Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tintin on the Moon opens with a tense, skill-based rocket navigation segment that immediately sets it apart from other action titles of its era. You take direct control of Professor Calculus’s spacecraft, steering it through a gradually scrolling starfield while dodging fast-moving asteroids. The addition of eight red spheres to collect adds an extra layer of challenge—missing even one requires backtracking or replaying the level to achieve full completion.

The yellow energy spheres dotted around each stage not only boost your ship’s power reserves but also reward careful maneuvering. Failure to gather enough energy can lead to a sudden game over, compelling you to learn asteroid patterns and optimize your flight path. This resource-management twist elevates what could have been a simple “avoid-the-obstacles” mini-game into a more strategic undertaking.

Once you land on the lunar surface, gameplay shifts to a platform-based puzzle/action hybrid. Here, you guide Tintin through dimly lit moon bases, deploying a fire extinguisher to douse blazes set by Captain Jürgen, deactivating time bombs, and rescuing stranded crew members. Turning gravity on and off adds a clever physics puzzle element, forcing you to think in three dimensions to retrieve bombs tucked into narrow alcoves or behind debris.

Graphics

Tintin on the Moon faithfully captures Hergé’s ligne claire art style through crisp pixel work and bold color choices. The rocket interior, starfield backdrop, and cratered lunar landscapes feel straight out of a comic panel. Despite the technical limitations of its original hardware, the game delivers a surprisingly smooth visual experience with minimal sprite flicker.

Character animations are simple but effective—Tintin’s walk cycle, Captain Jürgen’s sinister twirls, and the small bursts of flame from the sabotaged oxygen lines all convey personality without excessive frames. Transitioning between the high-speed rocket flight and the more methodical platform sections is accompanied by distinct visual cues, such as changing lighting and background music tempo, which help keep the action fresh.

Minor details, like the rotating Earth visible through the cockpit window or the subtle shading on moon rocks, enrich the overall presentation. While some might argue that the color palette is limited compared to more advanced titles of the same era, the game’s art direction perfectly evokes the feel of the original comic adventures, making it a nostalgic treat for fans of Tintin and retro gaming alike.

Story

The narrative of Tintin on the Moon draws directly from two of Hergé’s most celebrated albums—exploring the excitement of a lunar expedition and the intrigue of industrial sabotage. While the real Apollo missions wouldn’t occur for several years after the setting implied by the comics, the game embraces this alternate-history premise with gusto, placing you in the heart of Tintin’s quest to be the first Earthling on the Moon.

Story beats are conveyed through short, static cutscenes punctuated by on-screen text. You learn early that Captain Jürgen, an original antagonist created for the game, has infiltrated the moonbase and set a series of traps that threaten the crew. Although dialogue is sparse, it remains true to the spirit of Hergé’s work—conveying urgency, bravery, and Tintin’s trademark inquisitiveness in just a few lines.

The progression from rocket launch to base infiltration feels coherent and purposeful. Each collected sphere, extinguished fire, or rescued crew member ties back to the overarching narrative of thwarting Jürgen’s scheme and securing safe lunar exploration. Fans of the comics will appreciate the familiar cast—Haddock, Calculus, and all—while new players can easily follow the straightforward plot without prior knowledge of the source material.

Overall Experience

Tintin on the Moon delivers a charming blend of action, puzzle-solving, and nostalgia. The two distinct gameplay modes keep the pace varied, and the thematic consistency—from the star-speckled rocket cockpit to the shadowy moon corridors—ensures you’re always immersed in Tintin’s world. Controls are generally responsive, and difficulty ramps up at a fair pace, making both novice players and retro veterans feel challenged.

The main drawbacks involve the game’s brevity and occasional trial-and-error moments, especially when hunting down all eight red spheres in the rocket segments. Additionally, the minimalist storytelling format may leave some players wanting deeper character interaction or more elaborate cutscenes. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall entertainment value.

For collectors of classic adaptations or fans of Hergé’s beloved reporter, Tintin on the Moon is a must-try. Its faithful aesthetic, clever stage design, and balanced difficulty make it a standout entry in the pantheon of retro licensed games. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering Tintin’s lunar adventure for the first time, this game offers a rewarding journey to the Moon and back.

Retro Replay Score

7/10