Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight

About

Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight lets you play as a knight tasked with returning a magical stone to Stonehenge while battling hordes of Troggs, trolls, and other nasties. The game splits time between turn-based strategy and chaotic real-time brawls, plan your moves on the world map, then switch to side-scrolling combat when enemies attack. Up to four players can team up or compete, with the computer filling in for missing spots as rival knights. You’ll explore four regions, each with distinct enemies, towns, and quest-givers, while managing gear and dodging some of the most graphic death animations of the early ’90s. The game stands out for its genre mashup and willingness to shock. Originally released on Amiga and DOS in 1991, it balanced RPG elements like item trading and skill progression with gory, punchy fights that let you bash foes with swords or hurl axes. Players remember the unpredictable encounters and the risk-reward of visiting cursed towers or bargaining with wizards. With support for Linux and Mac alongside retro platforms, it’s a cult classic that still feels oddly ahead of its time.

Storyline

The player takes on the role of a chosen knight who is sent by the druids to return the mystical 'moonstone' to Stonehenge. The game supports between 1 to 4 players at once, with the computer controlling any knights not controlled by human players as rival NPCs. The world map is divided into 4 distinct regions: Misty Moors: The NW region of the Blue Knight (Sir Godber). Monsters found there are the Axe and Spear-bearing Troggs as well as their War Beasts. There is also the city of Highwood with the High Temple where the player can buy and sell magical items. Wetlands: The SE region of the Red Knight (Sir Edward). Monsters are the Trolls and the Mudmen. There is also the city of Waterdeep with Mythral the Mystic who can advance the player's abilities in exchange of gold (or randomly reduce them). Great Forest: The SW region of the Green Knight (Sir Jeffrey). Monsters are the Troggs and the Ratmen. It features the Stonehenge where the player can gain a life by donating a magical item. Northern Wastelands: The NE region of the Orange Knight (Sir Richard). Monsters include Troggs and Baloks. It also features the Tower of Math the Wizard who can randomly reward the player or transform him into a frog if he asks repeatedly.