Moonlight Castle

First of all I'd like to say that this game is simply amazing. I haven't been able to find a VN that really hits for a while, and this one does exactly that! Now, it might be 1:30 am in my country right now but.. that's not gonna make me stop to make review :)

Spoilers!!
















So this is the order in which I'm going to talk about the game: D1, D2, N2, and then how route orders actually effects how you read the VN, and each route itself (more to the characters)

Okay so day 1. Truth be told, It's been 20 days since I've started this VN and finally finished today, so my memory might be fuzzy about it. But in my opinion, the pacing and setting of the story is very great! In the very beginning of the story, it foreshadows an event that'll occur in one of the routes (Patrice), which is intriguing as it now makes me wonder. How did Joel see that before his seal was open? What is in that memory ghost? And I hope it'll be answer in future updates. Now, if we actually talk about day 1, I think how you introduce the characters is very clear and great. First of all is Ryan, which is clearly shown to be that childhood friend in the game and the MC and him rely on each other. Russel is up next, and his first dialogue already pique interest because, how on earth did he know what was happening in Joel's mind? We can technically brush it off as, "Joel looks tired, so that assumption could be made by anyone", but I think it shows some characteristics to Russel being that he actually cared. I might be reading this wrong (probably), but Russell rarely shows that he cared about Joel and the simple statement of "you should be eating more, so you don't see things" despite having only met him kinda shows his true character. It also shows how his character is "somewhat" an act since he keep dismissing stuff while his stares and face clearly says that he's thinking about something. Ok moving on to Liam. The game also explain his character pretty well in the beginning. From how he acts and the way he talk, we can immediately assume that he's the mischievous character in the game. They also show that there's def something going on with him, with the cleaver and the way he keeps insisting on exploring the castle. Ok I could ramble on and on about how the introduction to each characters is great but I think I'll stop here fore that. (simply put tho, Clyde: the one guy that shoulders too much responsibility, but enjoys it, Blake: Ah yes, da wolf guy that's depressed, sleep deprived and is also one of Joel's best friend, Dylan: Grumpy crocodile dude that might be homophobic (remember, this is first impression) and also shy about anything he does that doesn't seem 'manly', Patrice: scaredy cat and a jock). They also introduce us to the castle itself which is great because- well- it's the title of the game, you need to introduce it at some point.

Now, day 2! It's basically day 1 but you spend time with each characters to know them better.. I'm gonna skip to N2.

Okay so it clearly shows that everyone does not like Liam and Joel, and Clyde is the only one are the only ones that somewhat is fine with him at that point. The castle introduction is in a way, just an introduction. It's basically "I found the castle. I'm not just pranking u guys. Come with me so you can see it with your own eyes".

(Note: Ok this review is a bit wonky because it's just me talking about the game so.. Sorry if it's not rly a review.)


Okay now, the routes. Oh boy the routes. As I mention, the read order is important in reading this VN or any VN for that matters. How I like to read is to read the character I dislike most to the character that I like most, so that way, I wouldn't be overly excited on 1 character and then the rest would feel like "hm, why is the quality not as good as my favorite character?". The read order I went through is 

1. Russel
2. Liam
3. Ryan
4. Blake
5. Dylan
6. Clyde
7. Patrice

So you see, this read order is- well in my opinion not that bad. BUT Liam and Ryan. I really think you should read Ryan first and Liam later on. Why? Because by reading Liam first, your impression of Ryan is basically ruined. He murders Liam and is very possessive over Joel which is not a good spot to put himself to when we haven't even read his route.  I tried to be open minded about his image in Ryan's route but it's really hard. My recommended reading order is Russell, Ryan, and the rest can be grouped into 2. First is the Liam's gang (1. Dylan, 2. Liam, 3.Patrice, ) because Liam and Patrice have somewhat of a relationship and Dylan's one is kinda independent. Second is the Blake's gang (1. Blake, 2. Clyde). Now this is actually kind hard to pick, because if you pick Blake's route first, your image of Liam might be tainted too. But at the same time, if u read Liam's gang first, the cathedral (which I think should be read last) will be revealed and kinda forgotten as it only appeared once in Patrice N2 for now. Aside from that though, the actual order I would go to if I were to reread this is:

