To the Moon

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1509 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,322 out of 1509
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 1509
  3. Negative: 68 out of 1509

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  1. Xienen
    Sep 14, 2013
    10
    I just couldn't stop playing it! It's firmly an adventure game, which is a genre I don't often enjoy, but the story was so gripping...I had to keep going...

    Granted, it took less than 5 hours to complete, but it's great!
  2. nop
    Nov 16, 2013
    10
    Rating of 11 should be reserved for games with story as masterfully crafted and written, as this one. Music is top notch too. Maybe some people will say "this is not game", and call it "low-tech interactive movie" or something like that, but who cares? It's still awesome.
  3. HershelLayton
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    To The Moon has the most heart-breakingly sad/happy ending in any game, ever. No game I have ever played has came close to matching the story here, it is simply superb. There is very little gameplay in the game, but the little there is you want out of the way as quickly as possible so as to get back to the story. I've been touched for life by this game.
  4. AllieMoonSailor
    Dec 22, 2011
    10
    To the Moon was mentioned on a podcast I was listening to and the person explained the premise a bit about doctors going into a dying mans mind to give him his last wish of going to the moon. It was not a very in depth explanation, but for some reason I can't explain I knew I had to experience this game. When I finally purchased it and launched the game the extremely beautiful theme songTo the Moon was mentioned on a podcast I was listening to and the person explained the premise a bit about doctors going into a dying mans mind to give him his last wish of going to the moon. It was not a very in depth explanation, but for some reason I can't explain I knew I had to experience this game. When I finally purchased it and launched the game the extremely beautiful theme song started playing and I knew I was in for something special. There is not much game play but it really doesn't need much the story and the music are the stars of the show. You might ask yourself why does it need to be a game then. It's because the 16 bit graphics adds to the charm of the characters that might not be there if it was any other way. It's also a tribute to how well the writing is that so much emotion can be conveyed through these 16 bit sprites. If you appreciate story or music in any way shape or form you owe it to yourself to experience this masterpiece.… Expand
  5. C26000
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    This game made me cry all night :'S It's good to feel that I'm not made of stone after all. Beautiful game!! You couldn't have done it better, a truly masterpiece!
  6. lagendofdoom
    Feb 15, 2020
    10
    To The Moon is an RPG maker games and one of the best I must say,
    The characters and the story is what makes this game so special.
    It has everything from good humor, to drama and even tragic events as well as happy ones, I'm gonna be honest I did shed a few tears thanks to this amazing game. Story : you play as both Watts and Rosalene and their job is to fulfill the wishes of their    To The Moon is an RPG maker games and one of the best I must say,
    The characters and the story is what makes this game so special.
    It has everything from good humor, to drama and even tragic events as well as happy ones,
    I'm gonna be honest I did shed a few tears thanks to this amazing game.

    Story : you play as both Watts and Rosalene and their job is to fulfill the wishes of their patients via a machine
    that can go through their memory and with that they change a few things so that the patient can fulfill his/her wish inside their dream. The main problem that their patient Johnny wants to go to the moon but doesn't know why and its their job to find a way to make his wish come true and for that they need to know why he wants to go there.

    Characters : Well done, I got attached to all the main characters ( River, Johnny, Watts and Rosalene ) all of them were great with unique personality, Hand down to Watts and Rosalene as their relationship is very dynamic and fun to see while River and Johnny relationship is simply beautiful.

    Bugs : I had only once encountered a bug that I had to restart the game, so I have to suggest to save every time you finish something.

    Soundtrack : Wow, the soundtrack is on point definitely gonna listen to some of the scores more than once, hopefully they will not make me cry again while listening to them.

    Gameplay : is the weakest point here, a few puzzles here and there and just point and click as well as moving from point A to B that's all. To be honest that all it needs to be.

