Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon – Review

Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon is the second in the series of Putt Putt games, we love them all and this one is short and sweet like the first. In my review for the game, you’ll learn more.

Why Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon?

Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon is another charming point-and-click adventure starring the lovable purple car, Putt-Putt. Designed primarily for young children, the game blends gentle problem-solving with a whimsical outer space setting. As one of the early entries in the Putt-Putt series, it builds on the same child-friendly formula as the first game but adds a more imaginative and adventurous twist by sending players beyond Earth.

The story begins when Putt-Putt launches a homemade rocket ship and ends up on the moon. Once there, he quickly learns that he can’t return home without collecting the necessary parts to rebuild his rocket. This sets up the main objective: explore the lunar landscape, meet quirky characters, and gather the items needed to make it safely back to Earth.

The gameplay follows a simple point-and-click structure. Players move Putt-Putt across various screens, interact with objects, and collect inventory items. The puzzles are intentionally easy, designed to encourage logical thinking without causing frustration. For example, players might need to help a moon character solve a small problem in exchange for an item, or figure out how to access a new area by using something they’ve already collected.

One of the game’s strongest qualities is its creativity. The moon environment is playful rather than realistic, filled with colorful alien-like vehicles and imaginative scenery. Instead of presenting space as dark or intimidating, the game portrays it as friendly and welcoming. The characters Putt-Putt meets are humorous and kind, reinforcing the series’ positive tone.

Like other Putt-Putt titles, there are no fail states. Children can’t lose, run out of time, or make permanent mistakes. This creates a safe learning environment where experimentation is encouraged. If a child clicks on something random, they’re often rewarded with a funny animation or a silly sound effect. Nearly every object reacts in some way, which keeps young players engaged and curious.

The voice acting is clear and upbeat, helping early readers follow along with the story. The dialogue is simple and easy to understand, and characters speak slowly enough for children to process what’s happening. The music fits the lighthearted sci-fi theme, adding a sense of adventure without ever becoming overwhelming.

Visually, the game uses bright, cartoon-style graphics similar to other entries in the series. The animations are expressive, though simple by modern standards. While today’s children are used to high-definition 3D games, the colorful 2D art style still carries a nostalgic charm and remains visually appealing in its own way.

Replayability is modest but present. Some item placements and small puzzle solutions change between playthroughs, which adds a bit of freshness. However, once a child understands the main structure of the game, future runs become quicker.

That said, the simplicity that makes the game accessible can also be limiting.

The puzzles are very easy, and older children may find them repetitive or lacking challenge. The overall length is fairly short, especially if an adult is guiding the experience. Additionally, while the moon setting is imaginative, the number of areas to explore is somewhat limited compared to modern adventure games. The pacing is slow and calm, which is ideal for young players but may feel uneventful for others.

Still, Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon succeeds beautifully as an early childhood adventure game. It encourages problem-solving, listening skills, and exploration while maintaining a gentle and reassuring atmosphere. The sense of accomplishment children feel when helping Putt-Putt rebuild his rocket and return home is rewarding without being stressful.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player on Steam/PC.

Pros

Safe, frustration-free gameplay with no fail states.

Creative and friendly outer space setting.

Simple puzzles ideal for preschool and early elementary players.

Fully voiced dialogue for non-readers.

Encourages curiosity and exploration.

Cheerful tone and positive interactions.

Cons

The game is short and can be completed quickly. Puzzles are very easy, which may not hold the attention of older children. The graphics and mechanics show their age compared to modern titles, and the scope of exploration is somewhat limited. The slow pace, while calming, may feel repetitive for some players.

Summary

Overall, Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon is a delightful and imaginative adventure designed perfectly for young gamers. It combines creativity, kindness, and gentle problem-solving into a memorable first journey into both space — and gaming.