Returning with mouse companion Quill to Polyarc’s lovely fantasy world is a delight. Moss is a game we were quite fond of back when it launched in 2018, and it’s only gotten better here. Though the sequel, Book II, remains the superior title, Moss’ Redwall-esque world and environments are as lovely as ever with PSVR2.
One of our gripes with the original was its short runtime and unfulfilling conclusion, and while that remains true here, the inclusion of the 'Twilight Garden' expansion helps to alleviate some of those woes. Gameplay remains fun and interesting, with its unique combination of traditional combat and platforming with Quill, paired with you, as 'the Reader', actively exerting influence over the world.
While both are strong in their own right, the gameplay really shines when utilising them together. So, it’s good that your influence on the world is where the upgrade takes the biggest strides. Using the DualShock 4 to control Quill felt excellent, but it made interacting with the environment using motion controls a pain, especially when you needed to remain in range of the PS Camera. The PSVR2 Sense Controllers easily remedy this problem, offering massively improved tracking, as well as the ability to exert influence over multiple things in the environment at once.
The art direction was another strong aspect at launch, and here in the upgraded version, things feel even more alive, with lighting especially offering greater nuance. The draw distance looks noticeably better as well, with environments feeling more believable and elaborate as you peek around corners and look for secrets in the game’s unique diorama approach to level design.
Rather than rotating the camera, you're presented with static areas to navigate both Quill and yourself through. Much like with the controls, removing the shackles of the PS Camera allows exploration to be both more satisfying and easier: you no longer have to worry about moving your head too far only to cause the image to start freaking out. As such, the experience is a much more stable one.
Throwing in the heart-melting cuteness of ASL fluent Quill, a career-best soundtrack from Jason Graves, and an emotionally resonant story, Polyarc’s upgrade exists to remind you why Moss was one of PSVR’s must plays.
Comments 34
Didn't really find the original much of a challenge and this mini review says Relatively short so I'll leave it.
This may be interesting for some, prescription lenses for PSVR2
https://mixed-news.com/en/prescription-lenses-available-for-playstation-vr2/?amp=1
After some how never getting around to this last gen, this looks the perfect time to see what the fuss is all about
@Mikey856 You're in for an amazing time!
Absolutely loved this. It can be finished (including the Garden) in 3-4 hours but it's a delight all the way through.
An excellent game, well worth playing!
On another note, @get2sammyb are we finished with reviews yet? Keep thinking I have all the games I want and then another review comes in! The old wallet is on fire!
Finished it last night. My first experience in VR and is now one of my favourite game experiences. Really hope to see more similar games to Moss.
I like that “book 2 is a better game” is a con for an 8/10 game lol.
Probably a joke as joke “joys” and “cons” aren’t uncommon here but like, it’s good to see both are worth it.
@YETi
Thanks for the link. Do you know if any import duties would be applicable for U.K. deliver?
Regarding Moss, I’d want to get it so I don’t have to just jump into 2 without the backstory.
Plus, it’s only £11.59 when bought with the sequel, and it’d be unfair to say it wasn’t worth that price.
It’s only the story that takes 4-5 hours, the trophy campaign the developers set will mean it’s longer and more challenging (requires a no death run I believe).
I really want a PSVR2 for Gran Turismo 7, RE Village, Tetris Effect and Rez Infinite, but Moss and Moss: Book II are two games I’ve always wanted to play.
If PlayStation do the right thing and add an Astro game (either a new one or a remaster of Rescue Mission) and work out a deal with Valve for Half-Life Alyx, this peripheral will quickly become impossible for me to ignore.
@The_Pixel_King
I think an Astro is a certainty. HLA is OK for those invested in Half Life. Otherwise it plays second tier to Village for me.
@thefourfoldroot1 I'm sorry I have no idea. I just wanted to post in case someone out there might find it useful.
