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Developer Digital Sun returns to Rynoka with Will, the white-haired merchant, to introduce new and returning players to the joys of roguelike gameplay mixed with a shop simulator in Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault. After being so graciously invited to check out the early access build ahead of its release on November 19, I jumped in and was immediately hooked on the gameplay loop. The separation between going out into dungeons to defeat enemies and collect relics, and then going back into town to set purchase amounts and negotiate terms, would feel like two different games at times.
While a bit of a visual departure from the previous game, it captures a new aesthetic I’d compare to early 2000s Zelda titles. Considering the early access release, this preview has offered an in-depth look at the possibilities that come from allowing players to be part of the development process.
Shopkeeper or Manager?
Moonlighter 2 follows Will in Rynoka, where he is tasked with bringing back the former glory of his family’s store. This is essentially the same premise as the first game, making this a perfect jumping-off point for those new to the series. To progress, Will needs to collect various relics and artifacts located in dungeons while using different, unique weapons to defeat enemies. These relics can then be sold at Will’s store, aptly named the Moonlighter, and earn gold that can be used for weapon upgrades, store upgrades, and more.
As you journey through these dungeons and uncover new enemies and artifacts, Will’s weapons and even clothing can be upgraded. There are even other non-playable characters you’ll meet during your travels who will follow you home and make their home in Rynoka. Oftentimes, this resulted in even more options for upgrading weapons, clothing, and the shop for the next time. With every upgrade, you invest more money into the town, which turns into even more available items and NPCs visiting.
While all this is going on, there is also the Endless Vault in the background, for which the game is named. The Endless Vault offers an additional goal to strive for, offering you additional trials that result in better town upgrades and way more lucrative rewards.
We’ll Give You a Discount
Players can choose their fighting style of choice, choosing between short-ranged and long-ranged weapons, among others. Each weapon offers a different fighting style every time you jump back into a dungeon, similar to most other roguelikes. Inside the dungeons, Will has an amulet that can bring him back to Rynoka as well as potions that can be used to help extend his stay against enemies.
I very much enjoyed how fast Moonlighter 2 is outside of the roguelike gameplay. Whenever you’re talking to a merchant, sales are very quick. Whenever the time comes to rummage through a chest to transfer relics to your bag, the selection process is so easy to understand that I found myself going through them so far. I even loved how seamless the actual merchandising is, allowing me to place items and set their prices without having to make many adjustments.
The Shop Opens Up Soon
Moonlighter 2 is an incredible addition to the great lineup of roguelikes that have sprouted up over the last few years. While I disagree with the new art direction that Digital Sun chose, it is absolutely Moonlighter through and through, with a few upgrades that make gameplay smoother and far more seamless. Personally, I felt things were a little quicker this time around, which really made gameplay much smoother and easier to maneuver.
I would absolutely recommend Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault for fans of Hades who would prefer something a little less intense.
