If we’re to talk about landmark years in gaming, I’d argue that 2023 most definitely deserves a mention.
Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Baldur’s Gate 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 were all in contention for Game of the Year; talk about a tight race.
And let’s not forget the incredible games that didn’t manage to secure a nomination in the category, like Final Fantasy XVI, Hi-Fi Rush, Lies of P, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Dave The Diver, Sea of Stars, Dredge, Cocoon, and Starfield, to name just a few more.
It’s for this reason that I’m imagining you might have overlooked Moonring, but this free-to-play title is one perhaps worth revisiting.
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Developed by Fluttermind, Moonring is a turn-based, retro-inspired, dark fantasy game that’s part roguelite, part RPG.
“Five hundred years ago, the land of Caldera was plunged into endless darkness. Decades later, five moons rose in the sky, bringing light to the world and strange Gods with it. With them came the Dreams: calls to Devotion promising supernatural Gifts,” the synopsis begins.
“Thus, the new Calderan civilisation was born; a world of Devotion and Dreamers, Gods and Gifts, with a Dreamless Archon acting as the Gods' mortal representative. But Archons are not eternal, and a successor must be found. You are Dreamless: free to choose your own destiny, to ask questions others dare not, or even become Archon yourself. What will you do, Dreamless one?” it continues.
In a neon-soaked world, players will traverse dungeons, meet and trade with NPCs, discover the secrets of Caldera, and fend off foes and bosses.
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Oh, and it’s perhaps worth mentioning that Moonring comes from the creator of the original Fable.
It’s a game that’s well loved by its players, with an ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ rating on Steam.
“What a tremendously generous thing this developer has done for us. This very substantial RPG (my 40 hour playthrough was a relatively complete run) is genuinely free but is as polished as any indie title I've played in recent memory - would gladly have paid to play this,” reads one review.
“I can't believe this game is free! A wonderful little Ultima-like game with a rich world, interesting mechanics, and a great story. Pick it up, Dreamless one, you won't regret it,” added another.
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I should stress that Moonring is only available on PC, sadly. If you do have access to a PC though, give this one a whirl.
It’s free, after all.
Topics: Steam, PC, Indie Games, Free Games