Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault - Shopkeeping, Sword-Swinging, and Sanity-Testing

A Roguelike Adventure Where Your Wallet is as Important as Your Sword

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to “Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault,” where the only thing more dangerous than the dungeons is the economic inflation in your shop. This sequel to the beloved “Moonlighter” takes the concept of being a merchant-hero to new heights, or perhaps depths, depending on how you handle the roguelike elements and the occasional frame drop.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Swords and Sales

“Moonlighter 2” offers a gameplay experience that feels like a well-tuned orchestra, with combat, exploration, and shopkeeping playing in harmony. The combat system is a standout, offering a buffet of weapon choices from swords to gauntlets, each with its own unique playstyle. The introduction of the Gun Cannon and a sharpening mechanic adds a layer of complexity that will have you strategizing like a chess grandmaster. However, some weapon abilities might leave you feeling like you’re wielding a wet noodle rather than a mighty claymore.

The roguelite elements keep the gameplay fresh, with each run offering new abilities and challenges. The redesigned death mechanic, where you only lose half the value of your items, encourages experimentation without the fear of losing everything. Meanwhile, the shopkeeping aspect, though simplified, still provides a satisfying loop of looting and selling. Just be prepared for trading to feel as thrilling as watching paint dry, albeit a necessary evil for your in-game bank account.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Stutter

Transitioning from 2D pixel art to 3D graphics, “Moonlighter 2” is like seeing your favorite comic book come to life. The new art style is both gorgeous and cute, with varied designs that keep the dungeons visually engaging. The animations are smooth, making combat feel fluid and dynamic. However, the game’s performance can be as unpredictable as a cat on catnip, with frame stutters and drops that might have you questioning if your PC is plotting against you.

While high-end systems might breeze through with ease, others, including the Steam Deck, may require some settings tinkering to maintain smooth gameplay. The game’s Early Access status gives hope for future optimizations, but for now, expect a few hiccups along the way.

Story: A Tale of Two Villages and a Floating Cube

The narrative of “Moonlighter 2” is a charming continuation of Will’s adventures, now set in the village of Tresnan after Rynoka is whisked away by a dimensional monster. The story is simple yet engaging, with a unique twist of playing as a shopkeeper rather than the typical hero. While some players find the narrative lacking in depth, others appreciate the expanded character backgrounds and the game’s ability to maintain the original’s charm.

The dialogue ranges from decent to genuinely funny, adding a layer of personality to the characters. However, the shift from interconnected dungeon rooms to a map screen selection might leave some longing for the immersive exploration of the first game. Despite these changes, the story remains a strong component, with potential for further development as the game progresses through Early Access.

Final Verdict

“Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault” is a delightful blend of combat, commerce, and charm, with a few technical hiccups along the way. Its engaging gameplay loop and beautiful graphics make it a worthy successor to the original, even if the story and performance need a bit more polish. For those willing to brave the occasional frame drop and simplified shopkeeping, this game offers a promising adventure with plenty of room to grow.

Score: 7.5/10