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Duck Side Of The Moon Review—A Calm Journey That Rarely Evolves
Since I delved into handheld gaming, my interest has shifted towards cozy games that offer a slower, more soothing experience, contrasting sharply with the fast-paced action that once captivated me. There’s a unique charm in games that prioritise atmosphere and comfort, allowing players to relax at their own speed. Duck Side of the Moon piqued my interest with its cozy vibe, but the question remains: does it deliver enough to satisfy?
Stardust, Ducks, and Friendship
Duck Side of the Moon follows the adventures of Doug, an unfortunate duck explorer who ends up stranded on a series of vibrant and peculiar planets after his spaceship malfunctions. With no straightforward path to a new home, Doug immerses himself in the wonders of the galaxy, gathering resources, enhancing his gear, and befriending quirky rock creatures known as Geodes. The narrative is light and endearing, prioritising exploration, camaraderie, and a serene ambiance over high-stakes action. Its whimsical humour and gentle pace create a cozy atmosphere, ensuring that players enjoy a heartwarming journey from start to finish.
Peaceful Exploration, Limited Depth
The gameplay is centred around a soothing and inviting atmosphere, prioritising exploration over action or challenging tasks. Players are encouraged to meander through charming, colourful planets at their leisure, engaging with friendly characters and discovering hidden treasures along the way. This unhurried pace fosters a tranquil experience, making it ideal for brief gaming sessions.
Exploration is both straightforward and delightful, with each planet offering small tasks, collectibles, and intricate details that reward curiosity without overwhelming players. The movement through these environments is fluid and user-friendly, as the game opts for simplicity over complexity. Although the couple of planets are not particularly expansive, their relaxed design contributes to the overall cozy ambiance of the adventure.
At the heart of the gameplay loop lies resource gathering and crafting, where players dedicate their time to collecting materials, fulfilling the Geodes requests, and unlocking new tools or cosmetic items. The crafting system is intuitive, aligning well with the game’s casual vibe. However, the mechanics remain relatively basic throughout, which can lead to a sense of repetition over the few hours the game lasts.
Quest design follows a similarly uncomplicated approach, often revolving around fetch quests and light exploration tasks. While these objectives align with the game’s easygoing nature, they seldom evolve or introduce new mechanics to maintain engagement. This lack of challenge may attract those seeking a completely stress-free experience, but others might find the gameplay becomes monotonous and lacking in variety as time goes on.
Duck Side of the Moon effectively delivers a soothing gameplay experience that aligns perfectly with the cozy genre. Its gentle pacing, delightful interactions, and relaxed design create an inviting atmosphere, making it easy to unwind, even if the gameplay mechanics themselves are somewhat simplistic. While it may not captivate every player for extended periods, those who favour slower, more tranquil games are likely to find enjoyment in its serene environment.
Pastel World and Peaceful Sounds
One of the most notable features is its presentation. The game showcases a vibrant and colorful art style that aligns perfectly with its cozy ambiance, with each planet adorned with soft lighting, whimsical character designs, and delightful environmental details. The visuals may be simple rather than technically advanced, yet they exude a great deal of personality, contributing to a warm and inviting world. Subtle elements, like the lively animations and quirky Geodes designs, impart a comforting charm that complements the laid-back gameplay loop.
The environments effectively foster a tranquil mood. The use of pastel hues and stylized landscapes imbues every location with a dreamlike essence, making exploration enjoyable even when the gameplay may feel repetitive. Although the game does not break new ground in graphics, its cohesive visual identity allows it to shine among other indie cozy titles.
The sound design pairs beautifully with the visuals, featuring soft background music and gentle ambient sounds that help sustain the relaxing tone throughout the experience. The soundtrack skillfully avoids distraction, instead offering soothing melodies that match the leisurely pace of exploration and crafting. Sound effects are understated yet impactful, from footsteps on various surfaces to the subtle interactions with objects. Together, the visuals and audio forge a calming atmosphere that stands as the game’s greatest strength, even during its less engaging gameplay moments.
More Details
Verdict
Duck Side of the Moon effectively creates the soothing and inviting atmosphere typical of cozy games, enhanced by its delightful visuals, calming soundtrack, and laid-back gameplay. Players will find joy in exploring its vibrant environments and engaging with its eccentric Geodes, making it a great choice for those seeking a tranquil escape. However, the game’s simplicity, while occasionally beneficial, is undermined by repetitive quest structures, limited gameplay diversity, and a lack of depth in progression systems, which ultimately diminishes its impact. Although the cozy charm can sustain interest for a time, the absence of significant mechanical evolution renders the overall experience somewhat average. While Duck Side of the Moon offers a pleasant journey for genre enthusiasts, it ultimately falls short of being anything more than a competent title.
Release Date: May 7th 2026
Developer: Starbrew Games
Publisher: Starbrew Games
Price: £16.74 / $19.99 USD
Reviewed On: ROG Xbox Ally
* Access Provided For Review *
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Copyright / Virtual Grip (formally The VR Realm) / 2016 -