A love letter to gaming’s many strange moons

Space is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. That feeling is amplified by the crewed Artemis II mission, which has gone farther from Earth than ever before. As the crew sends back images of our nearest celestial neighbor and the vast space beyond, it becomes clear how little we know about the moon, despite how close it is. That mysterious status has inspired the world of video games, giving us all kinds of bizarre and even unsettling visions of this saltwater sphere.

Video games have taken us to the moon more than once. Take BJ Blazkowicz, for example, who goes there to shoot Nazis. In Portal 2 , Chell uses a portal on the moon’s surface, leading to a spectacular climax. And later this month, players can navigate an abandoned lunar base and solve puzzles in Pragmata , where Hugh and Diana take center stage.

The moon in gaming

The moon plays an important role in countless games. In Destiny , the player first steps onto the lunar surface, which was revealed during the game’s beta, making it feel like an exclusive experience before the world fully opened up. The moon’s shimmering surface and its dark depths, such as the Hellmouth filled with ritual sites and hostile creatures, make it an unforgettable location.

Call of Duty: Black Ops also offers a unique experience, with the co-op zombies storyline culminating in a trip to the moon. That journey is far from safe, heightening the tension of an apocalyptic setting even further.

Symbolism of the moon

In other titles, such as Bloodborne , the moon serves as a symbolic marker within the narrative. The moon’s different phases signal key moments in the story. In The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask , the moon is even a looming figure hanging over Clock Town, creating an ominous atmosphere as the player works to save the world from impending doom.

The mysteries of the quantum moon

In Outer Wilds , the quantum moon is introduced as an intriguing mystery. This moon is not only difficult to explore, but also plays a crucial role in solving the game’s puzzles. The idea that something around us can still hide unknown secrets resonates strongly during Artemis II’s current space expedition.

It’s clear that video games have a rich history with the moon, and these different interpretations invite us to explore the factors that connect us. As we ponder the moon and explore its wonders, it remains a source of fascination that pushes us toward creativity and imagination.

The moon offers us more than just a physical presence; it is a source of inspiration in art and media, challenging us to dream and look beyond what we can see. The same is true for the future of the Artemis missions. The chance to uncover these mysteries in the real world is an invitation for both scientists and gamers to keep exploring.