Players assume the role of a manager and must build then expand their moonbase, balancing the production of essentials such as air and power in order to keep the base running within a budget.

[1] Computer Gaming World in 1991 stated Moonbase was "a realistic simulation that offers a challenge", with "visual spice and a pinch of whimsy".

[4] In a 1992 survey of science fiction games, the magazine gave the title four out of five stars, describing it as "Probably the most detailed realistic space 'construction' set ever produced.

[2] In 1993, the magazine recommended the game as educational and "worthwhile" for children in middle school and older.

[5] A 1994 survey of strategic space games set in the year 2000 and later gave Lunar Command three stars out of five, stating that "its economic modeling is excellent.