Among the many memorable moments in It Takes Two, one character that stands out both for his unique personality and emotional weight is Moon Baboon. This robotic guardian of space is not just another boss to beat; he represents the emotional bond between a child and her favorite toy. As players navigate through the space-themed chapter of the game, they encounter a surprisingly complex and morally difficult scenario with Moon Baboon. The combination of humor, action, and bittersweet storytelling makes this character unforgettable and worth deeper exploration.
Who Is Moon Baboon?
A Toy with a Mission
Moon Baboon is introduced in It Takes Two as one of Rose’s cherished toys. Designed as an astronaut monkey, he lives aboard a miniature space station inside the imaginative world created by Rose’s sadness and wish for her parents to stay together. However, this isn’t a typical mindless toy. Moon Baboon comes to life with a mission: to protect Rose from any harm including the actions of her own parents, Cody and May, who have been transformed into small dolls and must navigate surreal versions of their daughter’s world.
Protecting Rose
What makes Moon Baboon different from other antagonists is that he genuinely believes he is doing the right thing. His hostility toward Cody and May stems from his belief that they are hurting Rose emotionally. This puts players in a morally gray conflict, where the villain is actually trying to be the hero in his own story. This complexity adds layers to what would otherwise be a simple boss encounter.
The Space Chapter and Gameplay Mechanics
Cosmic Adventure
Moon Baboon’s chapter is set in a space-themed level filled with low-gravity puzzles, teleportation, and perspective-altering challenges. The space station environment not only reflects the toy’s identity but also introduces new mechanics that differ from the previous areas. Each player gets unique abilities, as is typical in It Takes Two:
- Cody can manipulate gravity and walk on walls.
- May can use teleporters to quickly traverse areas.
This asymmetry in abilities encourages communication and teamwork, reinforcing the cooperative theme of the game while building tension as players approach their confrontation with Moon Baboon.
Boss Fight Highlights
The battle against Moon Baboon is one of the game’s most creative and emotional. Players must dodge laser beams, avoid mechanical traps, and solve real-time puzzles to disable parts of the space station. The combat sequences are thrilling but never stray from the narrative theme. Moon Baboon fights not out of malice, but out of desperation to protect someone he loves.
Emotional and Narrative Impact
A Conflict Beyond Combat
Unlike other video game bosses who exist merely to challenge players, Moon Baboon serves as a reflection of the emotional turmoil Rose experiences. His existence is fueled by her need for stability and love, especially as her parents are on the verge of divorce. His mission, while misguided, comes from a place of deep care.
Changing Perspectives
After defeating Moon Baboon, Cody and May have the chance to reprogram him instead of destroying him. They choose to rewire him with a new purpose: to continue protecting Rose, but without hostility toward them. This resolution underlines one of the game’s central themes that love and understanding, even in conflict, can lead to healing.
Symbolism and Deeper Meaning
Moon Baboon as a Guardian
In many ways, Moon Baboon symbolizes the innocence of childhood and the deep emotional bond children form with their toys. To Rose, he isn’t just a plush astronaut; he’s a protector and friend. This is something that the game portrays with surprising depth, reminding players of the emotional landscapes children inhabit.
Representation of Parental Conflict
The chapter also serves as a metaphor for how children process divorce and family struggles. Moon Baboon’s protective aggression represents the way children often internalize conflict, creating safe spaces in their imagination to cope with emotional pain. The fact that he tries to stop Cody and May reveals how deeply Rose is affected by their constant arguments and emotional distance.
Why Moon Baboon Resonates with Players
Unique Character Design
Visually, Moon Baboon stands out with his glowing visor, mechanical parts, and astronaut suit. His quirky, robotic voice lines also add a layer of dark comedy that contrasts with the emotional gravity of the situation. This balance between humor and seriousness is a hallmark of It Takes Two and is perfectly embodied in this character.
Moral Complexity
Few games offer boss fights that are genuinely thought-provoking. Moon Baboon isn’t evil he’s misguided, loyal, and ultimately kind-hearted. His complexity forces players to rethink their usual ‘defeat the enemy’ mindset and instead engage with the emotional consequences of their actions.
A Memorable Experience
Players often cite the Moon Baboon chapter as one of the most impactful parts of the game. The combination of creative gameplay, rich storytelling, and emotional payoff makes it stand out. It’s not just a chapter it’s a narrative peak that connects deeply with the overarching themes of family, empathy, and healing.
Behind the Scenes and Development Insight
Hazelight Studios’ Intentions
The developers at Hazelight Studios, led by Josef Fares, designed It Takes Two with the goal of exploring adult themes through imaginative storytelling. Moon Baboon’s arc exemplifies this mission. By giving emotional weight to even the most fantastical characters, the game avoids falling into cliché and instead delivers a meaningful narrative experience.
Voice Acting and Personality
The voice acting for Moon Baboon plays a crucial role in bringing his personality to life. The performance captures a mix of concern, determination, and quirky humor, helping players connect with the character even as they face him in battle.
Moon Baboon from It Takes Two is far more than just a quirky space-themed boss. He is a deeply symbolic and emotionally resonant character who represents a child’s desire for protection in a time of family instability. Through creative gameplay, emotional storytelling, and thoughtful design, Moon Baboon becomes one of the most memorable parts of the game. His presence elevates the narrative, challenges the players’ perspectives, and reinforces the idea that even in conflict, love and empathy can pave the way for healing and growth.