This was good news as well
https://uploadvr.com/protubevr-confirms-its-developing-a-psvr-2-gun-stock/
@YETi
Well, I’ve just ordered some so will see. Couldn’t tell if they are magnetic or how they’re connected but I am terrified of scratching the lenses like I did the PSVR. I think I might have scuffed it already, but it’s imperceptible thankfully.
@thefourfoldroot1 I'll be interested to see what you think of these, I'm going to get some too in the near future but probably magnetic ones as the headset is used by 4 people. I'm a bit concerned the push-fit type might eventually come loose with constant attachment and removal.
@SJBUK
That’s fair. I’m the only one likely to use mine 95% of the time. I’d prefer magnetic too, wasn’t aware these weren’t, but I guess it will mean they are less likely to move potentially. Only £78 so worth a punt. I’ll let you know what they are like, but I anticipate it’ll be 1-2 months before they arrive.
@thefourfoldroot1 Cheers. In the meantime I'm going to print out the lens protectors from Thingiverse, should hopefully do for now.
“Book II is the better game”.
Please tell me thats a joke 😂
‘GTA V has better graphics’ - on a GTA III review.
@darkswabber problems with Moss are hard to come by! Hahaha
@Dobbos I recommend also playing the second one!!
@EnragedGibbon not even close! 😉
@Mikey856 it's such a lovely game! They both are!
@Jacko11 yes haha, Moss doesn't.t really have many problems, but gotta put SOMETHING!
@The_Pixel_King the moss titles are worth additions to that list! I so so badly want to play HL:A as well!
@gbanas92 I know mate! 😂
Switchback and Walking dead 2 soon...defo getting Creed as loved the PSVR1 version...on the fence about Townsmen and Cities at the moment so another good review from here and I'll bite! Liking the look of the Air Guitar one as well!!
@YETi I want to say thank you for this. I just bought some for myself. I’m beyond excited. You did at least one good deed today 😉😉 Appreciate it!
@Dobbos
Just wait until you play Astro Bot Rescue Mission! Transcendent.
@thefourfoldroot1 let's hope it happens. You think it's even better than Moss ?
@Dobbos
Lol, infinitely better. Not even a question. Although Moss is still very good, Astro Bot is the greatest platformer ever made.
Moss is slightly different in that it’s more of a puzzle focused game. But, yes, if you only ever played one VR game in your life, screw Alyx, Astro Bot Rescue Mission all the way.
@EnragedGibbon that air guitar game I'm also reviewing, so I can let you know!
@gbanas92 Looking forward to reading what you think about it then! I'll get the wallet fired up just in case....😅
@thefourfoldroot1 High praise indeed. Sure hope it comes to PSVR2.
@get2sammyb I look forward to it once I can stop doing GT7 VR
@thefourfoldroot1 Astro Bot Rescue or Playroom VR? PVR is also exceptional
@Mikey856
Rescue Mission. Simply joyous.
@thefourfoldroot1 it is amazing yeah. Mind blowing tbh. Are you looking forward to the new Firewall?
@Mikey856
Firewall? No. I’m not into online multiplayer. Especially not if it’s in anyway co-op. Really looking forward to switchback and S&S 2
Amazing games, playing Moss 2 on my PSVR 2 absolutely stunning. We really need more games like this is in VR not just fps games. Would love to see Star child brought back to life. Could do some amazing things with shmups as well. VR Axelay the sense of scale would be incredible.
Reads like a 9/10. I think docking it for Moss 2 being better is unwarranted.
@YETi
@SJBUK
Just got the lenses you linked to today. So good to not have to wear glasses. Delivery was easy, lenses arrived with no blemish. It is a clip on rather than magnetic. Tested the eye tracking and it still works well. The only thing I would criticise is that there is an indent to, I presume, give extra room for the nose. This is fine, but there is unfortunately a large whole where I envision dirt and dust getting under and to the lenses. As such, I see I’ll have to remove them frequently to clean underneath, which will be a real pain. Maybe it has to be there to prevent steam or condensation or something because they aren’t watertight, but still…
Overall though, definitely happy with them.
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