# Moon (1997 visual novel)

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1997 Japanese adult visual novel

"Moon." redirects here. For other uses, see [Moon (disambiguation)](/source/Moon_(disambiguation)).

1997 video game

Moon Cover featuring main character Ikumi Amasawa Developer Tactics Publishers Tactics (Windows) AI System (Windows) Nexton (Windows, DVD) Regolith Innovation (Android) Artist Itaru Hinoue Writers Jun Maeda Naoki Hisaya Composers Shinji Orito Jun Maeda YET11 Ishisan Platforms Microsoft Windows, DVD game, Android Release November 21, 1997 Windows JP: November 21, 1997 JP: August 21, 1998 (Renewal) JP: July 12, 2002 (Voiced) DVD game JP: January 30, 2003 Android JP: June 14, 2012 Genres Eroge visual novel Mode Single-player

***Moon*** (stylized as ***MOON.***) is a Japanese [adult](/source/Eroge) [horror](/source/Horror_fiction) [visual novel](/source/Visual_novel) developed by [Tactics](/source/Tactics_(company)), a brand of [Nexton](/source/Nexton), released on November 21, 1997, playable on [Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows) [PCs](/source/Personal_computer). The game was described by the development team as a "Reaching the Heart [AVG](/source/Adventure_game)" (心に届くAVG, *Kokoro ni Todoku AVG*).[1] The story follows the protagonist Ikumi Amasawa, a teenage girl who joins a mysterious organization called Fargo in the hopes of discovering why and how her mother died, who was a member of the same group. The [gameplay](/source/Gameplay) in *Moon* follows a [branching plot line](/source/Nonlinear_gameplay#Branching_storylines) which offers predetermined scenarios with courses of interaction, and focuses on the three female main characters. The game ranked twice in the national top 50 for best-selling PC games sold in Japan.

Much of the staff that created the game later became the founding members of the visual novel brand [Key](/source/Key_(company)). *Moon* was the starting point for Key's origins, and was the first time the principal Key team was formed. A novel based on the game written by [Midori Tateyama](/source/Midori_Tateyama) was released in July 1998 by [Movic](/source/Movic). The game's original soundtrack was released bundled with *[Dōsei](/source/D%C5%8Dsei)*'s soundtrack in August 2000 at [Comiket 58](/source/Comiket); *Dōsei* was Tactics' first game. *Moon* has been referenced in other media not directly related to the game, such as in Tactics' third game *[One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e](/source/One%3A_Kagayaku_Kisetsu_e)*, and in the second [anime](/source/Anime) adaptation of Key's first game *[Kanon](/source/Kanon_(visual_novel))*.[2][3]

## Plot

### Setting and gameplay

*Moon* is set within a windowless facility owned and operated by the Fargo religious organization that aims to research what is referred to as the "unseen power". The Fargo facility shown in *Moon* is one of multiple facilities operated throughout Japan where new female believers looking to obtain the unseen power undergo "mental reinforcement" training. All men in the organization are either guards or researchers. New believers are split into three groups and segregated into three buildings for classes A, B and C which are linked together via an underground passageway. The accommodations and treatment of the trainees differ between the classes, with class A given preferential treatment, class B less so, and class C not given any of the comforts of the other two classes. This includes class C not having access to bathing, toilets, any kind of bedding or even private rooms. Classes B and C are also routinely raped by the Fargo men in the "tempering room".

Text in *Moon* is displayed in a dialog box, here depicting the player character talking with Haruka.

Outside of the living quarters, all believers have access to a dining hall, and are allowed to freely move within the confines of their own facility. Training of believers takes the form of repeated visits to both the Minmes and Elpod rooms which contain devices able to [interface with the trainee's mind](/source/Brain%E2%80%93computer_interface). The Minmes device fixates on a specific part of a trainee's past mental pain so as to measure their mental strengthening. The Elpod device makes trainees face a [duplicate of themselves](/source/Doppelg%C3%A4nger), forcing them to reminisce on past disgraces to again measure their mental strengthening. There is also a "relaxation room" that is occasionally used in place of Elpod training which contains a bed so the trainee can take a short nap. Other locations within the facility include a small sewer below the underground passageway, and two sets of three holding cells. Beyond the holding cells is access to an area 20 floors belowground with a room containing a vast field of flowers.

