Luna Abyss Review - A metaphysical bullet hell that struck at the heart of Destructoid

With Luna Abyss, the studio Kwalee Labs delivers a fascinating and demanding solo FPS, according to Destructoid. Players take on the role of Fawkes, a prisoner tasked with exploring an abandoned megastructure beneath the artificial moon Luna, under the treacherous watch of the AI Aylin. On the menu: a narrative adventure interwoven with labyrinthine level design and first-person bullet hell combat.

The gameplay relies on a limited but effective loadout: pistol, assault rifle, shotgun to break shields, and sniper rifle. Instead of a looter-shooter approach, there are only four weapons that the game pushes you to master against enemies with varied patterns. The journalist reveals that the gameplay loop consists of moving from one brutalist corridor to another, jumping across platforms with precisely timed double-jumps and aerial dashes. When everything clicks, the immersion is exhilarating according to Destructoid, blending an incredibly enticing mix of Returnal and a less furious Doom.

It seems that not everything is perfect either: a bit of imprecision in aerial control and some fuzziness in hitbox management sometimes makes moving from one platform to another frustrating, even very frustrating. The journalist also seems to feel a slight fatigue with the types of rooms on offer, however varied the bosses and miniboss encounters may be.

On the artistic side, Luna Abyss made a very strong impression, with a brutalist-futuristic aesthetic, between glowing neons and the vertical complexity of the buildings, which gives the game its own identity. The projectile effects, lighting patterns, and minimalist background help create a feeling of fading away, drawing you into a cosmic cathedral-like space. On the sound side, solid voice acting, punchy sound design, and a dark electronic soundtrack contribute to the oppressive atmosphere.

You'll need roughly a dozen or so hours to complete your exploration of the Abyss, or considerably longer if you want to uncover all the secrets and most finely hidden details. Despite a few minor comfort issues, Luna Abyss manages to establish itself as a narrative FPS in its own right for anyone ready to fully plunge into the depths of a chasm that is both oppressive and fascinating. Destructoid's word on it!