82
MONSTER
In Moss, players can reach out, touch, and interact with the environment while guiding Quill through her journey. As a character within the world, players will work together with Quill to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and conquer any danger that comes their way,” said Danny Bulla, co-founder and design director of Polyarc. “As gamers, we’ve been conditioned for years to hold a gamepad in our laps when playing games, letting our thumbs and fingers do the controlling. It has been a great experience to create an immersive game that encourages players to reach into and interact with a tactile world.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
84
Critics love the immersive and enchanting story of Moss, praising its emotional depth and whimsical charm. While some critics find the story lacking in character growth and world-building, overall, the consensus is that Moss offers a captivating and magical narrative that builds a strong connection between players and the protagonist, Quill.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
84
Positive (80-100)
87%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics love the immersive and enchanting story of Moss, praising its emotional depth and whimsical charm. While some critics find the story lacking in character growth and world-building, overall, the consensus is that Moss offers a captivating and magical narrative that builds a strong connection between players and the protagonist, Quill.
Gameplay Mechanics
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86
Critics praise Moss for its engaging platforming and puzzle gameplay, with active VR interactions. While some criticize the lack of combat depth and controller tracking issues, the overall consensus is positive. Moss offers a superb gameplay experience, with tight controls and clever puzzles, making it a standout feature of the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
86
Positive (80-100)
67%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise Moss for its engaging platforming and puzzle gameplay, with active VR interactions. While some criticize the lack of combat depth and controller tracking issues, the overall consensus is positive. Moss offers a superb gameplay experience, with tight controls and clever puzzles, making it a standout feature of the game.
Graphics and Visual Design
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95
Critics overwhelmingly praise Moss for its masterpiece graphics, reminiscent of Team Ico's work and The Secret of Nimh, creating charming diorama-style environments that are vivid, immersive, and full of history and menace. Despite minor critiques about photorealism, the game's stunning visuals deliver an enchanting and immersive experience that captivates players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
95
Positive (80-100)
97%
Mixed (50-79)
3%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics overwhelmingly praise Moss for its masterpiece graphics, reminiscent of Team Ico's work and The Secret of Nimh, creating charming diorama-style environments that are vivid, immersive, and full of history and menace. Despite minor critiques about photorealism, the game's stunning visuals deliver an enchanting and immersive experience that captivates players.
Music and Sound Design
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86
Critics widely praised Moss for its enchanting sound design and music, with many calling it a standout feature. Positive feedback highlighted the captivating score, voice work, and immersive atmosphere, while a few critics lacked specific details, suggesting a lack of memorability for them. Overall, the majority agreed that the sound design and music were exceptional, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience and overall immersion.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
86
Positive (80-100)
75%
Mixed (50-79)
25%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics widely praised Moss for its enchanting sound design and music, with many calling it a standout feature. Positive feedback highlighted the captivating score, voice work, and immersive atmosphere, while a few critics lacked specific details, suggesting a lack of memorability for them. Overall, the majority agreed that the sound design and music were exceptional, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience and overall immersion.
Voice Acting
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76
Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Moss, highlighting the narrator's performance and character voices for enhancing the game's atmosphere. Positive reviews from various sources commend the narrator's diverse character voices, immersive experience, and fairytale-like atmosphere. However, some critics find the American narrator grating, and others lack specifics in their critiques. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a strong aspect of the game, with minor criticisms not overshadowing its positive reception.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
76
Positive (80-100)
31%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Moss, highlighting the narrator's performance and character voices for enhancing the game's atmosphere. Positive reviews from various sources commend the narrator's diverse character voices, immersive experience, and fairytale-like atmosphere. However, some critics find the American narrator grating, and others lack specifics in their critiques. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a strong aspect of the game, with minor criticisms not overshadowing its positive reception.
Technical Performance
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74
Moss shines on the PS5 with enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and improved stability, but the PS4 version faces issues with VR implementation, motion controls, and tracking, affecting overall performance. Choose wisely based on platform for the best gaming experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
74
Positive (80-100)
29%
Mixed (50-79)
71%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Moss shines on the PS5 with enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and improved stability, but the PS4 version faces issues with VR implementation, motion controls, and tracking, affecting overall performance. Choose wisely based on platform for the best gaming experience.
Replay Value
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68
Critics are divided on Moss's replay value. Some praise its collectibles and secrets for added replayability, while others criticize its short length and lack of challenge and character progression. Despite mixed reviews, Moss is still recommended as a must-play VR experience for its magic, charm, story, and gameplay.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
68
Positive (80-100)
6%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on Moss's replay value. Some praise its collectibles and secrets for added replayability, while others criticize its short length and lack of challenge and character progression. Despite mixed reviews, Moss is still recommended as a must-play VR experience for its magic, charm, story, and gameplay.
Overall Verdict
82
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
82
Positive (80-100)
91%
Mixed (50-79)
9%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Moss VR game wows critics with innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and lovable heroine. Despite minor flaws, it's hailed as a must-play for PSVR owners, offering a magical and immersive experience. Critics praise its fresh gameplay elements, balanced mechanics, and creative puzzles, making it a standout title in the VR genre.
82
MONSTER
Reviews
113 reviews found100
GameSpew
Mar 1, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer highly recommends Moss, calling it the pinnacle of PSVR and a crowning achievement across VR as a whole. They describe it as a no-brainer for owners of PSVR and a game that is golden in the purest and simplest way.
100
GMW3
Feb 27, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is flawlessly crafted and the protagonist deserves to be the face of modern VR. The only disappointment is the short length.
100
GameGrin
Mar 26, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is an outstanding game that is a must-have for PlayStation VR owners. Despite its short length, it offers an awe-inspiring adventure with superb storytelling and enjoyable gameplay.
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95
GameCritics
Apr 10, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is a truly special VR experience that excels in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound design. The relationship built with the main character and the world is memorable and the game offers a satisfying climactic end. It is the best VR experience the reviewer has had to date.
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90
GamesBeat
Feb 26, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is my favorite VR experience so far. This is partly due to the fact that it's extremely gentle. Because it doesn't task you with moving through the environment, it's an accessible VR game for people who are prone to getting motion sick. The world's beauty is also a draw. Moss's vistas often wowed me, especially when I found myself in a small space like Quill's home or a cave. Everything has a painterly aesthetic to it, lit up by shafts of sunlight and glowing magical firelight. I also loved the clever storybook framework. Even when you're reading the book about Moss, the game transports you to a grandiose chapel-like structure that feels out of this world. And of course, this VR fairy tale's focus is on Quill and your relationship with her. I enjoyed interacting with her, and loved the way she communicated with gestures and sign language. She's fleet-footed, brave, and so very tiny — which made it all the more satisfying to accompany her on her adventure to defeat evils so much larger than her.
90
Washington Post
Mar 8, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game creates a successful model for a VR game and is praised for its gameplay and immersive environments.
90
Gaming Nexus
Mar 3, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is an excellent game that changed the reviewer's perception of the platformer genre, with a cute main character, striking presentation, and balanced gameplay.
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90
DualShockers
Jul 29, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss hits way above its weight, creating one of the few captivating, must-play stories on VR
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90
Destructoid
Feb 27, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is one of the best VR experiences with thoughtful attention to detail.
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90
GamingTrend
Apr 7, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Moss is an incredible puzzle-based adventure with creative puzzles, stunning graphics, and a must-have for VR lovers.
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