Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Launches Early Access in November

The highly anticipated sequel, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, is set to enter early access in November 2023. Building on the charm of its predecessor from 2018, this new installment combines shopkeeping with action-adventure gameplay, promising to engage both new players and returning fans.

Reviving the Fantasy Village

In Tresna, a small fantasy village facing economic hardships, players will once again step into the shoes of a shopkeeper. The primary objective is to venture into the Endless Vault to discover valuable relics and treasures. These items can be sold in the shop to earn money, which players can use to upgrade their equipment, enhance their establishments, or invest in the community. Watching the shop evolve from a modest storefront to a major hub within the village offers a satisfying progression reminiscent of popular cozy simulation games.

Players will find joy in managing shop prices, negotiating with customers, and tending to daily operations. However, the gameplay includes multi-step processes that may become repetitive. The absence of voice acting is notable, particularly as the written dialogue reflects humor and a light-hearted tone.

Engaging Combat System

The combat mechanics in Moonlighter 2 introduce roguelike elements that will appeal to action enthusiasts. Each exploration trip into the Endless Vault consists of interconnected stages, which may contain treasures, temporary weapon upgrades, or formidable mini-bosses. At the end of each journey, players face a major boss, and successful completion rewards them with valuable loot.

If players are defeated during their run, they must choose between returning to Tresna with half their collected spoils devalued or restarting the entire journey. This mechanic adds a layer of challenge but may feel punitive for some. The game features a variety of combat encounters, which can be demanding, particularly against bosses. While the combat experience is engaging, feedback from beta playtests indicates that adjustments may be necessary to improve responsiveness, particularly regarding dodging mechanics.

The art style has seen a significant upgrade from the original game’s pixel art to a visually appealing 3D format, featuring a colorful, storybook aesthetic. The non-playable characters (NPCs) showcase unique designs and quirks, enhancing the immersive experience. Although the enemies are diverse, the beta tests revealed an overabundance of blob-like creatures, while the humanoid adversaries added more engaging combat dynamics.

The absence of voice acting places more emphasis on the game’s musical score, which features a whimsical, folk-inspired style that shifts from cheerful in-town melodies to more intense themes during combat.

In summary, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault maintains the essence of its predecessor while expanding its appeal. The refined art style, coupled with a balanced mix of shopkeeping and roguelike combat, positions it as a promising title for fans of both cozy simulations and action-adventure games. With its early access launch on the horizon, anticipation continues to build among the gaming community.

PC code for preview was provided by the publisher, as noted by the gaming news outlet COGconnected.