Moss: Book 2 - What We Know So Far
Virtual reality adventure game "Moss" introduced gamers to Quill, an ambitious young mouse intent on rescuing her uncle and saving her kingdom from the fire-breathing Sarffog. Through a combination of first- and third-person perspectives, the player interacts with the world and its protagonist, forging a unique bond with Quill. The mouse even communicates with the player via American Sign Language, conveying "puzzle hints, reactions and emotional responses" (via Twitter) that further strengthen this relationship.
"Moss" scored high marks at launch, earning an 85 on Metacritic. Reviewers praised everything from its atmosphere and gameplay to its writing, naming it the PlayStation VR's "first must-have release." The title's main drawback proved to be its short runtime, as the brief jaunt through Quill's reality left players grasping for more. While it offers some replay value through secrets, shifting perspectives, and collectibles, the general consensus was that there simply wasn't enough "Moss" to go around. Thankfully, the studio behind the game heard the industry's cries for additional content and announced the sequel just over three years after its initial release. Here's what we've uncovered about "Moss: Book 2" so far.
What is the Moss: Book 2 release date?
Developer Polyarc revealed "Moss: Book 2" in July 2021, though it declined to provide a launch date or window for the title. Like its predecessor, "Book 2" will release for PSVR. Though the studio has yet to mention other platforms, design director Josh Stiksma told Road to VR that ports played a crucial role in helping the first game reach key sales milestones. Based on this, Moss's followup journey will likely make the leap to PC-based headsets at a later time.
According to Stiksma, "Book 2" has already spent over two years in development and continues to benefit from a much larger team of dedicated staff than the original. While the sequel is larger in scope, the process this time around is much more streamlined, as the developers have already "figured out" aspects like art direction and level design. Thanks to this more efficient system, players may get to return to Moss's world sooner rather than later — or at least within the next 1-2 years. The adventure could even take advantage of new PSVR 2 features and help usher in Sony's more immersive virtual reality experience.
Is there a trailer for Moss: Book 2?
Polyarc shared the first and only trailer for "Moss: Book 2" during the July 2021 Sony State of Play as part of the title's surprise reveal. At just under two minutes, the Announce Trailer uses a mix of cinematics and gameplay to establish the new narrative, which picks up directly after the events of the first game.
After rescuing her uncle, Moss finds herself in the crosshairs of the "winged tyrant" at the head of the Arcane forces. "There are those who look into the eyes of another and see opportunity. A soul to corrupt and twist," warns the opening voiceover. "And there are those who see potential ... A chance to lift someone up to achieve the impossible." The script then implies that Moss's own story can culminate in triumph or tragedy — an outcome at the mercy of player choice.
Through a quick succession of shots, the trailer establishes the types of environments and enemies Moss will face as she traverses the hexed castle that once served as her uncle's prison. From snowy ravines to crumbling ruins, you'll have plenty of puzzles to solve and baddies to take down, culminating in a showdown with the yet to be revealed antagonist.
What is the gameplay like in Moss: Book 2?
As Stiksma divulged to Road to VR, "Moss: Book 2" will maintain the core gameplay loop of the foundational title, bolstered by new interactions with the environment and a weapon-based progression system. You can see Moss wielding both a hammer and a sword in the Announce Trailer, though it's not clear if the player will have free reign over the arsenal or if they are tied to traversing specific areas within the game.
"Along with new weapons like the hammer and nature attunement ability for creating new pathways for exploration, we were excited to build upon the player's ability to charge Quill's weapons," Stiksma explained on the PlayStation blog. "This not only provides Quill unique ways to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and defeat enemies, but it feels really good to be able to reach out and connect with her through that kind of teamwork."
Based on a Gamereactor interview with environmental artist Coolie Calihan, "Moss: Book 2" will be "between 1.5 and 2 times longer" than its predecessor. "The longer the game is, the deeper the bond with Quill, and that's what the game is all about," explained Calihan. "We want to make you feel like you're really there with Quill and building this bond." Players can also expect higher stakes, a greater sense of tension, and moments that will challenge how they feel about the protagonist.