*Moon* is a [horror](/source/Horror_fiction) [visual novel](/source/Visual_novel) in which the player assumes the role of Ikumi Amasawa. Much of its [gameplay](/source/Gameplay) is spent on reading the story's [narrative](/source/Narrative) and [dialogue](/source/Dialogue). The text in the game is accompanied by character [sprites](/source/Sprite_(computer_graphics)), which represent who Ikumi is talking to, over background art. Throughout the game, the player encounters [CG artwork](/source/CG_artwork) at certain points in the story, which take the place of the background art and character sprites. When the game is completed at least once, a gallery of the viewed CGs and played [background music](/source/Background_music) becomes available on the game's title screen. There are scenes in *Moon* with CGs depicting a given heroine having sex. *Moon* follows a [branching plot line](/source/Nonlinear_gameplay#Branching_storylines) with multiple endings, and depending on the decisions that the player makes during the game, the plot will progress in a specific direction. Throughout gameplay, the player is given multiple options to choose from, and text progression pauses at these points until a choice is made. Some decisions can lead the game to end prematurely, which offer an alternative ending to the plot.

To view all plot lines in their entirety, the player will have to replay the game multiple times and choose different choices to further the plot to an alternate direction. If not all conditions are met, the player is given an option to view a hint about which direction to take the plot, with seven hints in total. If all conditions are met, the player accesses the true conclusion to the plot. The player is also tasked to navigate the Fargo facility via the use of an [overworld](/source/Overworld) map of whichever part of the facility the player is currently in with the player's location indicated by a red circle. The game's story is divided into 20 days each with an English subtitle displayed mostly in white with a portion of it colored red. In the original game, a [bonus](/source/Omake) [role-playing game](/source/Role-playing_game) became available on the title screen after the game was completed at least once. This was later removed from the full-voice DVD edition of the game.

### Story

*Moon* begins when high school girl Ikumi Amasawa[a] (voiced by: Ruru) arrives at the Fargo facility in search of the truth behind the death of her mother Miyoko[b] who was once a member of Fargo.[4] There, she meets and forms an alliance with two teenage girls—Haruka Mima[c] (voiced by: Aya) and Yui Nakura[d] (voiced by: [Miya Serizono](/source/Miya_Serizono)). Haruka is looking for her brother Ryōsuke[e] who works as a Fargo researcher, and Yui is searching for her sister Yuri[f] (voiced by: Komugi Nishida) who joined Fargo as a trainee. Ikumi is put in class A, Yui is put in class B, and Haruka is put in class C. Ikumi meets her roommate—an unnamed and mysterious young man referred to only as "Boy"[g] (voiced by: Arashi Tsunami)—and also a young woman and fellow class A member Yōko Kanuma[h] (voiced by: Satomi Kodama) who she interacts with when eating in the dining hall. Ikumi starts undergoing training and later meets up with Haruka and Yui on their third day at Fargo. They later locate Yuri in class C, but she refuses Yui's pleas to go back home with her. Yuri later loses control of the unseen power within her, but she faints when she sees Yui. The sisters are able to reconcile before the unseen power again goes out of control, killing Yuri in the process. Despite securing an escape route, Yui decides to stay to try to help other Fargo trainees. Ikumi and Haruka later locate Ryōsuke, who gives Ikumi a passcard to gain access to other parts of the facility, but this results in Ryōsuke being killed by Fargo's men. A few days later, Haruka—now under the influence of the unseen power—is ordered to kill Ikumi, but the power deserts her before she can do it, causing Haruka to go into hiding within the facility. However, Ikumi is then put in a holding cell, but she is freed by her roommate who is not human but an entirely different species first encountered 30 years prior.

