Review: Night of Full Moon
Night of Full Moon Review: A Gothic Deckbuilding Tale with Eastern Flair
As I settle into my leather armchair, vintage Montblanc fountain pen poised above my reviewer’s notebook, I find myself contemplating Giant Games’ latest contribution to the ever-expanding pantheon of digital deckbuilding games.
A Familiar Tale Reimagined
In the increasingly saturated landscape of deckbuilding games, it takes something rather special to warrant more than a dismissive wave of one’s hand. “Night of Full Moon” – a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood through the lens of strategic card combat – manages to achieve just that, though not without certain… shall we say, peculiarities.
The game’s opening sequence immediately sets a compelling tone, with its haunting gothic aesthetics reminiscent of the architectural grandeur one might find in more distinguished titles such as “Inscryption” or the lesser-known but equally atmospheric “Gordian Quest.”
Mechanical Sophistication
The core gameplay loop, while derivative of genre stalwarts like “Slay the Spire,” introduces several intriguing mechanical innovations. The seven distinct character classes – each with their own mechanical identity – provide a depth of strategic possibility that would satisfy even the most discerning of card game connoisseurs.
The combat system presents a delightful tension between resource management and tactical card deployment. While examining my notes (penned in midnight-blue ink, naturally), I’m particularly struck by the elegant implementation of the multi-currency system, which adds a layer of complexity that elevates the experience above mere deck optimization.
Aesthetic Considerations
The artistic direction deserves special mention. The game’s visual identity strikes a remarkable balance between Eastern artistic sensibilities and Western gothic horror tropes. The character designs, particularly the enemies, display a whimsical creativity that brings to mind the more eccentric works of Japanese card game design.
The interface design, while not quite reaching the sophisticated heights of “Griftlands” or “Monster Train,” demonstrates a commendable understanding of information hierarchy and visual clarity. The card artwork, though occasionally inconsistent in quality, maintains a cohesive aesthetic that serves the game’s narrative ambitions.
Strategic Depth and Progression
The game’s progression system reveals itself to be surprisingly nuanced, with branching paths and reputation mechanics that affect both narrative outcomes and tactical possibilities. The skill tree system, while not revolutionary, provides satisfying long-term progression that rewards careful strategic planning.
One must acknowledge, however, the occasionally frustrating translation issues that plague the card text. While not entirely game-breaking, they do somewhat mar what is otherwise a rather polished experience.
Final Musings
As I conclude my analysis (and my cup of perfectly-steeped Earl Grey), I find myself rather impressed with “Night of Full Moon,” despite its occasional missteps. It may not revolutionize the genre in the way that certain seminal works have, but it carries itself with enough sophistication and charm to warrant attention from serious enthusiasts of the form.
The game demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes deckbuilding games compelling, while adding enough unique flourishes to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded market. The free-to-play model, while potentially concerning to purists, is implemented with surprising restraint.
Pros:
- Sophisticated mechanical depth across multiple character classes
- Compelling aesthetic direction with strong atmospheric elements
- Engaging progression systems
- Thoughtful interface design
Cons:
- Translation issues affect card clarity
- Some mechanical systems could be better explained
- Occasional balance inconsistencies
For those seeking a fresh take on the deckbuilding genre, particularly one with Eastern design influences, “Night of Full Moon” proves itself a worthy addition to one’s digital library. Though perhaps not quite reaching the rarefied heights of genre-defining classics, it carves out its own respectable niche in the pantheon of digital card games.
Review conducted over 47 hours of gameplay, notes taken with a 1954 Montblanc Meisterstück 149, using Montblanc Midnight Blue ink.
Score
Overall Score: 8/10
Developer: Giant Games
Release Date: Jul 26, 2019
Steam Page: Night of Full Moon