Indie hit To The Moon comes to Android

To the Moon could be the very definition of a cult classic. Upon its PC release in 2011, the game was critically acclaimed for its sweeping soundtrack and compelling story but was largely overlooked by the general gaming public. It has since become something of a cult classic in the years since and has spawned two sequels (one of which will be released later this year) and has been ported to Mac and Linux.

Last August, Kan Gao, the creator of the title, announced that Hong Kong-based X.D. Network would be porting the indie hit to Android and iOS. The expected release date for Android was anticipated to be May 12, but it looks like X.D. finished ahead of schedule. The title is now available on the Google Play Store for $4.99.

To the Moon follows two doctors who work for a company that specializes in a peculiar form of palliative care. The doctors are able to perform an operation that can alter a patient’s memories, allowing them to relive the life they always wanted in their own heads. The operation is fatal upon its completion, so it is reserved for those on death’s door. The game follows the doctors as they attempt to create memories for one patient, Johnny, whose last wish is to go to the moon.

The title was created using RPG Maker, a popular game design engine that mimics the graphical style and gameplay mechanics of popular JRPGs from the 16-bit era (think Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy). While the original PC release featured pixelated 16-bit graphics, the mobile version has been graphically overhauled with smoother, more detailed sprites. The rest of the experience is entirely faithful to the original, including the highly praised story and soundtrack.

To the Moon isn’t a traditional RPG. There is no battle system; instead, gameplay is built around puzzle solving and story development. While the journey is only a few hours short, the story is one of the most moving and memorable in recent game history. To the Moon has found a special place in many gamers’ hearts and is right up there with other story-driven titles like Undertale and Gone Home.

To the Moon can be found on the Google Play Store for $4.99.

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