    Conclusion : A must buy and a game that you must play at least once, shows how a game could be great even almost without any gameplay, its story and characters is what make this game so amazing.
    I want to mention that in my personal opinion this game could also become an amazing movie and I hope it will get adapted one day to be as such.    … Expand
  7. MrButtermancer
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    This game is almost entirely story based. The style reminds me a bit of the Longest Journey, amazing story, amazing music, minimalist gameplay to progress the experience. It's a movie with one further step into immersion.

    Oh, and it's like being punched in the heart by a lumberjack.
  8. Xeferial
    Jan 3, 2013
    10
    This game moved me to tears. Once the climax starts and the entire story unfolds, you will feel for these video game characters like you never have before. The soundtrack pulls you into the story. This game reminds me of the great Chrono Trigger in some ways, and yet is all its own. The Characters are so beautifully written, you fall in love and never regret it. I haven't been thisThis game moved me to tears. Once the climax starts and the entire story unfolds, you will feel for these video game characters like you never have before. The soundtrack pulls you into the story. This game reminds me of the great Chrono Trigger in some ways, and yet is all its own. The Characters are so beautifully written, you fall in love and never regret it. I haven't been this emotionally invested in a game since Final Fantasy 7 with the Mass Effect franchise falling closely behind. I will eagerly await the sequel to this game. The gameplay only felt slow to me once, and very shortly at that. I believe that it fit into the game very nicely, it made it so you focused on your surroundings and does not draw away from the story at all. This game falls very nicely in the "games are art" category. Please do yourself a emotional favour and buy this game. I very much doubt you will regret it.… Expand
  9. Le_Shorte
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    This is by far one of the best games I've ever played. It's so deep and moving. It really can't be passed up. This isn't for everyone, as it's not really a "game." It's more of a beautiful interactive short story. It isn't too long and not too short. It clocks in at 4-5 hours, which really is perfect. To The Moon will stay with you for quite a while after you finish it. It tugs at yourThis is by far one of the best games I've ever played. It's so deep and moving. It really can't be passed up. This isn't for everyone, as it's not really a "game." It's more of a beautiful interactive short story. It isn't too long and not too short. It clocks in at 4-5 hours, which really is perfect. To The Moon will stay with you for quite a while after you finish it. It tugs at your heartstrings and never lets go til the end. I ended up crying myself to sleep the night I finished it, just from recalling the ending. It's THAT good. Do yourself a favor and pick this up right away.… Expand
  10. Jamus
    Sep 12, 2012
    10
    This game is beyond brilliant. It is not really a game but more so a game/movie/book. Play for a lovely story and you will be beyond satisfied. It is easily one of the most powerful stories I've ever experienced.
  11. Atticas14
    May 28, 2012
    10
    Beat it over a year ago. I still get emotional when I think about it. Such a beautiful game. A major studio with a $100 million dollar budget couldn't have done any better.
  12. AaronB
    Mar 25, 2012
    10
    I always feel compelled to write something on metacritic when I really enjoyed a game. The indie scene has just been amazing. Dear Esther and now 'To the Moon'. It's a mushy love story that you can't help but become involved - interactive fiction at it's best. This 'game' will not leave you feeling flat once completed. Very uplifting, definitely a 10 in my books :)
  13. HARALD
    Oct 17, 2012
    10
    Calling this a game is a wroong, this is an expriance. I have never felt like this playing a game in my life. If you want something diffrant, soulfull and powerfull this is the game. If you are action man youll be bored out of yuore mind.

