Moss: The Forgotten Relic Review - A Charming, Puzzle-Rich Adventure on Consoles

Moss: The Forgotten Relic, developed by Polyarc, marks the non-VR debut of the critically acclaimed Moss series, now accessible on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X as of July 16. For gamers like myself, who've been sidelined by VR's accessibility barriers, this release is a welcome opportunity to experience what we've missed. The question on everyone's mind is: does this transition hold up, and is it worth the wait for console and PC players?

The answer is a resounding yes, with minor exceptions. As "The Reader," you guide Quill, a courageous and endearing mouse protagonist, through a beautifully crafted world of platforming challenges, environmental puzzles, and combat, all set within the pages of a mystical storybook. The core gameplay translates remarkably well, with the assistive gameplay mechanics (originally designed for VR interaction) feeling surprisingly intuitive with a controller.

Moss Fails Its Jump Physics Test

The game shines brightest in its environmental puzzles, which require thoughtful trial and error. As the series progresses, Quill and the Reader acquire new tools, leading to satisfyingly complex puzzle solutions by the end of Moss: Book 2. Combat, while the weakest link, improves with the introduction of new weapons in the second half, adding much-needed variety to what initially feels like a patience test.

But the fixed camera angles, a necessity of the VR-to-flat-screen transition, occasionally hinder platforming. Judging distances for precise jumps can be tricky, leading to frustration in certain sections, reminiscent of the camera woes found in some FromSoftware titles. Yet, for those accustomed to such challenges, it's a manageable flaw.

The Mouse That Stole Show business

Quill's personality is the game's standout feature. Her animations, from scrambling up ledges to celebrating with high fives (which become increasingly playful as the game progresses), forge a deep bond between the player and character. A brief interlude playing as Sahima, a gruff but lovable mouse, highlights Quill's charm by contrast, making her eventual return all the more welcome.

The narrative, while simple at its core, explores themes of bravery, empathy, and the consequences of one's actions, culminating in a heartfelt finale. Quill's growth from a timid mouse to a heroic figure is genuinely inspiring, making the game's approximately 10-hour journey feel both fleeting and fulfilling.

Moss Still Shines After PSVR Exile

Moss: The Forgotten Relic is a great adventure marred only by occasional camera-induced platforming frustrations. Its strengths in puzzle design, character development, and the innovative Reader-assist gameplay mechanic make it a must-play for fans of platformers and adventure games. The inclusion of both Moss and Moss: Book 2 in one package is the icing on the cake, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience from start to finish.

Moss: The Forgotten Relic was reviewed on PS5 with a prerelease download code provided by Polyarc. The game releases on July 16 across multiple platforms.