Whispers in the Moss

IMPORTANT! For the version downloaded from Itch.io, it is strongly recommended to add the game folder to the exceptions list of Windows Defender and other antivirus software. The game is available on Steam and GOG too.

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“'Whispers in the Moss' is a stunning tribute to the retros, a modern testament to the timeless allure of vintage gaming, and above all, a clear demonstration that the essence of passion-driven indie gaming is still very much alive and well.”
RPG Gamers

“Whispers in the Moss is 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

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WHISPERS IN THE MOSS is a full-scale retro JRPG experience that embraces the nostalgic charm of 8-bit and 16-bit console classics, especially those from the early SquareSoft era.

Embark on an epic journey with three young heroes from a tranquil fishing village, thrust into a world dominated by an empire seeking ultimate power and a banished prince determined to restore balance. As they traverse the world, our party uncovers an even more sinister secret—fiends of the underworld are stirring...

• An Epic Story: Prepare for emotional plot twists, lighthearted humor, and vibrant characters.

• Classic Turn-Based Battles: Inspired by the early Final Fantasy games, strategically exploit your enemies' weaknesses using physical attacks, black and white magic, items, and special skills. Witness your characters' growth and customize their abilities.

• A Highly Unique Visual Style: The game boasts beautiful and ambitious textmode (ANSI-style) graphics, offering an unparalleled retro atmosphere. This innovative use of text-based graphics on such a scale and level of ambition is a first in gaming. What’s more, "Whispers in the Moss" is coded entirely in QB64, a modern take on the legendary QuickBASIC programming language, completing the genuine retro experience.

• Original Custom Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the game's world with sound effects and a full original soundtrack featuring over 50 unique tracks, composed by the game's developer, Tapio of Uncultured Games. Drawing inspiration from JRPG music legends like Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Yasunori Mitsuda, and Michiru Oshima, the music brings the world of the game to life.

• Abundance of Optional Content: In addition to the main story, explore a vast array of side quests, monster hunts, fishing and other mini-games, and other hidden secrets. Can you locate and conquer all the ~170 unique monsters and complete the bestiary?

• Retro Gaming for Modern Systems: "Whispers in the Moss" was released on May 31, 2024, and it is available on Itch.io, Steam, and GOG.

• A Decade in the Making: This artisanal game is the sole creation of Tapio from Uncultured Games, a Finnish game development studio. Single-handedly, he has managed the coding, game engine, art, script, soundtrack, and even crafted these god-forsaken marketing texts. Over the course of well over 13 years of development, Tapio, a father of two and a marketing professional by day, has remained a dedicated hobbyist game developer by night.

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Keywords: RPG, JRPG, J-RPG, Japanese, SquareSoft, Square Enix, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, ASCII, ANSI, textmode, retro, soundtrack, classic, role-playing game, linear, NES, SNES, Nintendo, nostalgic, old-school