Lifeless Moon: Unveiling the Game's Personal Story for an Unforgettable Perspective

Lifeless Moon serves as the prequel to Serenity Forge's beloved Lifeless Planet, released in 2014. The game retains the unique design elements that set its predecessor apart from other indie titles at the time, while also introducing new features and expanding upon existing ones to enhance the immersive experience of its new environment. However, what truly stands out in this prequel is its captivating story and the thought-provoking themes it explores. Players can already enjoy this exciting adventure on PC, with plans for a console release in the near future.

In a recent interview with Game Rant, developer David Board discussed the narrative differences between the first Lifeless game and its prequel, as well as his aspirations for players to connect emotionally with the personal storytelling within Lifeless Moon. He hopes that the game will not only offer a fresh perspective but also engage players in contemplating challenging subjects.

Lifeless Moon's Story Took a Surprisingly Personal Turn, Says Dev

Just like its predecessor, Lifeless Moon is primarily an action-adventure game. It will retain many of the core mechanics from the first title, such as exploring strange human-made towns in unexpected locations and engaging in light platforming.

However, the board emphasizes that there will be significant quality improvements in various aspects, particularly in platforming. Additionally, the game will introduce new features that will be more prominently showcased compared to Lifeless Planet. These include an increased focus on first-person puzzles that contribute to solving mysteries and more detailed, vibrant environments that are filled with life, surpassing the level of the first game in these aspects. Above all, the board aims to ensure that the story receives greater attention this time around.

"What I learned was the significance of listening to my fans and understanding the experiences they desire."

The emphasis on storytelling did not spontaneously arise. Board reveals to Game Rant that during the development of his second installment of the Lifeless series, he prioritized addressing the specific experiences that fans desired. This involved incorporating feedback such as requests for clearer platforming mechanics and an increased focus on narrative. However, the narrative in Lifeless Moon is not solely shaped by community suggestions; instead, it draws inspiration from Board's own personal life, resulting in a deeply rooted story.

When asked about the impact he wants Lifeless Moon to have on players, Board responded with a surprising and somber perspective. Two years prior, he tragically lost his childhood best friend in a car accident. As a result, the references to his past and his friend within the game now hold a deep and personal significance for him. He hopes that players will also be moved by these moments, whether it be through empathizing with the characters' experiences or contemplating the themes woven into the story. While he acknowledges that the game may not offer complete healing, he believes it can provide players with a meditative opportunity to broaden their perspective.

Indie games today are known for their ability to immerse players in personal experiences, and that is what makes them so appealing. Titles like Venba explore the delicate balance between family, old traditions, and adapting to new cultures. Unpacking, on the other hand, tells a captivating story of personal growth through the act of unpacking and arranging items in new homes over the years. These games, along with many others, tug at the player's heartstrings and create a truly unique connection through storytelling.

Serenity Forge's Lifeless Moon builds upon its predecessor, learning from past mistakes and enhancing previous game systems. It also delves deeper into aspects of the game that were previously underdeveloped. The result is a profoundly personal story that remains one of the game's most enticing features. The hope is that players will also be able to experience and appreciate this emotional journey.

Lifeless Moon is available now on PC and will be coming to consoles sometime in the future.