Ikumi later finds the young man in a holding cell and learns that his species is the source of the unseen power. He also tells her that the purpose of Fargo was to find a way to implant that power within humans to create controllable super soldiers, and that his species has been held captive within Fargo's facilities. Ikumi tries to find a way to save him, but it is ultimately too late, and the young man is executed shortly afterward. Ikumi spends several days in deep depression, but when she uses the Minmes device, she receives encouragement from the young man who now only exists as a memory, allowing her to track down Fargo's founder, known only as the "voice's owner". Ikumi encounters this being in the form of a large red [Moon](/source/Moon), and a mental battle ensues with the founder and Ikumi using the unseen power. Ikumi prevails, resulting in the founder's death. At the same time, Yui finds Haruka in one part of the facility. Ikumi is then led to the dining hall by Yōko who tells her she has been ordered to kill her. Following a destructive battle, Yōko relents and saves both of them from dying. Yōko decides to leave Fargo and go back to the outside world with a promise to meet up with Ikumi at a later date. Ikumi uses the Minmes device one last time to have a conversation with her mother and say goodbye to her before also leaving the facility. Sometime later, Ikumi has given birth to her daughter Miyu,[i] and she is still close friends with Haruka and Yui.

## Development and release

*Moon*'s production was headed by YET11, the pseudonym of Tsutomu Yoshizawa.[5] Planning for *Moon* was headed by [Jun Maeda](/source/Jun_Maeda), who also worked on the game's scenario with fellow writer [Naoki Hisaya](/source/Naoki_Hisaya).[5] Art direction and character design was provided by [Itaru Hinoue](/source/Itaru_Hinoue), while the [computer graphics](/source/Computer_graphics) in the game was supplemented by Miracle Mikipon and Shinory. The game's soundtrack was primarily [composed](/source/Composer) by [Shinji Orito](/source/Shinji_Orito), with two tracks composed by YET11, and one track each composed by Maeda and Ishisan.[5][6] Excluding YET11 and Ishisan, the staff that created the game later became the founding members of the visual novel brand [Key](/source/Key_(company)).

*Moon* was first released on November 21, 1997, playable on a [Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows) [PC](/source/Personal_computer) as a [CD-ROM](/source/CD-ROM).[1] Nexton released *Moon Renewal* on August 21, 1998, with an improved [game engine](/source/Game_engine).[7] AI System published the game under the title *Moon Memorial Selection* on September 14, 2000, for a cheaper price.[8] Nexton released *Moon DVD LimitedEdition* on July 12, 2002, with added support for [Windows 98](/source/Windows_98)/[Me](/source/Windows_Me)/[2000](/source/Windows_2000)/[XP](/source/Windows_XP) as a [DVD-ROM](/source/DVD-ROM); this release was also called *Moon DVD Final Version* by Nexton.[4] The DVD edition, and subsequent releases, also included full voice acting, two [animated](/source/Anime) sequences at the beginning of the game, and improved graphics.[4] A CD-ROM version of the DVD edition titled *Moon CD LimitedEdition* was released on three CDs on September 20, 2002.[9] Nexton released *Moon DVDPG Edition* in Japan on January 30, 2003, playable as a [DVD game](/source/DVD_game).[10] Nexton later re-released the DVD edition with updated support for [Windows XP](/source/Windows_XP)/[Vista](/source/Windows_Vista)/[7](/source/Windows_7) on April 2, 2010.[11] Regolith Innovation released a version playable on [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system)) devices through their Drops! service and app on June 14, 2012.[12]

## Related media

A 256-page novel adaptation written by [Midori Tateyama](/source/Midori_Tateyama) was released by [Movic](/source/Movic) on July 31, 1998 ([ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [4-89601-387-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/4-89601-387-5)).[13] A 143-page [art book](/source/Coffee_table_book#As_media_tie-in_publications) including art from *Moon* and Tactics' later game *[One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e](/source/One%3A_Kagayaku_Kisetsu_e)* titled *Tactics Moon & One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e Settei Genga-shū* (タクティクスMOON.&ONE~輝く季節へ~設定原画集) was published by Compass on October 31, 1998 ([ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [4-87763-014-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/4-87763-014-7)).[14][15] The game's soundtrack was released bundled with the soundtrack for *[Dōsei](/source/D%C5%8Dsei)*, the game Tactics made before *Moon*, and was called *Dōsei and Moon Original Soundtracks*. The album contains a single CD and was released on August 10, 2000, at [Comiket 58](/source/Comiket) by Exobitant Records. The disc contains 31 tracks; the first 15 pertain to *Dōsei* and the latter 16 are from *Moon*.[6]

