Polyarc, the VR pioneers responsible for the mesmerizing Moss series, have returned with a new enchanting venture set in the world of Moss: Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss. Departing from the narrative-driven platforming approach of Quill’s adventures, this time we step into the arena of strategy, magic, and power, facing off against opponents in 1v1 real-time battles. Join us as we delve into the immersive world of Moss again, but this time, with a new (and free to play!) twist.
What We Know
In Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss, you lead a trio of Champions into a board game-like battlefield full of strategic opportunities. Developed by Polyarc, the team behind the acclaimed Moss and Moss: Book II, this title combines elements of real-time strategy and MOBA gameplay. Players engage in 1v1 matches with the objective of shattering their opponent’s Glass stronghold. The game’s core lies in assembling a squad of Champions, each possessing unique abilities that synergize with your chosen strategy. There’s a bit of a learning curve to that, but the experience is characterized by a seamless blend of tactical decision-making and dynamic gameplay during short sessions.
Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss is ultimately set to launch on various platforms, with an initial focus on the Quest 2 version, offering an accessible gateway into this vibrant world. Whether you prefer battling against friends in private matches or challenging similarly skilled players in the Glassbreakers community, every encounter promises unpredictability, as the selection of Champions shape the tactics on the battlefield.
What We Saw
Our journey with Glassbreakers began at Gamescom, where we received an introduction to the game, followed by a first hands-on session. Later, during an online preview session, we delved deeper into the gameplay dynamics. Finally, we had the privilege of trying a pre-release build, before immersing ourselves in the currently released AppLab version of the game on the Meta Quest 2. This extensive hands-on experience allowed us to appreciate the design and strategic depth that Glassbreakers offers.
What We Thought
Stepping into the world of Glassbreakers was like reuniting with an old friend in a way, as the Moss games rank among our favorite VR titles. The familiar charm of the Moss universe was present, yet the gameplay offered an entirely fresh experience. The blend of tabletop strategy and MOBA elements is a surprising one that’s executed well, resulting in a game that’s easy to pick up, but as you play more and more harbors layers of tactical complexity as well.
The ability to physically see your opponent’s hand movements in VR adds an exhilarating dimension to the matches as you try to read their moves. It’s not just about the Champions you choose, but also about anticipating your opponent’s next move, creating a back and forth dance of tactics and reactions. The controls are intuitive for seasoned VR players, and even players new to VR will find the learning curve for the control to be not too steep.
Visually, Glassbreakers retains the high standard set by Polyarc in their previous titles. The world is vibrant, and the Champions are lovingly designed, each exuding its own unique personality – with a few familiar-looking faces and designs for longtime fans.
And while Glassbreakers embraces a free-to-play model, it appears to does so with restraint, so we’re hoping we won’t see much monetization beyond the cosmetic kind. The inclusion of a live-service approach adds depth, offering players a variety of ways to progress and customize their experience. While still under development, Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss feels like a nice surprise. It’s a game that manages to be both accessible and strategically rewarding. With its promise of evolving content and a dedicated community, it’s a title to look out for in the VR gaming landscape and one that dares to take a successful IP and do something different with it.
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