    This is the most intresting interligent game i have ever played. Pure love.
  14. tuhi009
    Dec 11, 2011
    10
    Ah...... A trip down the memory lane. Don't get fooled by the cartoonish-retro looking graphics. This game has the BEST STORY of 2011..... hands down. The soundtracks are on per with the likes of Skyrim and Shadow of Colossus. After finishing the game you will pause for a moment and think about your own life and your own past and future....... guaranteed. This 4-5 hours of game deservesAh...... A trip down the memory lane. Don't get fooled by the cartoonish-retro looking graphics. This game has the BEST STORY of 2011..... hands down. The soundtracks are on per with the likes of Skyrim and Shadow of Colossus. After finishing the game you will pause for a moment and think about your own life and your own past and future....... guaranteed. This 4-5 hours of game deserves every penny of the 12$ price tag.… Expand
  15. Skipper
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    This game holds a special place in my heart. This is one of those games that is truly unique. There are no points or lives or enemies to battle. It's a game driven purely by the storyline. And the story is both interesting and well-told. I can't remember if I cried when I played this game the first time, but it wouldn't surprise me. I think another reviewer said it best whenThis game holds a special place in my heart. This is one of those games that is truly unique. There are no points or lives or enemies to battle. It's a game driven purely by the storyline. And the story is both interesting and well-told. I can't remember if I cried when I played this game the first time, but it wouldn't surprise me. I think another reviewer said it best when describing this game, "I can't tell you what makes this game so great without spoiling it." This game isn't for everyone. You have to value storyline over button-mashing, and you probably have to be an adult to appreciate the themes addressed in the story. A truly remarkable game. PS the music is awesome.… Expand
  16. sidekickly
    Nov 30, 2011
    10
    It was just by chance that I saw this game and gave it a try, and believe me it was well worth the investment. I have never experienced a video game of with this caliber of story telling since Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. With that said the game is very basic where there is really nothing complicated or confusing about it which allowed me to follow the whole story from start to end. TheIt was just by chance that I saw this game and gave it a try, and believe me it was well worth the investment. I have never experienced a video game of with this caliber of story telling since Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. With that said the game is very basic where there is really nothing complicated or confusing about it which allowed me to follow the whole story from start to end. The 16-bit sprites seem to have been the best fit for this game as I could not see this game using 3D polygons and what not. This is a very charming game that I would love seen made into an anime or live action movie. This game will tug on your heartstrings all the way through.… Expand
  17. Rewo
    Feb 18, 2012
    10
    I utterly love this game. Graphic reminds me of good old times (dunno why people complain about it) sound design is a masterpiece - I will never forget this feeling during hmm "warning" parts and main theme piano is mesmerizing as well. But what makes this game unique is story, a really touching love story. There's also lots of humour in the dialogues which even make everything moreI utterly love this game. Graphic reminds me of good old times (dunno why people complain about it) sound design is a masterpiece - I will never forget this feeling during hmm "warning" parts and main theme piano is mesmerizing as well. But what makes this game unique is story, a really touching love story. There's also lots of humour in the dialogues which even make everything more realistic as even drama is not all about drama, is it? Oh and HIMYM reference was great, didn't expect to see something like that in a here :)… Expand
  18. Grenzor
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    This game deserves Oscar. You just must play it, if you love good books/movies. Whole game toke about 5 hours. But the emotions were priceless. I just could not resist to not shed a tear.
  19. mengplex
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    This is a beautiful game, the soundtrack backs the story perfectly. The game is around 4 hours long and will make you laugh and cry without relying on cheap plays.
    Ive recommended this game to everyone I know, and everyone has enjoyed it so far.
    Play this game.
  20. estebanr37
    Mar 24, 2012
    10
    Excelente juego, es como la vida misma, dejando de lado los gráficos, es inmerso, atrapante, y te da que pensar, quizás el hecho de tener cutres gráficos, sea lo que te concentre totalmente en la historia, y en las distintas disyuntivas por las que atravesamos a lo largo de la vida.
  21. Darthstrife
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    A true Masterpiece that deserves to be played by everyone that REALLY likes a good history, a good piano soundtrack and some tears; A blast of a game.
  22. linkmastercm
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    To the Moon is a fantastic game that tells a story that really sticks to you. The game lacks in any real game play elements but makes up in an engaging story. The idea is that a company comes to you on your death bed and makes your one dream come true within your memories. In order for them to do that they must follow your memories back as far as they can seeing many major events thatTo the Moon is a fantastic game that tells a story that really sticks to you. The game lacks in any real game play elements but makes up in an engaging story. The idea is that a company comes to you on your death bed and makes your one dream come true within your memories. In order for them to do that they must follow your memories back as far as they can seeing many major events that occur in ones life. The events are what really pull you in and make for an extremely emotional tale. The random comedy tossed in really helps keep a sad story up-beat but comes to a very good ending. This no name indie title is worth your time and money, and I am looking forward to the next one.… Expand
  23. heyboots
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    The ending of To The Moon actually made me cry. Real tears. Then again like half an hour later when I made some connections that needed some mulling. I can't even remember the last time a story touched me like this game did.
  24. BlackCrowes
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely fantastic game, it was the first time I cry in a game. Freebird Games show us again their capacity to make games that really touch with a simple, but brilliant game, with deep and unforgettable characters.… Expand
  25. werty8472
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    I was excited to see this game release from when I heard about it awhile ago. It borrows from the style of the 16-bit video game generation of yore, and shows the story of a man on his deathbed, who signs up for a program that can help him relive his life in order to achieve his wish.

