Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, the anticipated sequel to the acclaimed first-person RPG Lunacid, is set to launch next month. Developed using FromSoftware’s Sword of Moonlight toolkit, the spinoff continues the franchise’s legacy of atmospheric dungeon crawling. Fans eagerly await further exploration into the subterranean world established in the original game.
Earlier reports highlighted Lunacid’s homage to classic PlayStation RPGs, a sentiment that remains true with Tears of the Moon’s development. Unlike initial expectations which focused primarily on atmospheric elements, recent updates reveal deeper narrative connections within the series.
Development and Tools
Tears of the Moon leverages the Sword of Moonlight, a versatile game-making toolkit released by FromSoftware in 2000. This tool allows developers to build upon the foundations of King’s Field and Shadow Tower, enabling the creation of complex environments and intricate game mechanics.
Game Features
The game offers striking environments and unique monster designs, including a bug-like creature and a decaying dinosaur. While there is no trailer yet, the Steam page showcases visually captivating scenes that hint at the game’s immersive experience.
Storyline and Setting
Set thousands of years before the events of Lunacid, Tears of the Moon follows Calamis Cerulean in an effort to put the great beast back to sleep, ensuring the world’s survival. This narrative serves as a prequel, expanding the lore and deepening the connection to the original game.
“This being tech from 2000 and using its own strange file formats, my creation process was greatly hindered and limited. But I sought to use these limits to challenge myself and be more creative.”
“And because of this engine’s age, it won’t play as well on every system. But I believe these quirks will add to its placement as a prequel set in a more ancient time.”
Community and Support
Sword of Moonlight enjoys continued support from a passionate community, maintaining a library of completed projects. This ongoing engagement mirrors the enduring popularity of modding communities for games like Doom and Neverwinter Nights.
With its release priced affordably, Tears of the Moon is expected to attract both existing fans and new players interested in classic RPG experiences. The game’s availability on Steam allows for easy access and anticipation builds as the release date approaches.
Tears of the Moon’s development showcases the lasting impact of legacy game engines and the dedication of indie developers to preserving and expanding beloved franchises. Its narrative depth and technical craftsmanship promise a compelling addition to the Lunacid series.
