Since the dawn of man the Moon has been admired for its peculiarity and mysteriousness. Yesterday, as a reddish shadow was cast upon its surface due to a rare eclipse, millions gazed upon what is being called the "Blood Moon". Many were reminded of how lucky the Earth is to have a close neighbor.
The Moon has been incorporated in dozens of video games. Often times it's just for backdrop, but in the best cases it's used as a basis for gameplay and storytelling. Below, you will find the Moon's greatest appearances in gaming.
Best Moons in Gaming
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9. Bloodborne
Release Year: 2015
rnVisitable?: No
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rnBloodborne's Moon can be seen in the distance whenever players visited Hunter's Dream, the game's only place of respite. It brought much-needed comfort, making players feel as though they weren't alone in its gloomy world. -
2. Destiny
Release Year: 2014
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnJumping around in the low gravity environment of the Moon was a sight to behold when Destiny hit the market. The foreign world was beautifully crafted, made better by Destiny's famed skyboxes that in this case showed a gorgeous Earth in the distance. -
6. Ducktales
Release Year: 1989
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnDuckTales was famed for its varied levels that sent players to The Himalayas, Transylvania, and even the Moon. While the level design of this particular level is what most players remember, its "Moon Theme" musical piece deserves equal respect. -
4. Final Fantasy IV
Release Year: 1991
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnIn Final Fantasy IV the Moon served an important part of the plot as it was where a race called the Lunarians dwelled. It was such an important element of the game that its soundtrack was titled 'Final Fantasy IV Celtic Moon', which was equipped with several remarkable pieces that players would listen to when visiting the celestial body in the game. -
Harvest Moon
Just kidding. There is no Moon in Harvest Moon... outside of its name. -
8. Kingdom Hearts
Release Year: 2002
rnVisitable?: No
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rnThe sacred moon in Kingdom Hearts was distinctly heart shaped and featured on the game's box art. It was symbolic of the game's "Heart of all Worlds", one that would capture the imagination of many players. -
7. Lunar Lander
Release Year: 1979
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnLunar Lander is regarded as one of the very first games that allowed players to visit the Moon. In the game, players would guide a lunar landing module equipped with limited fuel as it sought a safe place to land. It was a significant title in the timeline of gaming, earning it a spot on this list. -
1. The Legend of Zelda: Majora\'s Mask
Release Year: 2000
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnNo video game Moon is more iconic than the one in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Bearing a menacing face, it sought to destroy Clock Town by crashing into. That is, unless the player could put it back into the correct orbit. It remains the most compelling use of Moon in gaming history. -
10. Mass Effect
Release Year: 2007
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnRegarded to exclusively as Luna in Mass Effect, the Moon served as an important location as players were sent there to combat an alien threat. The contrast between fighting enemies indoors and using an all-terrain vehicle to get around made the Moon one of the most memorable levels of BioWare's 2007 hit. -
3. To The Moon
Release Year: 2011
rnVisitable?: No
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rnTo The Moon told a beautiful story about a young man who dreamed of visiting the Moon. Its unique visual style harmonized with a captivating tale centered around Earth's nearest neighbor. -
5. Wolfenstein: The New Order
Release Year: 2014
rnVisitable?: Yes
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rnWolfenstein: The New Order's Moon level is one of the best in the first-person shooter genre. The well-tuned design that sent players between dangerous indoor stations and the silent vacuum of space made a strong impression. It helped to elevate the game to a reputation as being one of the best surprises of 2014.
