Developer: Polyarc
Publisher: Polyarc
ReleaseDate: 31st March 2022
Platforms: PlayStation VR
Reviewed on: PlayStation 4
* Code provided by the publisher *
NOTE: Polyarc has now confirmed that Moss Book II will also launch on Meta Quest 2 this summer. A specific date is not yet known.
In the early days of PSVR, it was Moss that proved to me third-person action games could not only work in VR but be some of the best experiences on the headset. I remember being blown away by each new environment that I encountered. The detail was incredible. As was the animation is the main protagonist Quill. It really did feel like you could just reach out and pick her up. Since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating the follow-up. Can developer Polyarc strike gold twice? The answer is yes.
Moss Book II picks up immediately following the events of the first game. Quill and her allies are now tasked with gathering the five pieces of glass before her enemies, whose aim is to wreak havoc on the world of Moss. While the first game may have been light on story twists, Book II manages to craft some genuinely moving moments that left me hoping we see a third entry in the future. The narrative is once again driven by the narrator, who reads from the book in front of you. It would be easy for story beats to miss in this format, but it is so unique, quirky and well done that I really enjoyed it again. We also start with a neat recap of the previous adventure, which was welcome given the amount of time between releases.
I spoke about the excellent visuals and animation in the first title, but this has been improved upon in Book II. Environments are more elaborate and detailed, almost tricking your brain into thinking that you are looking at a diorama in front of you. We start in smaller set pieces, much like we saw in the first outing, but as you progress further into the game these areas become more vast and sprawling. Quill herself remains unchanged, but even four years on from the original game I was still amazed at even her most minor animations.
Gameplay has also evolved. Quill will now gain access to two additional weapons as you progress on your journey and each one is both useful in its own way and fun to use. The highlight for me was the large hammer, but I often found myself reverting back to the trusty sword. All three weapons also possess valuable skills in puzzle solving. The sword allows you to perform a dash attack which can double as a way to reach certain areas. chakrams can hit items from range and the hammer can smash metal surfaces.
While combat is more frequent in Book II, there are still plenty of puzzles to solve. You reprise your role as the Reader, who is able to manipulate items in the world to help Quill on her journey. I often suck at puzzle games and this can be extra frustrating in VR if you are having to remove the headset every five minutes to consult a guide. However, Polyarc has done a superb job of even making the likes of me feel smart and like I have accomplished something.
Another upgrade for the sequel is the length of the experience. The original game could be completed in around three hours, with some replay value in hunting down collectables and completing the game without dying if you wanted the platinum trophy. Moss Book II is longer, clocking in around 5-6 hours and then also retains the same replay value in terms of collectables while thankfully ditching the gold trophy requirement for no deaths.
It could be argued that £32.99 is a pretty steep asking price, especially given the original game is £24.99 but as stated above this is a longer experience with bigger environments, more weapons and more intricate puzzles. It’s a sequel to one of the very best games on PSVR and definitely worth the price of admission.
PSVR has seen some excellent titles over the years. Blood & Truth, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Superhot, Walking Dead Saints & Sinners and the first Moss title are just some of the games that spring to mind when discussing the best experiences on Sony’s headset and Moss Book II is another one to add to that conversation. A fitting swansong for PlayStation’s debut headset.
-James 👾
