As summer fades, one thing’s undeniable: 2026 has been an incredible year for shooters. From the inventive hack-and-shoot twist in Pragmata to the addictive gameplay of extraction shooters and the delightful cartoon visuals of Mouse: P.I. for Hire, we’ve seen a diverse range of titles. Now, add another fantastic game to that list: Luna Abyss. This adrenaline-pumping first-person shooter seamlessly blends elements from Returnal, Doom, and Metroid Prime, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. Available now on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X (including Game Pass), Luna Abyss is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
A Symphony of Action and Atmosphere
Developed by Kwalee Labs, Luna Abyss casts you as a prisoner trapped within an ominous megastructure on a desolate moon. Tasked by the robotic warden to retrieve lost technology buried deep within the prison’s labyrinthine depths, you must navigate treacherous environments teeming with monstrous creatures. While the story might lean towards heavy-handed lore, its cryptic nature draws you deeper into a six-hour adventure filled with blinding red lights that create a truly stellar atmosphere.
The game’s environments are perfectly designed for intense shootouts reminiscent of Doom. Early on, you rely on a scout rifle to dispatch weaker enemies with precise shots. Later, you acquire more powerful weapons like shotguns and long-range rifles, each capable of breaking different colored shields. While the shooting mechanics might feel somewhat shallow at times, every weapon packs a satisfying punch, and the flow of switching between your arsenal to break shields and maximize damage is incredibly smooth. This core gameplay loop deepens with each new power you acquire, adding explosive finishers and bubble shields that keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Lock-On Combat and Metroidvania Platforming
One of the most innovative aspects of Luna Abyss is its lock-on system, directly inspired by Metroid Prime. This allows you to focus on your movement during combat, strafing around enemies while peppering them with shots. You must also manage your weapon’s heat to avoid overheating. This mechanic is paired with the wave-based attacks reminiscent of Saros, requiring skillful dodging and precise movements. Boss fights become particularly intense as you circle massive spheres that unleash a barrage of lasers and orbs.
The lock-on system extends to the game’s platforming, another area where it draws inspiration from the Metroid Prime series. Initially, platforming involves simple jumps between metal platforms. However, within the first two hours, the game gradually introduces new mechanics at a steady pace. You’ll soon learn to air dash through pink gates and possess machines for traversal. Each new power seamlessly integrates with your existing arsenal, creating a fluid and satisfying gameplay loop that rivals the fast-paced platforming of Ghostrunner, but with the more approachable design sensibilities of Metroid Prime.
A Celebration of Shooter DNA
What truly sets Luna Abyss apart is its unwavering confidence. It embraces its role as a “feel-good” shooter where you blast aliens in spectacular fashion. This core experience is fundamental to the genre’s DNA, harking back to classics like Space Invaders. A shooter like this is akin to a still-life painting – a classical piece of game design from which all innovations spring. Luna Abyss celebrates this heritage by immersing you in a visually stunning world where monsters explode like piñatas. While there’s plenty of sci-fi lore for those seeking deeper meaning, nothing beats the primal joy of blasting enemies and feeling the satisfying feedback of your oversized weapon. It’s formalist art in motion.
Source: Polygon
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