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Whispers in the Moss

Whispers in the Moss is an artisan retro JRPG featuring unique text-based graphics, developed solo over 10 years. A love letter to the 8- and 16-bit greats, it offers a mysterious world, turn-based combat, and a full original soundtrack. Currently 100% positive on Steam.

All Reviews:

Positive (20) - 100% of the 20 user reviews for this game are positive.

Release Date:

May 31, 2024

Developer:

Uncultured Games

Publisher:

Uncultured Games

	Interface	Full Audio	Subtitles
English	✔	✔	✔

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Includes 2 items: Whispers in the Moss, Whispers in the Moss Soundtrack

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Reviews

“Crafted with time, skill, and care, delights with its unique appearance. The ambition is unprecedented, considering the chosen style.”
90 – Pelit

“A genuine joy to play for a retro enthusiast with a penchant for old-school RPGs. It is both steeping in gaming history and modern enough to be enjoyable without taking a 12-week correspondence course first.”
8.0 – Gaming Respawn

“Then, like in The Matrix, shapes become familiar in the code: crackling fireplaces, wooden bridges across thin streams, crops in sprawling fields, and thick mountain ranges. ... Whispers in the Moss is one of the most unique games I’ve had the pleasure to try in the last twenty years.”
8/9 – Ladies Gamers

About This Game

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.

[/list]Whispers in the Moss ANSI logo, drawn by Zeus II