During the Electronics and Entertainment Expo, I was lucky enough to get an appointment with Polyarc games and their Virtual Reality adventure, Moss. I didn’t know what to expect going into the meeting room other than minor word of mouth from a few people posted online but I knew I wanted to check out this game. I walked into the meeting room and I knew it would be my type of game the minute I saw the Quill figure on the table. Quill is the main heroine of the game who is a mouse adventurer. She has a sword and a knack for adventure, how cool is that!
You start out by putting the VR headset on, just like any other virtual reality game but that’s where it all changes. The screen flashes and all you see is a book that says “Moss” on it and you see a blue orb. That blue orb is your controller and you will use your hands/controller in the game to move things for Quill.
This is an interesting mechanic in that it allows for all kinds of co-op mode gameplay without having two people playing. In the demo for instance you have to solve a puzzle by hitting two switches by pulling an insect through an opening, onto one switch and move Quill onto the other before she can advance in the level. This was where the game had its only hiccup where the controls weren’t sharp on grabbing the insect but development said it would be resolved.
Moss has the Legend of Zelda vibe all over it and as such I was trying to cut the grass with my sword the minute the demo started as well as trying to put barrels on switches. I was told that there would be secrets to locate in the final version of the game so be on the look out for that!
You’re helping Quill tell her story in this world. As you proceed in the world, you can hear the pages in the book turn and that in theory is the two of you writing your story! You will need to work together to cross every path and discover your destiny. Puzzle solving in Moss felt like some of the Shrine Quests in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with the motion control to move things.
The game is simplistic and at the same time it could become very challenging, you just need to know how to look at a certain situation. Quill can only use her sword and jump and will rely on you for everything else so you will either be her hero or her downfall; it’s up to you!
Polyarc has done everything right with Moss and even gave out an “actual size” Quill figure. This is one of the neatest things I’ve gotten at E3 this year and Moss is one of my Games of the Show! Pat yourselves on the back, Polyarc, you have a real winner!