Understanding What Really Happened

This guide will be showcasing and telling some aspects of the game that was no understood.

Introduction

Hey!

To the Moon really touched me, and across multiple run-throughs, I found myself still grasping the true meaning and depth behind much of the symbolism and references throughout it.

I hope you enjoy the read and too, discover something you may not have picked up in your gameplay. I continue to learn more and more through your comments also - so if you see I've missed something, please let me know!

Thank you Freebird Games, you are truly a treasure.

River's Condition

In this section, I will discuss River's condition and how it affected her.

River was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that can make social interactions challenging and sometimes undesirable. Some of the signs she exhibits include:

- She avoids interactions with new people.
- She is assigned several books on her condition to read.
- The ticking of a clock makes her anxious.

Additionally, a notable indication of her condition was when River's doctor suggested that Johnny read books by Tony Attwood, a psychologist renowned for his work on Asperger's syndrome.

What "The Accident" Is

This Page will be going over what the "Accident" is:


The "incident" refers to the scene where Johnny tells River about their "first" meeting in the school, and how he approached her for selfish reasons. Not because he actually liked her. Johnny never understands why this has the extreme reaction it has on River.

To understand River we have to take a step back for a second. Think about it. River never knew about the whole beta blockers/Joey situation. She grew up with Johnny thinking he remembered their first meeting at the carnival. That meeting is of extreme importance to her and a large part of their relationship. When Johnny tells her of their "first" meeting (the incident) in the lunch room at school, River realizes that Johnny doesn't remember the meeting at the carnival at all.

It's a double whammy to her because not only does she learn Johnny first dated her for entirely selfish reasons, but also that he doesn't even remember one of the most important moments in their relationship. The making of the paper rabbits is her desperate attempt to make Johnny remember that actual first meeting. She doesn't realize that the beta blockers are making her efforts futile, and her Asperger's prevents her from communicating her feelings to Johnny. She dies realizing that her entire marriage was built on misunderstandings and lies. It's an extremely tragic ending.

[sora]

i didnt realize that about their first meeting.... excuse while i cry even more

[shoena]

omg

[lykin]

wow

[BigCheddarBoi]

Not to mention why seeing the dead rabbit on their wedding was so impactful to her, and not Johnny.

[天口]

gooood

[xsni]

I think it's also important to mention the role of Johnny's mom. The game hints that she favored Joey. Her imposing Joey's favorite things onto Johnny probably helped suppress his childhood dream of going to the moon as an astronaut.

[spongebob squarepants]

masterpiece

[daCodeMaster();]

this guide is almost like it is adding to the story, but it is already in the story (wait , did that even make sense?). anyway, a very important detail. this is something i seriously overlooked

[satori_hanzo]

But what about the Animorphs role in this story?

[C. Piglet]

fuck... any emotional high from the ending was completely undone knowing that she suffered until her death... and no amount of memory tampering can change that.