First of, I am reviewing the game that exists on GOG. If you can, get the Amiga version, it's 1000% times better. Sound and music is much better on Amiga. If you do get this version, be aware that the dosbox setup for this is incredibly broken, be prepared to edit config files just to get controllers working. And I still don't know how to slow it down enough so that I can actual move the cursor at a speed that lets me select things. But, that out of the way, the game is amazing. Nothing else hase been created since. The closest thing I can think of is Hand of Fate, in that it merges a boardgamey feel with a fighting game. But Moonstone has a competitive element that really makes it shine, and it in turn makes it so replayable. It is passed time for a Spirtual Successor!
I know this might seem like damning with faint praise, but this game is great to play when you're doing something else. I'm always on the lookout for games I can have up on a second screen, something that takes some mental challenge, but is either slow, or can be paused and resumed easily. This game is great for that. The big story moments come in between boughts of somewhat busywork. Stuff that would actually be a bit boring if you were only focused on it. But is good as a brief momentary distraction from some other activity. Look, what I'm saying is that I've played way too much of this game at work, and I need to be able to justify it to myself. And to my boss if I ever get caught.
A better examination of identity and consciousnes than a lot of lauded TV shows and films. A super spooky atmosphere mixed with a bit of macabre humour and a story with some genuine twists. My only issue with the game was that the tiresome forced chases and stealth sections ruined the pacing for me. So I modded them out... but now you don't have to. Turning them off is an official feature of the game, and it's still plenty scary enough without them. Or leave them on if you're not a baby like me.
