Shoot The Moon Review

Shoot the Moon is a free casual arcade game from Pipsqueak Games in which players are tasked with shooting the moon - which is moving and singing - with missiles. It's an odd premise, sure, but it's quirkiness also gives it a level of appeal that the base gameplay might not ordinarily have. Shoot the Moon is a great title to pick up for players looking for a simple, somewhat mindless casual game to distract them while waiting for the bus.

Playing Shoot the Moon couldn't be easier. At the bottom of the screen, players have a field that they can tap to launch missiles. These missiles fly in a straight line, so players have to time and position their taps so as to hit the moon. Otherwise, if they miss, they get a game over. It's that simple - or at least it starts that way. There's also a scoring system that rewards points based on the difficulty of a shot, multipliers for nailing multiple shots in a row, and additional hazards like little red alien things that pop out of the moon's head and spell game over if hit by a missile.

These little layers of added gameplay complexity are what set Shoot the Moon apart from similar games that contain very simple mechanics. Well, those and the game's funny sense of style. Its cartoony aesthetic, complete with an emotive and constantly singing moon, helps sell the ridiculous premise and adds an element of whimsy to the entire experience. Its hard to say how successful Shoot the Moon would be if it lacked just one of these elements, but when they're put together it comes out to be a surprise delight.

Of course, being a free and simple game there are limitations to the enjoyment players can get out of Shoot the Moon. Although there are elements that add depth to the gameplay, its core can still feel a little less than satisfying for those expecting more. Also the game is riddled with ads, which detract from the experience significantly.

In playing Shoot the Moon I had a lot more fun than I expected to, which is no small feat for a casual free-to-play arcade game. It won't set the world on fire with its concept, nor will its aesthetic trappings amaze or inspire players. However, Shoot the Moon will deliver a solid arcade experience that is serviceably entertaining.