Moonlander 1.0 by Brask Software Review

If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.  
 - Herodotus (Greek Historian circa 484-430 BC)

It is clear by doing a simple search on the Internet that there are many applications available for Windows Mobile devices that aid in personal productivity.  But, as Herodotus so clearly points out above, focusing only on work and not relaxing with a bit of fun is damaging:  Even to Windows Mobile owners.  That said, there are many great games available for the Pocket PC platform with one of my personal favorites being Brask Software's Moonlander 1.0.

If you were a teen in the 1980s you may well remember an arcade game named Lunar Lander.  Moonlander is similar in game play and style with the object being to land your spacecraft at each moon base while collecting more powerful engines and fuel.  Amazingly simple in function, Moonlander is a great arcade-like game that can quickly become addicting.

Moonlander 1.0 can be installed in either Main Memory or on a Storage Card and occupies approximately 302KB of memory.  The well design application only has one file, the executable.  Once started, Moonlander display's its main menu (Figure 1) where users can start a new game, learn about the game, turn the sound on or off and view the Top 5 High Scores.  To start a new game, tap the New button and the Mission Instruction screen is displayed (Figure 2).  During the installation it should be noted that some Windows Mobile 2003 users will receive a warning that the application is not written for their device.  Tap OK to continue the installation, which will work without any problems on the platform.

The object of Moonlander is to collect fuel and engine upgrades while landing on the moon base.  Each successful landing takes players to the next level which has a higher gravitational field - thus making it more challenging.  In all, there are 30 levels - or Missions - to the game (Figure 3).  Fuel must be collected before players run out so as not to crash into the surface of the moon. Likewise, engines must be upgraded so counterbalance the ever increasing gravity of each subsequent moon. As if the challenge of fighting gravity was not enough, users will also see asteroids flashing through the playing field, smashing their spacecraft if they are hit by one. Once a landing on the moon base is performed, users are congratulated then, when ready, can tap their Pocket PC's screen to begin the next Mission (Figure 4).

Controlling the spacecraft is done with the D-pad on users Pocket PCs with thrusting vectors at the left, right and up corners.  Learning to control the craft while not running out of fuel is one of the biggest challenges of Moonlander, especially in the early stages of the game.  If players do run out of fuel or hit the moon surface, the game ends (figure 5) and if a high score is achieve, are prompted to enter their initials.

While the game play of Moonlander 1.0 is simple, it is both challenging and addictive.  It is easy to fine one spending hours-on-end trying to make successful landing again-and-again.  It does prove that although the new, high-end graphic games have appeal, it is the simple ones that remain timeless and enjoyable.  The excellent game play is backed by online support through forums and email support. 

For more information, go to the Brask Software website at http://www.brask.net.  To purchase the full version of Moonlander 1.0 for $5 (US), go to the Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! online game store here

Clinton Fitch
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!