What to do if, after living a long life, a person still did not have time to fulfill their cherished dream? Drs. Eva Rosalyn and Neil Watts have come up with an unusual but effective solution. Using innovative technologies, they inject artificial memories into patients' brains in which their wishes come true. Old Johnny has a very strange dream — he wants to go to... the moon. It's up to Eva and Neil to learn the story behind this desire.
This is the story behind the touching indie game “To the Moon”, which we will discuss in this article. And if your child also wants to become a developer, we're looking forward to seeing them at Progkids!
Who came up with “To the Moon”
This original game, which won the hearts of gamers around the world, was created by the developers of the independent company Freebird Games. “To the Moon” was released on November 1, 2011.
Gameplay
“To the Moon” gameplay focuses on exploring and interacting with the world around you. Players travel through Johnny's memories, collecting important items and pieces that help uncover his story. There are no action scenes or complex puzzles in the game — the focus is on the story and characters.
Artistic features
The game is designed in a retro style using pixel art, which gives it a special charm, adding a touch of nostalgia. Although simple, pixel art allows you to convey a wide range of emotions, making characters and environments more expressive.
Magical soundtrack
The soundtrack for “To the Moon” was written by Kang Gao. Music plays an important role in creating the emotional atmosphere of the game and enhances its moving plot.
The main theme, which is a piano melody, sets the tone for the game. The song “For River”, which is associated with a character named River, is repeated throughout the game, deeply affecting players. “Everything's Alright” is a vocal composition performed by Laura Shigihara. This is a lyrical and emotional song with lyrics that reflect the theme of love and loss.
Recognition and awards
“To the Moon” has received a lot of positive reviews from critics and players for its touching story and depth of emotional impact. At GameSpot, she won the Best Story Award for Game of the Year 2011.
Here's what critics wrote about “To the Moon”:
“It is recommended for use by anyone who is not alien to beautiful and complex human stories that take place on the verge of drama and comedy” (Stopgame.ru)
“To the Moon is a game you must play” (GameSpot)
“It's simple, it's touching, it's soulful” (PC World (GamePro))
Fast facts about “To the Moon”
#1 Freebird had only three employees.
#2 Kao Gan has taken on as many as 4 roles: founder, designer, composer and illustrator.
#3 The developers did not stop at a single game, creating “To the Moon”. As a result, the story grew to three games, two add-ons, and two comic book series.
#4 “To the Moon” has been in development for 2 years.
#5 Kao Gan came up with the idea for the game when his grandfather was admitted to the hospital due to heart problems.
How to help your child create a game using “To the Moon” as an example
Here are a few tips and tricks you can use when creating and developing a game.
A catchy story
The “To the Moon” story deals with themes of love, loss and regret. It evokes strong emotions in players, demonstrating the power of a well-told story.
Before you start creating a game, think about its plot with your child. How do you make it catchy and memorable?
Characters
Each character in the game is carefully designed and has its own unique story and motivation. This makes players empathize with the heroes of the game and increases the desire to complete it to the end.
Time-appropriate schedule
The pixel art graphics are reminiscent of classic 16-bit games and bring back fond memories to players. The game's color palette varies depending on the scene and mood. Bright colors are used for happy moments, while darker and more muted tones are used for dramatic scenes. The contrast between different colors helps to focus on key points in the story. What graphic techniques can help you increase the impact of your and your child's gaming idea?
Symbolism
The game “To the moon” has a lot of characters. For example, a lighthouse and stars. The main character treats stars like dreams. Because she is a “special” girl, many of her wishes are as unattainable and as far away as heavenly bodies.
In addition, the symbols in the game are paper rabbits, which River makes so that Johnny doesn't forget their first meeting. The use of symbolic elements helps to deepen the meaning of the game.
Interface
Please note that the user interface is simple and intuitive. This makes it easy to interact with the game without being distracted from the story. All interface elements fit harmoniously into the overall style.
Musical accompaniment
The soundtrack in “To the Moon” not only complements visual elements, but is also an important storytelling tool in itself. It helps players dive deeper into the story and feel the characters' emotions. Try to find music that is perfect for your gaming idea.
Good luck to you!
“To the Moon” is not just a game, but an emotional journey that makes you think about life, love and dreams.
Does your child also dream of creating games? Then write it down to free trial lesson at Progkids!
