Good things come to those who wait, as evidenced in this smash hit of a sequel to Moss: Book II.
The nature of the sequel is important in the media landscape. Plot pacing can be tackled, reworked, and presented in a stronger way to appeal to the audience in a more direct way. It can fix fundamental shortcomings of the first entry that might have been overlooked and deliver an overall better work if all of these issues are addressed. In this regard, Moss: Book II succeeds in every way.
In video games especially, ambitions left on the drawing board due to deadline limitations can finally come to fruition. Knowing the first game and seeing in action what works and doesn’t can also act in its favor toward releasing a sophomore adventure of higher quality. A second entry four years in the making, Moss: Book II picks up right where the first game left off.
After a climactic boss fight in the castle to rescue her uncle, who was sequestered in the throne room, Quill, the plucky protagonist, continues to face the tyranny of Tylan the Owl as he continues to threaten the existence of the land. She must obtain some all-powerful crystals before her enemy does by traveling to new and exciting lands previously unseen.
Aided once again by the enigmatic Reader, the player takes the omnipresent shape of a blue faceless mask, and the new areas go much farther, literally. The depth perception in Moss: Book II makes everything look pristine. More sprawling scenery entices looking around you as often as possible. From the castle’s intricate carvings to the forest’s meticulous natural designs flowering about, it all is as awe-inspiring as can be.
One of the biggest compliments I can give the Moss series is the characterization of Quill, its intrepid mouse protagonist, which, in such a short time, anybody can grow fond of. Her animations, much of which have been revamped and improved, have so much personality that it is impossible not to feel endeared to her.
When she’s frightened, when she’s excited to solve a puzzle with the Reader, and when she has to steel her resolve and fight against a mighty foe, you can see it all in her lively movements. This brave knight is one of a kind in her world and the gaming landscape as a whole.
Now regarded as the champion, her quest takes her on age-old leaders of different realms, some of whom will not agree to lend their hand to gather all the fragments needed to save the kingdom. Introducing new lore to Mos’s universe makes it a more three-dimensional endeavor that goes beyond the usual fairytale affair, making these games more well-rounded and intriguing in the long run.
As the story unfolds, Quill and the Reader’s arc in the fantasy land develops. The repercussions that can occur in Moss’s world feel more impactful this time around. The smart use of different perspectives and the introduction of new characters enrich the overarching structure, opening the door for alternative storylines.
The interactions with the environment and the characters are even more dynamic now. The big toad that adamantly guides Quill from the first game can be touched upon by the Reader, making her close her eyes when doing so. An ingenious way that the use of virtual reality is better implemented is by sometimes getting things closer to the face, such as bugs that can startle the unassuming player.
Just as the first time around, manually moving your head about the level to have a clearer view of Quill’s surroundings never gets old. While not a complete overhaul, the graphics look cleaner in this sequel. Add to that the wondrous vistas, like a huge greenhouse that can be gazed at from far away and eventually explored up close, and it is hard not to walk away impressed.
New powers such as the Reader having the ability to give life back from previously dried-out stems to climb up paths for Quill to access different areas give an even greater sense of interactivity. Connecting roots to and from one platform to another is also an interesting new way for you to play with the environment. This also opens up clever trials to try to collect the optional scrolls that are hiding on every level. The ingenuity on display is ever-present.
A notable detail is that when you went back to the cathedral as the Reader of the book of Moss for the narration of the tale, it all would look the same each time. This time around, there are certain changes depending on where you are, adding a sense of association depending on where you are in the plot.
The music is an element that, although it does not break new ground, fits perfectly at every moment. Long explored in movies based on The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, a great fantasy medieval soundtrack needs to strike a certain tone that Moss: Book II effortlessly arrives at. Its subtle harmonies as you explore the topography of Quill’s terrain to solve a puzzle or the pumping cello & guitars as you enter combat will never let you down.
Speaking of combat, it feels decidedly more intense this time around. Enemy designs are slightly revamped, though their moveset still feels largely the same. But it feels like they throw more of them at you and urge Quill to use her newfound powers as well. Challenging boss fights round out the lineup of encounters that you will have to face. Of course, with the latest Quest 3 Graphics Update, these can be skipped if you feel like you only want to focus on the exploration and narrative aspects of Moss: Book II.
It’s not that the first game didn’t do everything right. It is still to this day one of the best VR games and a wonderful gateway game into the medium. But it’s just that developer Polyarc Games knew they had gold and implemented all the changes that could be improved. From engaging mechanics to keep the player more active to puzzles that will require the utmost cooperation between the Reader and Quill, Moss: Book II makes for a solid case of a sequel that learned from its past to pave the way for a better future.
With the stakes higher than ever, Moss: Book II reveals a series of earth-shattering revelations in its seemingly small-scale tale. Quill is challenged more than ever to the point against a slew of tougher-than-ever enemies. Containing heightened narrative beats that will pull at your heartstrings, this sequel is not pulling any punches. To forge an unbreakable bond with a most valiant rodent is Moss’ ultimate goal, and it achieves that goal decisively.
For the fans who anxiously waited four years for the conclusion to this story, it is clear it was worth the wait. For the rest of us who can now enjoy both of those games back-to-back and experience one of the greatest interactive fantasy VR games, I ask, what are you waiting for?