## Reception and legacy

According to a national ranking of how well [*bishōjo* games](/source/Bish%C5%8Djo_game) sold nationally in Japan, the *Moon DVD* Windows release made the ranking of the top 50 games once at number 44 during the first two weeks of July 2002.[16] *Moon Limited* also made it on the list only once, achieving the ranking of 48 in late September 2002.[17] Ikumi Amasawa appeared in the *[Eternal Fighter Zero](/source/Eternal_Fighter_Zero)* [dōjin games](/source/D%C5%8Djin_soft) by [Twilight Frontier](/source/Twilight_Frontier).[18] Four characters from *Moon* can be seen as background characters during scenes in the cafeteria from *[One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e](/source/One%3A_Kagayaku_Kisetsu_e)*; the characters are: Ikumi, Yōko Kanuma, Haruka Mima, and Yui Nakura.[2] There is a reference to *Moon* in the sixth episode of the [Kyoto Animation](/source/Kyoto_Animation) version of *[Kanon](/source/Kanon_(visual_novel))*, which can be seen as the [film poster](/source/Film_poster) of a horror film that Ayu and Yuichi go to see.[3] A limited edition framed art piece featuring a newly drawn illustration of the original cover art by Itaru Hinoue was available for sale in April 2022.[19]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** *Amasawa Ikumi* (天沢郁未)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** (未夜子)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** *Mima Haruka* (巳間晴香)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** *Nakura Yui* (名倉由依)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** (良祐)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** (友里)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** *Shōnen* (少年)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** *Kanuma Yōko* (鹿沼葉子)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** (未悠)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-original-website_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-original-website_1-1) ["Original *Moon* official website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110723212403/http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moon.htm) (in Japanese). [Tactics](/source/Tactics_(company)). Archived from [the original](http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moon.htm) on July 23, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Moon-in-One_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Moon-in-One_2-1) ["Image screenshot from *One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e* with the *Moon* characters"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140811191353/http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3728/02292012211304.jpg). Archived from [the original](http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3728/02292012211304.jpg) on August 11, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Moon-in-Kanon_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Moon-in-Kanon_3-1) [Tatsuya Ishihara](/source/Tatsuya_Ishihara) (director) (November 9, 2006). "A Mysterious Divertimento". *Kanon*. Episode 6. [BS-i](/source/BS-i).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Moon_DVD_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Moon_DVD_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Moon_DVD_6-2) ["Moon DVD's official website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090523235119/http://nexton-net.jp/~nexton/moon/index.html) (in Japanese). [Nexton](/source/Nexton). Archived from [the original](http://nexton-net.jp/~nexton/moon/index.html) on May 23, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-erogamescape_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-erogamescape_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-erogamescape_14-2) ["*Moon* staff information"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070305154806/http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=753) (in Japanese). ErogameScape. Archived from [the original](http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=753) on March 5, 2007. Retrieved December 3, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-soundtrack_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-soundtrack_15-1) ["Dōsei and Moon Original Soundtracks"](http://www.vgmdb.net/db/albums.php?id=4969). VGMdb. Retrieved November 26, 2007.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Tactics最新情報 | Moon Renewal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110723212443/http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moonr.htm) [Tactics Latest News | Moon Renewal] (in Japanese). [Tactics](/source/Tactics_(brand)). Archived from [the original](http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moonr.htm) on July 23, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["MOON. メモリアルセレクション3800"](http://www.suruga-ya.jp/database/145003974001.html) [Moon Memorial Selection 3800] (in Japanese). Surugaya. Retrieved March 4, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-comshop-CDLE_18-0)** ["*Moon CD LimitedEdition*"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140728103052/http://www.comshop.co.jp/g-haku/index.php?jan=4995669102003) (in Japanese). Comshop. Archived from [the original](http://www.comshop.co.jp/g-haku/index.php?jan=4995669102003) on July 28, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["MOON DVD"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120730022946/http://nexton-net.jp/~nexton/moon/index_pg.html) (in Japanese). [Nexton](/source/Nexton). Archived from [the original](http://nexton-net.jp/~nexton/moon/index_pg.html) on July 30, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Moon for Windows XP/Vista/7"](https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0037HPPLM/) (in Japanese). [Amazon.co.jp](/source/Amazon.com). Retrieved March 3, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["美少女ゲームストアアプリ「どろっぷす！」が登場。各タイトルは980円～の低価格で提供。アリスソフト、NEXTONらのブランドが参加"](https://www.gapsis.jp/2012/06/980nexton.html) (in Japanese). Gapsis. June 15, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2022.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Moon"](http://www.honyaclub.com/shop/g/g11349340/) (in Japanese). Honya Club. Retrieved March 4, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** *タクティクスMOON.&ONE~輝く季節へ~設定原画集* [*Tactics Moon & One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e Setup Original Picture Collection*] (in Japanese). [Amazon.co.jp](/source/Amazon.com). [ASIN](/source/Amazon_Standard_Identification_Number) [4877630147](https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4877630147).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["タクティクス MOON.＆ONE～輝く季節へ～ 設定原画集"](http://www.suruga-ya.jp/database/179003339001.html) [Tactics Moon & One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e Setup Original Picture Collection] (in Japanese). Surugaya. Retrieved March 4, 2012.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-rank44_25-0)** ["PC News national ranking for bishōjo games; Moon ranks 44"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060307102139/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank103.html) (in Japanese). Peakspub. Archived from [the original](http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank103.html) on March 7, 2006. Retrieved June 14, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-rank48_26-0)** ["PC News national ranking for bishōjo games; Moon ranks 48"](https://web.archive.org/web/20051227173003/http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank108.html) (in Japanese). Peakspub. Archived from [the original](http://www.peakspub.co.jp/ranking/rank108.html) on December 27, 2005. Retrieved June 14, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [Twilight Frontier](/source/Twilight_Frontier). *[Eternal Fighter Zero](/source/Eternal_Fighter_Zero)* ([Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows)) (in Japanese). [Twilight Frontier](/source/Twilight_Frontier).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["「MOON.」CLARITY ART≪完全受注生産≫"](https://e-nexton.jp/?fc=0202&pu=2037) (in Japanese). Nexton. Retrieved April 1, 2022.

