First Look: The Wandering Earth: The Last Full Moon

The Wandering Earth: The Last Full Moon is a new game from Studio Surgical Scalpels, an unexpected choice for a space-based title. The game is based on the novella of the same name by Liu Cixin, which previously inspired the 2019 film The Wandering Earth. The game returns to its novella origins, rather than building upon the film, and has been approved by Cixin himself.

The story revolves around humanity trying to save the Earth from being consumed by the Sun by launching the Wandering Earth Project. This massive 2,500-year plan involves using planetary engines to move the entire planet to Proxima Centauri. The gameplay focuses on a grounded, skill-driven shooter experience, with the developers emphasizing the importance of realistic gun mechanics in a futuristic setting.

The aiming system is a key feature, utilizing a triple-reticle setup that takes into account lunar gravity and the player's viewpoint. The game also delves into the political tension between two factions - the Earth faction and the Spaceship faction - as they navigate the challenges of the "Braking Era."