1.Russel
2.Ryan
3.Liam
4.Patrice
5.Dylan
6.Blake
7.Clyde

Now onto the route itself.. Since I've been sitting here for 1 hour, I think I'll make this short (sorry)

Russell
He. Is. VERY. Stubborn. It's really hard to like his character once you get into his route. He's basically a stubborn jerk that would put other's people's life just because he doesn't want his secret to be revealed, and he also refuse any kind of help + doesn't want to admit the truth. Yes, he can read minds, but shouldn't that make him more understanding of others instead of being this stubborn? Or maybe he got used to too many bad thoughts and decide that "Idc about their thoughts anymore, I've learnt to live with it", and becomes, well. Russell. His childhood might potentially effect his character to as it's not that good. I did say that I do not like his character, but that doesn't mean the writing is bad. Heck, it might be intentional to make us not like him. If that's the intention here, then you guys really nailed it.

Liam
I'm honestly really surprised with his route. I came there expecting it to be not as good as the others but I was WRONG. There's clearly more than meets the eye and wow, his character complexity is just amazing to see in my opinion. The dream and how he acts to us basically shows that he genuinely wants to become a better person, but since the world has always been bad to him why would he? So he cope by doing pranks and mischievous things, hoping that the world would hate him and so that people don't get too close as he's probably afraid of losing them again. (again sorry if the review is wonky, I'm tired af)

Ryan
He's.. that childhood friend. Yes, he does care very much to Joel, and they basically need each other, but. He's very possessive as it is shown in others route such as Liam's and Patrice's. In his route, it is also shown that he hide things from Joel despite always telling Joel to always open up to him. So to put it simply a hypocrite as Joel said before somewhere. The writing of his character is simple, but at the same time it's also complex. He's basically capable of being a very good person, but at the same time he's also capable of being a very bad person. And the reason for this might be because of all the problems he'd have to endure through his life. He doesn't want Joel to be hurt like he's been hurt by his parents, and others, so he became overprotective of him and yeah. It's also interesting to see that he might be a key to curing the curse since he somehow purified his in Dylan's route. My theory is, that by being true to himself just for once, and to let go of all his bad emotions, his soul basically release all the bad things and somehow purified itself. But I highly doubt that they're gonna cure the curse that way, since most of the times, it's implemented that they need to destroy the curse itself.

Blake
Suicidal, a pretender (In his early days), a bit egotistical but also somewhat caring nowadays. It's shown that he definitely care about Clyde and also Joel, but sometimes he can't help to think rationally. Example case: 1. He basically hurt Clyde's feeling just because he hates a person that hasn't even been proven guilty, even though Clyde's just trying to do the right thing by finding the real stray cat culprit and doesn't just use his feelings to determine the outcome, 2. He basically killed himself in front of Joel and well.. I don't think that's really a good thing to be doing. Before that he also suggested to sacrifice Liam so.. yeah. In the end, despite having sacrifice himself for his friend's safety, he also technically succumbs to his selfish desire which is to die. I do like his character though because it's kinda relatable, but also distinct at the same time. 

Dylan
He's a guy that has been hurt just by doing a good deed, and so now he hides himself in a impenetrable wall so he wouldn't be hurt anymore + so that other people doesn't get hurt either. I think him originating from the dumps is pretty smart, because not only does it shows that he has been living in a harsh area in the past, but it also shows his real characters. In the dream, you can see that Dylan is definitely a caring and proud person, but because of his surrounding, he ended needing to suppress them which is why we get the Dylan we know now. He might showcase himself as a mean guy who will do anything to get by (money, or just anything that helps him survive), but in the end, he's still a caring Croc that's grumpy :)

Patrice
He's a Jock with a twist that he isn't afraid to show people that he does have fear and trauma. He's also very flirty and it might be because of his relationship with Nia (who am I kidding, it probably is, and he's flirty because he wants to hope that it would fill up that missing hole in him). Well, I don't really have a lot to say about him, but about his route, I think the church is really interesting. I haven't picked the option of not picking up the cleaver, but by showing the church itself, I think his route have a potential to be really interesting

