Whispers in the Moss
Uncultured Games · 2024 · JRPG, Retro, Atmospheric, RPG, Adventure
PC
Positive100% · 21
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About Whispers in the Moss
WHISPERS IN THE MOSS is a full-scale retro JRPG inspired by the charm and structure of 8-bit and 16-bit console classics, built entirely in a distinctive text-based (ANSI/ASCII-style) visual format.Developed solo over more than a decade and coded in QB64 (a modern evolution of QuickBASIC), the game embraces old-school aesthetics while delivering a complete 30-hour RPG experience for modern players. Since its release, Whispers in the Moss has been warmly received by players and currently holds a 100% positive rating on Steam.
- An Epic Journey: Follow three young heroes from a quiet fishing village as they are drawn into a conflict between an expansionist empire and a banished prince seeking to restore balance. As their journey unfolds, darker forces begin to stir beneath the surface… Expect emotional turns, lighthearted moments, and a cast of vibrant characters shaped by classic JRPG traditions.
- Classic Turn-Based Combat: Inspired by early Final Fantasy titles, battles revolve around strategic turn-based encounters. Exploit enemy weaknesses using physical attacks, black and white magic, items, and special skills. As you progress, customize abilities and develop your own approach to combat.
- A Highly Distinctive Visual Style: Whispers in the Moss presents one of the most ambitious uses of large-scale text-mode graphics in a modern RPG. Every environment, enemy, and visual effect is crafted in a carefully designed tile-based ASCII format, creating a retro atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and unconventional.
- Original Soundtrack: The game features a full original soundtrack of over 50 tracks, composed by the developer. Drawing inspiration from classic JRPG composers such as Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Yasunori Mitsuda, and Michiru Oshima, the music supports the world with melodic themes, battle energy, and emotional depth.
- Optional Content & Exploration: Beyond the main story, discover a wide range of optional content including side quests, monster hunts, fishing mini-games, hidden secrets, and over 170 unique enemies to encounter and catalogue.
- A Decade in the Making: Whispers in the Moss is the sole creation of Tapio of Uncultured Games, who handled the design, engine, art, writing, music, and production. Developed over more than 12 years alongside full-time work and family life, the project represents a long-term passion for classic RPG design and retro computing culture.
What Steam players say
Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.
When I read the review from the Finnish gaming magazine "Pelit" about Whispers in the Moss, a JRPG made completely using the modern equivalent of QBasic and uses ASCII graphics, I knew I must get my hands on it. What Uncultured Games has managed to conjure is an excellent traditional JRPG with surprisingly inventive graphical design and great soundtrack. Sure, the story isn't anything what you haven't seen before but it still has great moments and interesting characters. There are also some great secrets to uncover all around the world. Only downsides are that it might take you a while to get used to the controls and there are some small bugs but nothing game breaking. All in all if you are looking for a good 20-30 hour role playing game then go no further.4 found this helpful
cool rpg with a neat aesthetic. works fine on steam deck1 found this helpful
This is a truly special game. Creative both visually and conceptually, quirky and whimsical, and mechanically and narratively interesting. If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs, ANSI/ASCII art (and even if you're not and are willing to try something new, like me), definitely pick this up. It's a steal for the price it is.
Yes. Buy it, play it. It's cheap as REDACTED and different from everything else right now. Yes.
A good console RPG style game with a unique visual style. Worth checking out.
i have only played 20 mins but the art style alone is worth 5 bucks
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