will rise in the morning. This is a quick overview of the story of 6180 The Moon. While far fetched, it was also enjoyable, as there are numerous cut-scenes between the Moon and Earth, Venus, and Mercury. I had some good laughs, especially when the Moon was talking with Venus, as he was given a selfish personality. It was just completely ridiculous that I could not help but snicker at it.
The gameplay is just as simple as the story. The Moon is the main character and has to navigate through fifty levels. While playing through any level, if the Moon reaches the bottom of the viewable area, which is in reference to the GamePad display or the TV screen, it would then appear at the top of the other monitor. The Moon can also travel in the opposite direction as well. There is an organization of the screens, the TV shows the top portion of the level, with the bottom part displaying on the GamePad. While playing 6180 The Moon, this required me to switch focus between the two screens. With the focus shifting, this resulted with some trial and error as this was quite an adjustment for me to get acquainted with. Most games will use one of the screens and often display an inventory or map on the other, which is why I found this to be a unique game mechanic.
The Moon has a few abilities it can use to help navigate through the various courses. It has the ability to jump and if powered up with a sun drop, then it can perform an air stall. The sun drops only appear within specific levels, and typically required. Spikes are the only element that will shatter the moon. There are also some breakable squares that will launch you high into the air upon impact. I found the limited abilities and the lack of ways to be defeated on the repetitive side. I thought that the original fifty levels used mostly all of the same concepts. This is due to there not being a variety of elements. While in the final world, switches and moving platforms make an appearance, but it did not add much to the overall level design.
I felt that the repetitive nature of the levels is also shown when the main fifty levels are completed. Upon completion, the reward is to replay the fifty levels, but playing them in reverse with each level being inverted. I beat the main fifty levels and the first ten of the inverse levels within two hours. If you were looking for a longer game, this might not be the game for you.
There are five worlds, starting with the Moon, then going to Earth, Venus, Mercury and ending at the Sun. Each planet along with the Moon and Sun consist of ten levels. Since the levels are only a few to several screen lengths, I was able to fly through them pretty quickly. Since there are only two abilities, they are different buttons. Controlling the Moon was very simple as it consisted of moving and jumping. The hardest part was shifting my eyes between the two screens.
With everything so far being entirely simple, the graphics fit this theme perfectly. It consists of a black background with a white circle being the moon. The spikes are a simple white triangle shape with the platforms being made of squares. The graphics consist of simple shapes and lack color as everything is black and white. The most helpful feature was the vertical line on the opposite screen the Moon was on to indicate where it would fall onto that screen. I found that I did not mind the simplicity of the graphics as it seemed to fit the overall theme.
The soundtrack was very light in terms of the number of tracks and the included tracks are basic. The included track is a very simple track with relaxing tones and with little to no rhythm. I found it very laid back and enjoyable to listen to. Despite the planets, moon and sun having personalities and being able to speak, there was no voice acting for their story elements. While this is not a critical piece of any game, I feel that humor is best delivered with a tone of voice. I find this makes not only the story more interesting but also contributes to the personality of the speakers.
The best way to sum up 6180 The Moon is that it is completely simple. Everything is basic including the story, controls, graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay. Simple does not mean bad or unenjoyable either. The humor is worth a few laughs and gameplay mechanic is unique and fun. I also cannot deny that I enjoyed my experience despite it being on the short side. I would recommend this game to those looking for a unique aspect that will have you coming back for more.
FINAL SCORE: 8.0 out of 10