And now.. Clyde
I. LOVE. HIM. Okay hear me out. In the beginning he's shown to be the character that have an authority figure and always have a hidden motive in his kind action. But as I read other routes, I came to realize that he's just a pure, innocent, and cute guy that is just genuinely kind. When I finally read his route, I absolutely love him. First, he's just very pure, innocent and cute (something about a character that blush out of pure reason is just- too cute and lovable). Second, He's always genuine of his action and is always trying to help others in need. Third, he carries too much burdens and I want to be there for him (the delulu is real). When we finally see his real character in the bathroom scene D3, I just can't help but to love him and want to be there for him. He just wants someone to be there for him, and that alone is hard for him because of his family name and expectations from his father. I'm very glad that he's friend with Joel in his route. I'm really grateful for the writer being able to convey Clyde's character because it's just- A- (yes, I'm obsessed over him). Other than Clyde being very lovable, I think his route is also interesting because it shows a fraction of Joel's talent. Though I think for Nia's conversation, you guys should change it a bit, since Joel did use his talent for a bit didn't he? Shouldn't Nia be able to somewhat guess what his talent is and inform him instead of just "Idk". But yeah, that goes for all the routes. Sometimes at the gathering in Russell's cafe, the dialogue doesn't make sense because it implies that the character didn't already know a fact even though they do. I think the dialogue of what Clyde and Joel discover about the castle should also be changed too because in the cafe it kinda feels like Clyde and Liam are the ones who went into Gavin's resident instead of Clyde and Joel. Aside from that though.. We need more cute Clyde's CG, PLEASE. (/j, but yes I'd appreciate it)

Now for the ranking of the character:
1. Clyde
2. Liam
3. Dylan
4. Blake
5. Patrice
6. Ryan
7. Russell

(I'm still surprised about the Liam one tbh. I think I might be in the 'I can fix him' category lmao)

Well- that is all. I'm sorry if there isn't really a constructive criticism as it is my first time actually reviewing something. But what I will say is, I really love this game and I hope it'll continue being what it is!

There's any diference between the old sprite version and the 2.12 version? 

No comments in 3 months is absurd, very underrated I would say.

I can't wait to see Dylan's route continued! Sad to see that it is unlikely to end with romance between Joel and himself based on the Q&As, but I respect it, your character your decisions. Always have the power of headcanon :P

On that note, all the characters are very interesting, and I will definitely be playing through the rest of the routes in the coming days. 

Side Note: I definitely got some Persona vibes with the safe room and the whole castle in general lol.

Dude i was reading day 5 for ryan and i said "I havent seen the hat reaction in a while now. They were using it so much and now its gone"
1 line later: "At this rate i was going to do a hat reaction"
Talk about the devils and the devil arrives

I downloaded the new Liam 4 update but I'm at day 3 at the moment and it keeps telling me that it's the end of the version do I tried redownloading it but it still ends at day 3 , is there a way to fix this

Are there any NSFW Scenes in the game?

Hiii , so I noticed some characters have A and B route and I wanted to know what's the difference? Is it like a major change

Wow! What an update with Clyde 4, many revelations and things that kept me hooked until the end. Excited to see what's his route will offer and keep up the good work!

the story took me a bit to really get hooked into, but after N2 it's a STRONG hook. very excited to see where this goes, the premise and world-building are great and each of the characters are fascinating in their own ways

I've been following this VN for a while now, and I must say, I thoroughly appreciate it. Blake is definitely one of my favorite characters - I love how his complexities make him relatable, yet distinct. Ryan's kindness and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to food, are absolutely endearing. As for Joel, the main character, his growth throughout the story is incredibly well-done. I find his character development really appealing, and it's interesting to see how his journey unfolds.😋

Hi, this is my first time reading the vn and I noticed there was a ??? Button and i was wondering how do you unlock it or does it unlock automatically through the story

I read the "horror" tag and didn't take it seriously, I should have.

Anyway, the story is really well crafted and I hope to see more in the future

im curious does the mc have a cannon name ?

The only thing I wish this vn did differently was that the cgs were drawn by the sprite artist and not whoever is doing the cgs currently the characters all look extremely off in the cgs compared the to sprites

Hi, I downloaded the new Android update but when I installed it its doesn't update on top of my current build but instead as a new separate app 🥲 so I didn't have any of my old saved on the new build. Is there any way that i can move my old save in to the new build ?