    His wish? He wants to go to the moon. If you're anything like me, you're going through the first two    I was excited to see this game release from when I heard about it awhile ago. It borrows from the style of the 16-bit video game generation of yore, and shows the story of a man on his deathbed, who signs up for a program that can help him relive his life in order to achieve his wish.

    His wish? He wants to go to the moon.

    If you're anything like me, you're going through the first two hours of the game, basically at the brink of bawling like a baby (don't clump me in with those emo kids), with the last thing on your mind having anything to do with the moon. It's a complex story, and the culmination point of it seems farfetched until you let the entire story play before you, and you recognize the beauty of it all.

    Let me tell you something. Beauty is a perfect word to describe it. The storytelling is masterful, and complex, and charming. The characters are lovable. You play as the two scientists who assist the man in the pursuit of his dream, and often act as the comic relief for emotionally tense situations. Other times, they show as glimpses of characters who themselves have dark and secreted away emotions and struggles.

    The graphics show how aesthetic and detailed something can be when you focus that graphical attention on a style which is otherwise considered to be outdated. If you can masterfully produce something in 16-bit graphics, then you can see it as masterful as someone who built a complicated 3D system. The difference is that you have a much harder time showing a masterful presentation in 3D that ages well, since the medium is constantly being updated. The odd place of this current-day 16-bit presentation looks easily as masterful as the most detailed presentations of 16-bit classics.

    In short, I loved it.

    So, here's the part where I provide some criticism. The game looks very much like an old turn-based RPG classic. It plays like a point-and-click adventure, and much of the actual 'gameplay' is a set of sliding puzzles. The intent, it seems, is to focus much of the attention of the player to be on the story (which, as previously stated, is a strong point worthy of being pointed toward), but after all is said and done, one wonders about how necessary it was to have the title called a 'game'.

    Could the presentation have survived without the gameplay mechanics? The sliding puzzles, certainly, but one of the best things about a video game over, say, a book or a movie, is that you have the ability to interact with the world to get the most out of the storyline. There were a few things that I admired that could have only been done through use of gameplay- notes which get altered by untrustworthy narrators, and the like, but beyond that much of the exploration is required to progress the game, and the interactivity between the player and the environment is slim.

    In fact, the game 'reads' much like a visual novel. You do macguffins, and it makes story happen. But they jokingly acknowledged it several times, and clearly made an effort to keep it at a necessary minimum. To be fair, the turn-taking RPG itself stuff itself with macguffin'd tasks and elements. I dare you to tell me that the actual 'gameplay' in a Final Fantasy or Dragon Warrior game is good. Enjoying the battle element out of a turn-taking RPG is like liking calculators and Excel spreadsheets for the thrilling gameplay. You do a thing, which makes you feel like you're progressing.

    But, gamewise, is there a better way to include gameplay into a title which wants to focus as much as possible onto the story? Because of the detective-like elements of gameplay, and the articulation of the scientists would be better utilized with some of the elements which made Phoenix Wright into a game. I mean, sure, I don't know anything more about law than I did when I started playing the games, but I sure as hell felt like a lawyer. Some of the clues to the mystery of the man you are helping might be better solved if a gameplay mechanic forced the player to draw some of the conclusions itself.