## External links

- [Nexton's official *Moon* website](http://nexton-net.jp/~nexton/moon/index.html) (in Japanese)

- [Tactics' official *Moon* website](https://web.archive.org/web/20010307064804/http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moon.htm) at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) (archived March 7, 2001) (in Japanese)

- [Tactics' official *Moon Renewal* website](https://web.archive.org/web/20110723212443/http://sv.force-x.com/~tactics/qtactics/moonr.htm) at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) (archived July 23, 2011) (in Japanese)

- [*Moon*](https://vndb.org/v15) at [The Visual Novel Database](/source/The_Visual_Novel_Database)

v t e Key Brand of Visual Arts People Jun Maeda Shinji Orito Na-Ga Itaru Hinoue Naoki Hisaya Yūichi Suzumoto Yūto Tonokawa Magome Togoshi OdiakeS Visual novels at Tactics Dōsei Moon One Visual novels Kanon Air Clannad Tomoyo After Little Busters! Kud Wafter Rewrite Angel Beats! Summer Pockets Heaven Burns Red Anemoi Kinetic novels Planetarian Harmonia Loopers Lunaria Stella of The End Animation and multimedia One episodes Kanon episodes Air episodes Air film Clannad film Clannad episodes Angel Beats! episodes Little Busters! episodes Charlotte episodes Rewrite episodes Planetarian: Storyteller of the Stars The Day I Became a God Prima Doll Kaginado Audio Soundtracks Kanon Air "Tori no Uta" Clannad Planetarian Little Busters! Angel Beats! Kud Wafter Rewrite Charlotte Harmonia Summer Pockets Key Sounds Label Discography Humanity... "Birthday Song, Requiem" "Spica/Hanabi/Moon" Ma-Na Love Song Key 10th Memorial Fes Anniversary CD Circle of Fifth KSL Live World albums Other Key Net Radio Owari no Hoshi no Love Song Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Moon (1997 visual novel)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(1997_visual_novel)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(1997_visual_novel)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.