Google's latest Doodle, "Rise of the Half Moon April," celebrates the last half-moon of April with an engaging and educational interactive card game. Launched on April 24, 2025, this Doodle invites users to test their knowledge of the lunar cycle by playing against the moon itself. This isn't the first time Google has used its Doodle to celebrate the moon; similar Doodles were released in January, February and March of 2025.
The "Rise of the Half Moon" game challenges players to match lunar phases to score points and unlock wildcards. Accuracy is key, as the more correct the plays, the closer the player gets to lunar domination. The game cleverly blends astronomy, folklore, and logic, transforming learning about moon phases into a competitive and entertaining quest. Whether you're a space enthusiast or a casual player, this Doodle offers an engaging way to revisit or discover knowledge about moon phases while competing for a high score.
The game features multiple levels, with increasing difficulty as you progress. Players are presented with cards depicting various lunar phases and must match them appropriately to earn points. The goal is to strategically pair cards to create lunar cycles and earn bonus points. As the game progresses, board configurations become more challenging, making pairing lunar cycle cards more difficult. Lunar pairs and phases are created by placing cards in adjacent boxes connected by lines on the board. Once a card is played on the board, it can be used by either opponent to create pairs or lunar cycles. The last play made using a card on the board counts towards the bonus point awarded to that player at the end of the game.
This edition of the game ties into April's celestial calendar, adding an extra layer of astronomical flair, particularly to the so-called Pink Moon. Google teases players to chase high scores and bragging rights and encourages players to use their skills to achieve a rosy victory.
Google Doodles have become a tradition, marking special occasions, anniversaries, and the lives of important figures. These temporary alterations to the Google logo often go beyond mere decoration, offering informative and interactive experiences. The "Rise of the Half Moon" Doodle continues this trend, providing a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to learn about the lunar cycle.
