Lunar Lander Beyond is a challenging sci-fi title. This physics-based experience will have you on the edge of your seat. Additionally, it is one of those games that makes you gurn and make ridiculous faces. However, you’ll be so lost in the action, that you won’t realise how ridiculous you look. Furthermore, the sense of reward and the euphoria of completing each mission outweigh how stupid you look.
This action-adventure title was developed by Dreams Uncorporated and published by Atari. Additionally, it is a single-player game that uses a 2D side-scrolling approach. This simple idea may feel underwhelming, but the action is challenging enough without upping the ante further. As such, you’ll forgive the basic imagery and focus on completing every challenging mission.
Lunar Lander Beyond tells an outlandish tale.
Sci-fi games and unrealistic plots go hand-in-hand. Yet, Lunar Lander Beyond has an interesting tale to tell. Additionally, there is an underdog theme that makes you empathise with the protagonist. Consequently, you’ll get sucked into the action without realising it.
You are a newly appointed captain of the Pegasus Corporation. This heartless business cares not for its workers and focuses on profits and little else. As such, the mortality rate is off the chart and hiring decent pilots for your lander vessels isn’t a priority. Subsequently, you must make do with the crew you have and the traits they bring to the table.
Bite-size action.
Where this excels is its challenging but bite-size action. Each short mission is broken down into easy-to-follow objectives. Furthermore, every perk and vessel is well-defined. Accordingly, you can select the correct tool for each mission and pick the correct pilot to undertake each job.
The game is broken down into manageable chunks. Whether it is the perks you are selecting, the crew you are managing, or the mission you must complete, it is easy to understand. Furthermore, each micro mechanic is well explained. The result is a pleasant title that doesn’t confuse you. However, the action is brutally tough because of the physics-based approach.
Crash, crash, and crash again.
Crashing is par for the course. You’ll hit rocks, statues, asteroids, and buildings. This causes damage to your ship and stress for your pilot. Each of these elements is troublesome as they have major consequences. First, there is the issue of dying. A broken ship is no good, especially if you wish to live. As such, avoiding obstacles or collecting power-ups is a must. Alternatively, settling on a landing pad can save the day.
Second, no one wants to be stressed. If your pilots are overwhelmed, they can go insane! Insanity and deadly space travel do not mix. Subsequently, you’ll need to rotate your crew, focus on their health, and avoid every obstacle.
Ships and perks.
The missions vary nicely. Yet, the core gameplay effectively remains the same. However, you can pick from 4 unique ships and plenty of perks to mix things up. Though this may seem like a minor thing, it alters the way you fly and changes your approach to every mission.
This small element adds masses of depth to a relatively simple concept. Additionally, some missions are better suited to different vehicles, so you may have to return if you want the highest scores. Now, I wasn’t worried about being awarded a gold medal during each level, but other gamers thrive on a completionist mentality. As such, this ticks that box nicely.
Lunar Lander Beyond is pleasant to look at.
Though the visuals won’t blow you away, I liked the presentation. The simple ship design has some excellent detail and the thruster animation is eye-catching. Alongside this, each stage is varied even though they are compact by design. The claustrophobic tunnels and the broken scenery ensure that every level is challenging to navigate.
The audio has a bizarre light-hearted edge. Additionally, the electronic vibes enhance the sci-fi theme. The interesting and unusual sound effects complement this. Each ship is loud and obnoxious, but they are not unbearable to listen to. Although it lacks a truly modern edge, Lunar Lander Beyond has delivered a balanced set of visuals and audio.
Challenging controls.
The developers have done an amazing job with the control layout. Furthermore, the intuitive UI helps get you on your way. However, the physics-based action is particularly challenging to master. As such, plenty of rage-inducing moments will make you want to cry. Yet, if you can stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with an interesting and tough sci-fi endeavour.
This oozes replay value and longevity. Each fresh pilot is an unknown and the mixture of perks and the unique ships add further layers. Accordingly, you can test your skills with an inexperienced pilot, or trust a veteran to see you through.
Lunar Lander Beyond pushed me all the way.
I don’t usually appreciate physics-based titles. They drive me around the bend and I normally give up far too easily. Luckily, I invested a fair bit of time, patience, and effort and the reward far outweighed the stress. Moreover, the story was interesting and I loved each mission. Consequently, I recommend buying it here! Will you become the next big thing at the corporation? Choose your pilot, pick a ship, and complete every mission.
