PSVR classics Moss and Moss: Book II are being given native PSVR2 versions that will be ready to release alongside Sony's new VR headset in February 2023, but the kicker for current owners is they'll need to pay full price to play them. Polyarc has confirmed to Push Square it won't be offering free PSVR to PSVR2 upgrades for either title; there's not even a paid upgrade path.
Instead, Moss will be offered at $17.99 while its sequel will be $26.99 due to a 10 per cent PS Store discount — this will presumably go away after a short time. Alternatively, you can get them both in a bundle for $34.99.
As for why Polyarc decided to take this route, communications director Lincoln Davis said the following: "The games are not set up as cross-buy for PSVR2 owners that previously purchased the PSVR versions of the games. It takes a lot of time and resources to properly bring titles like Moss and Moss: Book II to new platforms. And the majority of that time in this case was spent optimizing both games to feature updated experiences for players leveraging the new hardware technology."
The developer says the PSVR2 versions are set up to take advantage of all the features the Sony headset boasts of, like haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, eye tracking, and a greater field of view. It'll also run at 90 frames-per-second, using a 4K resolution with lighting and texture improvements.
However, games such as After the Fall and No Man's Sky say they'll make use of the same features and will offer a free PSVR to PSVR2 upgrade. It means PSVR2 buyers are put in a frustrating spot where some games they'll need to pay for all over again, while others will be offered for free despite promising the same exact enhancements. Polyarc isn't even taking the Sony route of offering a $10 upgrade path should you wish to grab the new version of a game you already own. Instead, it's full price for those buying the device on day one.
Comments 29
I didn’t really get into moss. Coming off of the sublime Astro Bot the little, blurry, puzzle “platformer” just seemed lacklustre. I think they gave it away at one point for free so likely have it, but not too bothered by this. Might go back to it with a view to acknowledging and enjoying it as a puzzle game, but only when they are cheap. Or in a bundle together. If the original has added features then all the fairer to charge though
Missing a beat here aren't they. Alot of people investing in PSVR2 would have had the PSVR. Hence very likely to have played one of these (plus it was given out on Plus) so the likelihood of a re-buy is quite slim. They don't need to give this away for free, as it should cost if the value is there, but at least offer an upgrade path.
@thefourfoldroot1 Astrobot rescue mission is one my favorite games of all time. Sony would be nuts not to port it to PSVR 2.
Lack of an upgrade path is just shooting themselves in the foot.
I can understand not being a free upgrade for the reasons stated, but not offering a discounted route for those with the originals seems like a misstep
So other devs can stump up these new features in free updates just like with some ps4 games getting free ps5 versions with new features, yet these guys are just being greedy asking for that amount.
I'm so glad I held off on buying Moss 2. Sorry to the 14 people who bought that game at launch.
It's probably because they gave away too many free copies of Moss during COVID that they figured they won't have many actual sales anymore.
@thefourfoldroot1 Agree. After the hype, it really disapointed me and i couldnt wait to finish it.
Id be willing to give the sequel a go in VR 2 though when i eventually pick one up - assuming they made improvements over the first game
@UltimateOtaku91 I'm pretty sure Moss 2 was a commercial flop, even by niche VR game standards. I wouldn't be surprised if this company is massively in debt and close to bankrupt.
However you are free to label them as "greedy" if you wish since you go out and do your job every day for free.
Incoming $70 Astro Bot Rescue Mission Director’s Cut on psvr2.
Frustrating but not surprising. I will wait a year or two to see if the psvr2 library justifies the price tag.
I got moss when it was free with days of play lol
Kind of a bummer but the games are so freaking good I don't really care. I'm more than happy to pay the $35 for both of them.
I got Moss for free and still haven't played it. So I don't mind this. I'll wait for the PSVR 2 version.
It's the reason they lock out BC in the 1st place, the tax adds up 😤😤
@Rob_230
Well not played it myself so can't comment but Moss 2 did just pick up game of the year at the VR Awards, so I'm going to give it a go on PSVR2
SteamVR
Moss 1: $19
Moss: 2 $30
Bundle: $42
SteamVR and PSVR2 will compete... What hardware gives me the best price and version Wins my cash. Not paying $550 to play as-is 900p/1080p PS4 VR games on BC. For that I buy them on my PC.
Same way PC vs PS5 and SteamDeck vs Switch compete for my cash
Looks like PSVR2 is winning with Moss.
I get it when a small studio asks for an upgrade fee, but not to buy the same game again at full price.
How dare they not give me a free upgrade for a game they gave me free last year. This is an outrage. I will burn all my PlayStation paraphernalia right now and I'll put in a good word for Microsoft so they can stop COD on PlayStation.
Just for clarification, this is my terrible attempt at sarcasm although I do hold a lot of sway to help nudge the Microsoft/Activision Blizzard deal over the line if I so choose.
(Note that I hold little sway about what I do on a daily basis, never mind what large corporations can do.)
Enjoyed the first one, it's no Astrobot, but still had it's charms.
I've been holding off buying book II as I was hoping it would be ported, it's cheaper than the PSVR 1 version as well. So I'll probably buy it, £19 on preorder isn't too outrageous really.
I thought it was fun, but I never finished it. It was hard to get the controller to track when having to reach for things on the floor. I do expect it was a lot of work to port it over. Especially for a small studio. Sad that everyone wants everything for free and think developers don't deserve to get paid for their work. Not really my style of game, so not sure if I'll rebuy, depends on if the kid wants it. At least the controls should be less frustrating this go round.
@huyi They didn't lock out BC, they just didn't do the impossible task of creating full BC. It's a complete switch in tracking AND controls. Each game needs individual tweaks and adjustments and play testing to get it right. It's not like Sony can just go into all these games and fix them, even if they had all the source code, which I doubt they do. Have you ever tried to work on other people's code?
Holding out on VR2. I had my invite to purchase but declined. I will wait until there are some true games. I learned this lesson with VR1.
I do use a quest 2 via a powerful PC and half-life Alyx is incredible. VR for me though is something i play from time to time, not often.
Asgard's Wrath. Another stunning PC based quest 2 title... Until is start seeing Astro Bot or a London Studio new IP...I will wait a few months to see how VR2 pans out .. especially things like motion sickness and design.
Support the devs
All this means is I won't be getting the games until they're dirt cheap now, oh well.
I'm not paying full price for this again, I could accept a paid upgrade but no way I'm buying the game outright for a second time just to effectively use a different peripheral.
It's a nich market & I kinda knew they would re-release a lot of those first generation games . Only a few, maybe, give a free updated version of the first one, and sell the sequel? (if the last one is a new title). Sony seems to believe in it so they most think more people are up for it? Big gamble! Half-Life: Alyx can make or brake this thing imo!
£10 upgrade? Sure, count me in, thanks for giving something back to the people that supported you first time round.
Full price and buy again? Get stuffed polyarc you greedy gits. I'll spend my cash elsewhere then, your loss.
Honestly the short sighted attitude by polyarc deserves them to massively fail on their sales targets.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...