Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a compilation of the original Moss and Moss: Book 2, is making the leap from virtual reality to traditional PC and console platforms. This move is part of a growing trend at this year's Summer Game Fest, where several VR-exclusive titles are being reworked for flat-screen gaming. While some may see this as an admission that VR gaming hasn't taken off as expected, it also means more players can experience these acclaimed adventures.
A Faithful Transition to Flat Screen
During a 30-minute preview, we played an early section of Moss Book 2, where the mouse hero Quill must help her ailing uncle by retrieving a magical hammer to defeat the Cinder Knight boss. The game does an admirable job of making you feel like a giant presence peering into a charming fantasy world, even without head-tracking. Fixed camera angles are positioned high enough to reveal all important details, guiding Quill through sunlit forests and dark smithies.
Combat and Puzzles Retain VR Flavor
Combat remains simple—three-hit sword combos and well-timed dodges—but the VR heritage adds a unique twist. Players can stun enemies with a glowing blue touch, leaving them vulnerable to Quill's attacks. Later in the demo, Quill acquires a hammer that can smash enemy armor and solve environmental puzzles. One puzzle required using Quill's ghost hammer ability to activate a switch while she stood on an elevator, demonstrating the seamless integration of player and character actions.
Level Transitions Show VR Roots
The most noticeable remnant of its VR origins is the way levels are segmented. Moving between areas triggers quick fade-in/fade-out transitions, which can momentarily break immersion. While this could be interpreted as page-turning in a storybook, it feels less natural on a flat screen. Nonetheless, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise faithful adaptation.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic is shaping up to be an excellent way to experience two of the best VR puzzle-platformers in a more accessible format. Both Moss and Moss Book 2 are charming adventures that deserve a wider audience, and this release on July 16, 2026 for PC, Xbox, and PS5 will hopefully give them the recognition they deserve.
