Moss Review

May 10, 2023

I have played through Moss so many times now, but love it just as much every time I play it. So, when it was announced that the game was receiving a new updated version for PSVR2, I knew another visit to the game and Quill was going to happen. I have now played the first Book, but did I love it again?

STORY

In Moss you are embodied in the world as the Reader, a spirit that will look over Quill and help her on her adventure. The story starts will Quill finding a piece of glass than awakens the Reader, upon telling her Uncle August he rushes off and leaves her under the instruction to stay safe until his return. She is then visited and informed they can lead her to her Uncle, and you soon learn he is in trouble – the question is can you help Quill save her Uncle August?

GAMEPLAY

The game is a third person puzzle platformer at heart, but also brings an element of adventure with it. The gameplay revolves around working as a team with Quill in order to get her through the world in front of you. A lot of the puzzles are similar in how they work, with the main mechanic being moving parts of the world (which highlight in a blue glow) to help create or clear a path for Quill. However, where this all might a bit simple, they do include other elements like weighted switches, levers and poles you will need to hit. Now, doing all these with Quill is not always possible, so it is up to you to figure out how you will manage to do this, while still having full control of Quill. I mean the puzzles are never overly complex and you will work them out after a short time, but at first they can be confusing as the game really doesn’t offer explanations of the puzzles, it is all down to you.

They then add some combat in the game, but this is not overly complex and for me gives that hack and slash feeling. You will only ever have a sword and the ability to dash dodge, this is why you will get that feeling. It is all about timing your attacks and then dodging in time. Although when you get a number of enemies on the screen, the different enemy types can damage the others. Where this is not to a great deal it can come in useful if you are getting overwhelmed.

So, what is your job as The Reader, other than assisting with the puzzles? Well you can also help Quill in a number of other ways with your floating orbs, and not just the puzzles. If you are struggling at times with the amount of enemies you can grab one of them, which will slow it down. You can also strike it as Quill while you have control of it, but this will release it from the hold, and you instantly need to dodge it’s attack – but it can be useful in moments when the battles get busy.
Now, the game does end with a boss battle, but I am not going to say anything about it other than you really are in for a treat with this set-piece.

Around the game there is two types of collectibles the dust you collect by smashing objects like barrels, and then scrolls hidden around the world. There is trophies for collecting all the dust and the scrolls. As you would expect the dust one does not come with much puzzle, as mentioned it is just about smashing all the objects you can. However, the scrolls come with a bit more challenge as these can be hidden well in the world, and it’s not as simple as them being within sight – meaning you will have to lean into the world as the Reader to get a better look.

PRESENTATION

Now the main update to the PSVR2 version is using the new hardware and power of the PlayStation 5 to make the make the game look even more beautiful. For me the textures and detail in the world have been brought on par with the high settings in the PCVR version of the game. However, where the PSVR2 excels is the improved lighting and the HDR offered by the displays – it really makes this version the best version to take into your eyeballs.

Through the story and gameplay you really do build a connection to Quill. Which for me was going to be essential for this game and the team have done an outstanding job in other aspects to make sure this happens. This is the overall animation and the way they make you interact with Quill.

Firstly the animation is spot on and so smooth, Quill really does have the movements of a mouse – all be it being on two legs. Every part of her design really has been taken into account, then they really give the sense of scale to the game, giving you the feeling you are towering and watching over her. It really feels like the world Moss is based in is playing out as a diorama and you’re taking all of this in. Add to this the in-game interactions with Quill, and it really builds that bond and gives you feeling of the carer, in your position of The Reader. Then giving you a world that is rich and lovely looking, and it really makes for near perfect presentation.

Then the use of sound just finishes off the design of this world. I mentioned at the beginning throughout the game you are going to be spoken to by the softly spoken narrator, add to this the beautiful soundtrack and the sounds of the world in general and it really makes for that storybook setting.

COMFORT/CONTROLS

When it comes to comfort the game is designed to played seated, and with you over looking Quill in the world and controlling her. Allowing the game to negate any issues that could cause motion-sickness – meaning it is accessible to anyone.

Another big change in the updated version is the controllers. Now, the PSVR2 uses the Sense Controllers, as the Reader you can now manipulate two parts of the world at once. Outside of your role as helping with the puzzles of the Reader (using the triggers), you are going to be controlling Quill with the analogues and performing the actions with the buttons on the controller.

But, what makes a big difference in this is the improved haptics in the controllers and the headset haptics allowing you to feel actions in the environment and every hit Quill takes – and with that bond you have, it makes you feel sorry for her.

LONGEVITY

Having played it so many times and knowing how to solve the puzzles, the game and the added DLC (The Twilight Garden) took two hours and forty-five minutes to complete. However, if you have not played this before, my first ever playthrough on the original PSVR took me around the same time without completing the added DLC, so you can probably expect just over three-hours.

REVIEWED USING PLAYSTATION VR 2

For the purposes of transparency, this review was created using a review code provided by the company or their respective PR company. The use of a press code does not affect my judgement of the product.

REVIEW OVERVIEW

Ever since I originally played Moss, the game was one I recommended to everyone getting into VR – and this has not changed with the PSVR2 version. You can see the love that the team at Polyarc put into Quill from the get go, and she is a reason alone to play the game – never mind the great storytelling and beautifully designed game. With the improved visuals, lighting and the haptics – this has been by far my favourite experience with the game. If you have just got into VR through the PSVR2, do not overlook this game, and an added bonus is Moss: Book II is already available, so there is no wait to continue your adventure with Quill.