    The end of the game was a clear and complete story of the man whose life you explored. But what is opened to you is a very interesting world, prime with opportunity for further exploration. So long as the charm of the two scientists is not over-explored early on, I expect myself to be able to enjoy the sequels that the game's conclusion certainly seemed to be hinting at. Hopefully I can man the hell up before I play them.

    Extra Note: I want to give special commendation to the game To the Moon for including a character who has special needs successfully into the story. I won't be too specific, since every single thing about this game should be experienced through the game itself, but all I want to say is that it was amazing to get a realistic human characterization without getting the 'a very special episode' feeling. Bravo.    … Expand
  26. Andreascyu
    Nov 26, 2011
    10
    The music is very powerful. I liked the gameplay concept. Amazing, just amazing. Really inspirational and heart warming. Would love to see more games like these around, but then again having the same idea is never really much of a good thing.
  27. Glatisaint
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    This game is quite an experience. It is fun and engaging. Those who like visual novels would probably like this, as well as those who don't. The story is great and the game is definitely worth it.
  28. wolfpk1
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    To be completely honest, i was just expecting an everyday RPG that almost everyone tries to create. I ended up getting a heart felt masterpiece. Best classic rpg ive played in a long tong Im hoping that freebird games actually consider the possibility of creating more games like this and or if not just make more games with our two lovable characters the good DRs.
  29. tommy_1000
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    To The Moon's highlights are its story and soundtracks. You'd definitely be touched after playing this 5 hours amazing story. The story couldn't been any better and sometimes you'd wonder how possibly people thought of such beautiful story.
  30. maxuhmillion
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    There are a lot of games out there--and I'm talking about professionally-developed games, put out by big-name studios--that don't live up to the title "work of art." To The Moon is not one of those games. This game transcends "work of art," supersedes "classic," and sits somewhere up there in the realm of "masterpiece." And it does it all without relying on any of the gimmicks or tricksThere are a lot of games out there--and I'm talking about professionally-developed games, put out by big-name studios--that don't live up to the title "work of art." To The Moon is not one of those games. This game transcends "work of art," supersedes "classic," and sits somewhere up there in the realm of "masterpiece." And it does it all without relying on any of the gimmicks or tricks the you see a lot of games get by on nowadays. Sixteen-bit graphics. No stat system. No equipment system. No combat. No player death. There is nothing to distract you from what this game is really about: One of the best stories I've ever read.
    To The Moon is the story of two doctors who set out to fulfill an old man's dying wish by changing his memories. Through his mind, they embark on a journey that spans a lifetime, stepping backward through the years from old age to childhood to discover why their patient wants so badly to go to the moon.
    With breathtaking visuals and a moving musical score, this game is practically guaranteed to put a tear in your eye. This is why I play RPGs. For games like this.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best PC Game of 2011
22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Gamer.no
    Oct 27, 2012
    100
    To The Moon is one of those games you instantly fall in love with. With it's simple, but elegant design, incredible writing, and thrilling, heartfelt tale, To The Moon is more story than game, but what a story it is.
    Read full review
  2. DarkStation
    Oct 23, 2012
    80
    To The Moon's charming sense of humor and unabashed ease with tossing around pop culture references (from Dr. Who and Animorphs down to Dragon Ball Z) kept the serious, and at times quite gloomy overtones from feeling too self-serious. And so, with John and River's tale being told, restructured and sent to the moon in a heartfelt and memorable way; I am able to walk away from To The Moon satisfied, and looking forward to the next installment in this world.
    Read full review
  3. Thunderbolt
    Sep 3, 2012
    60
    If you're into having your tears tugged at, this will definitely be a change from nights spent curling up on the couch spectating those romance flicks that no one else gets. If you're someone who winds up stuck with the aforementioned individual, originally promised beer and tricked into the awkward Kleenex duty, no guilt will be harbored from missing out.
    Read full review
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