Unlocking Global Secrets: How Dating Can Unveil the Wonders of the World

In games, players are provided with information about the world through various interesting methods. Some games use codices, in-game books, and external media, while Final Fantasy 16 introduced an innovative Active Time Lore mechanic to share insights into its world. In Moonstone Island, a creature collector game, lore is presented to players through a unique approach: going on dates.

Moonstone Island combines elements of creature collection, life simulation, and farming genres, allowing players to befriend spirits, cultivate crops, and develop relationships. The game's experience is centered around the concept of gradual gratification, including how players uncover the history of the floating islands above the ocean world below. The skies hold many mysteries, such as the reason for the islands' ability to fly and the disharmony among the local spirits. Sandy Spink, the creator of the game, recently shared in an interview with Our website the various ways in which players gain knowledge about the game world.

In order to achieve this, players will engage in romantic dinners with the townsfolk.

"Our dating system resembles that of a classic dating sim, where you actively invite characters like Cleo and Gaiana to go on a date. You choose the location and time, and then the system rolls to determine the outcome. If the roll is successful, a date will be scheduled and the location will be revealed."

The dating mechanic involves three tiers of dialogue checks – Chat, Joke, and Flirt – that increase in difficulty as the relationship progresses. These checks can either strengthen or hinder relationships with characters, and become easier as the connection deepens. At specific milestones, players can attempt to schedule a date. These dates, similar to other games with similar mechanics, trigger meaningful conversations. For Cleo and Gaiana, these conversations provide glimpses into the wider world surrounding the young alchemist protagonist.

Playing as an alchemist is a perfect fit in this expansive world. Spink chose this path not only because he was captivated by the mystique of alchemy, but also because it allowed the game to embody themes of creation, sustainable living, and a unique connection with nature. This is pivotal to Moonstone Island's storyline, which revolves around the consequences of an ancient catastrophe on the natural order.

"The concept of alchemy always intrigued me; it beautifully combines elements of science and magic. When envisioning the game's world, I wanted to steer away from the cliché of witches or wizards. I felt that trope had been excessively explored. Moreover, considering the game's focus on natural sciences and philosophy, an alchemist seemed more fitting. In essence, an alchemist is someone who has honed their skills to thrive off the land, concoct potions, brew elixirs, and harmonize with the untamed spirits that have been disrupted due to the chaotic imbalance in nature."

The Cataclysm event is responsible for the floating islands in the sky. Prior to this event, there was a kingdom that served as a global metropolis. However, after the Cataclysm, the remaining land was catapulted into the troposphere. As a result, Moonstone Island takes on a post-apocalyptic role. Alongside this, the Cataclysm caused rifts in the world, unleashing dark spirits that players will encounter throughout the game. The alchemist's role is to heal the old scar in the world, albeit in small ways. Through studying spirits and aiding their return to a more harmonious existence, they work towards the reconstruction and prosperity of society, addressing the lasting impact of the Cataclysm.

In addition to its rich history, Moonstone Island offers more than meets the eye. Aside from learning about the ancient settlers, players can also engage with various residents who operate helpful shops throughout the game. Notably, Ferra the blacksmith and Zed the professor are among the dateable characters. Ferra, with her bold personality and pink hair, is a popular choice for romance, as shared by Spink. However, there is no clear favorite among players. Another unexpected contender is Tobin, a fisherman who has garnered significant fan art. Surprisingly, his charm is partly attributed to his accent, which was inspired by the Newfoundland accent by writer Kate Gray, who hails from the east coast of Canada.

As such, Cleo fans may need to loop Tobin fans in on some of the juicy history lessons they’ve missed out on.

Moonstone Island is available for Nintendo Switch and PC.