Moss: Book 2 delivers storybook enchantment in vivid, stage-like VR — Review

There’s a new world of books, games and interactive stories that is designed to look like it was written for the theater. Moss: Book 2 not only lets you watch an animated story unfold before your eyes but also features live actors playing out scenes in front of a real audience who are too absorbed by their own performance to pay attention. The experience doesn’t get any more immersive than this!

Moss: Book 2 delivers storybook enchantment in vivid, stage-like VR — Review. In Moss: Book 2, the player takes on the role of a young girl who finds herself magically transported to a magical world and is tasked with saving it from an evil witch. Read more in detail here: moss vr.

The adventures of an adventurous mouse called Quill, who aspires to liberate her magical world from the wicked Arcane once and for all, continue in Moss: Book 2. I was unable to play Moss before to the release of the sequel, but even as a beginner to the series, the game succeeds. Despite the game’s lackluster and repetitive fighting, it compensates with waves of enthralling narration, brilliant puzzles, and stunning landscapes. 

A gripping story

The narrative synopsis for the first game in Moss: Book 2 does its best to keep you up to date, but without the emotional impact of the previous game, the sequel’s plotline has a little muted effect on you. I strongly advise you to play the first game before moving on to Moss: Book 2. According to what I’ve seen, the sequel packs an emotional impact as Quill encounters triumphs and defeats during her journey. 

Polyarc provided this image.

Nonetheless, what’s on offer is an endearing but moving story. At one point, a character is overcome with despair to the point of falling to the ground. The visuals and motion of each actor pull you in as you go closer to the action in VR in sequences like these. When they glance up at you, you quickly notice something that few other games do. Characters may beg for a high five or just ignore you as they facepalm after each death. As the characters respond to your actions, it adds a lot of whimsy and magic to the experience. 

The narrator does a terrific job as well. Morla Gorrondona creates voices and tones that are a perfect complement for the characters in Moss: Book 2. It’s like listening to a high-quality audiobook on Scribd or Audible, where the voice actor must immerse themselves in each and every character. She’s a one-woman band that receives high praise for her contributions to the game. 

Jason Graves’ evocative music is likewise worthy of appreciation. Each world’s and character’s themes all have a magical quality to them. The usage of woodwind and string instruments gives each narrative event, conflict, and area a perplexing mood that adds to the overall impact. 

The puzzles are the highlight of the game.

Polyarc should also get high ratings for its level design. Quill can utilize each weapon he gathers in both combat and puzzle scenarios. When investigating a level, you may use your sword’s alternative ability to go from place to place or hurl a boomerang to activate a perplexingly placed switch. The puzzles aren’t very difficult, but each one will provide you with a rewarding a-ha moment. Moss: Book 2’s puzzle ideas nearly always amaze, and you’ll enjoy playing the game only for that reason.  

Polyarc provided this image.

Polyarc’s use of virtual reality technology to have you engage with the environment is equally impressive. To help Quill on her trip, you’ll need to collect stuff across the planet. Pushing one pipe, for example, causes another to pull out, enabling the mouse to platform her way to a higher level. It responds to your input and fully immerses you in the experience. The exchanges between you and Quill form a bond that becomes stronger as your journey progresses.

Unfortunately, the fighting seems pasted on and too basic to be enjoyable. The same insect foes keep appearing. There isn’t enough diversity to keep you intrigued in fight since you just have a basic combination and a dodge. It seems to be a chore. Each weapon has some unique properties, such as the sword’s warp, but they’re not really fun to use. Most of the time, fighting will seem like a chore; the puzzles are the major interest here. At times, the fighting detracts from the puzzles since it’s tough to concentrate on two areas of the game at the same time, particularly in VR. I wasn’t expecting something as detailed as the Devil May Cry or Kingdom Hearts series, but I was hoping for a bit more complexity in the action. 

Moss: Book 2’s bosses, on the other hand, were a standout feature of the game. I don’t want to give too much away, but they brilliantly integrate the puzzle and combat elements. To succeed, you must consider their patterns and use what you’ve learnt during each stage. They’re uncommon, but while you’re fighting for your life, Polyarc manages to make them amusing. 

A beautiful dream world

During my playing of Moss: Book 2, I was also struck by how gorgeous and intricate the game is. The scenery is really stunning, particularly when a castle or other huge structure towers above Quill. When you play the game with a little mouse, the feeling of size is tremendous, and it works particularly well with massive monsters that have a commanding presence. With a fantastic feeling of pitiful fallacy, the intricate landscapes assist portray the atmosphere the tale demands for. 

Polyarc provided this image.

Using PlayStation VR to play Moss: Book 2 is like peeking inside a theater. You’ve got the set, the actors, and a stunning background. As you strive to uncover each collectable scroll concealed around the corner, it’s natural to look left to right. Being so near to the game’s landscapes and characters is really engrossing, making it a must-have for any VR fan. 

If you haven’t experienced virtual reality before, the Moss series of games is an excellent introduction to the rapidly changing technology. If you’re already a VR fan, you’ll enjoy it even more. Moss: Book 2 pushes the game concept even farther, with outstanding puzzles, a fantastic fantasy-themed universe, and emotive narrative via the text and animations. If you have a PlayStation VR headset and haven’t tried these games yet, you should do so immediately.

I was given a game code in exchange for an honest review.