This vn is giving me "the haunting"/"rose red" vibes

Gonna have to take my time with this one 😅

Hi! Are the A routes the canon/love routes? I'm so curious how just one choice drastically changes the whole story down the line.

I've only played to the end of this build's end of the Blake run, BUT I wanted to say that I absolutely adore this game and its characters. My favorite thus far are Blake and Ryan, but I like how each of the cast members have their flaws and charms.

I want to give an extra shout out to Joel, the MC, as I really really enjoy him having his own personality, past, etc. and what's been done thus far. I look forward to seeing what ya'll cook up! :D

I've recently picked this game back up after the huge revamp and I have to say I am really excited about this VN! I am loving the story so far! Liam has always captured my attention and is the route I am planning to main. I am in love with his route's story! 

I can't begin to say how much I already absolutely love this novel the story is really interesting and has me constantly curious to see what happens, and the cast is filled with so many fun and charming characters that I have a hard time picking a favorite though I'd probably say either Dylan or Blake currently takes that honor. Amazing work and I am excited to see this project continue to grow!

Good evening, one thing that intrigues me is the development of the characters, although at the same time I am worried about one thing:

I don't like stereotyped characters or stereotypes in general, because in my opinion they are things already seen and that no longer convey anything. Sometimes stereotypes are classifications that come from our minds, we label people with the stereotypes that we have in our heads but then they turn out to be something else.

I want to tell you a story. I knew a friend who didn't have an easy life. She didn't have amazing friends who inspired her every day, no best friends, not to mention a calm or kind family or a boyfriend who doesn't think she's not a total loser. All she had was pain and suffering because of the bullies at her boarding school, who made her suffer for years. Often for her everything hung by a thread, she was very angry, she was hurt and she was afraid and she still struggles with that every day. But she never needed money, things that recall the seven deadly sins didn't change her life. SHE changed the way she saw herself, SHE decided to love herself, to appreciate the world around her and she decided she could change what was wrong. I'm sure that if Joel changed the way he saw himself and his world he would also be able to change what was wrong. Just like my friend does, every time. Joel can fix anything. Maybe some of his love interests aren't interested in this sappy stuff, but if Joel does it, he somehow fixes himself and others. This comes to mind for Joel's growth journey.

I've noticed something about the MC's hand, in Patrice's menu art the MC has a diamond on his wrist but in the sleeping cg as well as the Ryan menu art he doesn't, is it the cursed mark or an inconsistency in the design?

I really love every part of this VN, especially the illustrations, characters, and of course, the story🔥.

The part I like the most is when Liam says, "When you've lost everything, you stop caring about the consequences."

Wow, it really hit me right in my fragile little heart (╥﹏╥).

Overall, 10/10.

Spoilers kinda

I am currently on night 3 of Ryan A and the Knight called him the sinner of gluttony, does that mean the 7 love interests represent the seven deadly sins? If so then which characters are which sins, Ryan is obviously gluttony, Dylan is wrath, Patrice is lust I'm not sure about the rest, any ideas?

I binged all routes and shit the writing in this game is GOLD

All characters are cool and it's hard to choose  wrong regardless if you decide to just pick one guy or get them all.

I'm happy I found this game such an awesome experience.

Thank you for making it

New reader here

Spoilers...

So is Ryan a yandere or his bloodlust was caused by the possession in Liam's route?

Ngl I kinda like yandere Ryan hehe

I also like the 7 deadly sins theme with everyone

I'm loving this vn ❤️

The ages of the characters are not clear to me. I saw that Joel and company are in college, so I think they're all in their early 20s.

Idk if its just me but... When I tried to enter the default name of the MC (Joel), It just kept saying that "Name is unavailable" or smth of the sorts. Had to cheese it by replacing the "L" with a capital I instead.

I started playing this and I've been on one route (Clyde),  and Im playing it at night. Let me tell you doing this at night is bad for my health. Haven't finished yet but so far so good! Great work and the cgs are great!

Spoilers....

Im also liking about the characters, there's:

Blake: the serious insomniac wolf

Ryan: childhood friend with a crush on MC

Dylan: Angy croc

Clyde: the perfect student council president with so much burden

Liam: the prankster but also magic

Patrice: muscle brained scaredy cat

Russell: the more serious cook bull

Ps. I love all of them and don't take this seriously.