In an interview with OnlySP, Arocena stated that development of Ode to a Moon was inspired by the desire to create a game that was more linear "explore a narrative grounded on reality for some time".

Arocena stated "I want to take inspiration from cinema and explore how narrative shapes space and in turn affects the player as they transverse it,” citing the desire to create an experience of "pure delirium where the protagonist loses touch with reality" as a "continuous juxtaposition of the real and the abstract.

[4] The game purports to be "inspired by actual events and the general belief that truth is stranger than fiction,"[5] with Arocena posting unusual and surrealistic sites in the New England area on his Twitter account to support the release.

"[2] Danielle Riendau of Fanbyte described Ode to a Moon as "an awesome short-form horror game that traded on surreal imagery and jump cuts," praising the "oddly gorgeous atmosphere.

"[8] KJ Robertson of Alpha Beta Gamer stated the game was "very impressive...with a great sense of atmosphere and a very cool neon-filled 80’s visual style.