Whispers in the Moss - ASCII JRPG developed in QBASIC

[Infinitron]

https://unculturedgames.itch.io/whispers-in-the-moss

"What a strange dream. A young man, chased by a pack of wolves..."

WHISPERS IN THE MOSS is a full-scale retro JRPG experience that embraces the nostalgic charm of 8-bit and 16-bit console classics.

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/ASCII-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 170+ unique monsters and complete the bestiary?
• Retro Gaming for Modern Systems: "Whispers in the Moss" is set to launch on Windows in June 2024, and it will be available on Steam and other platforms.
• Over 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 this god-forsaken press release. Over the course of well over 12 years of development, Tapio, a father of two and a communications professional by day, has remained a dedicated hobbyist game developer by night.

 

[pOcHa]

but... why?

 

[Odoryuk]

I love this elephant, he's cute. I would have the same expression on my face if I was tasked with killing him.

 

[CryptRat]

Seeing this font and this kind of UI immediately raises my interest for a game.

Looks cool overall although pregen characters and "emotional plot twists" does not inspire confident that it's the kind of campaign i want to play.

 

[Reinhardt]

not bad name for indie rpg game but not enough. "potato flowers in full bloom" stands undefeated.

 

[Modron]

I prefer my indie game names to be more highbrow like "Gooner on the Orient Express."

 

[taxalot]

ZZT called.

 

[Maxie]

pixel'art' has gone too far

 

[Fedora Master]

This looks like utter fucking garbage

 

[JarlFrank]

but... why?

From the Steam page:

This artisanal game is the sole creation of Tapio from Uncultured Games, a Finnish game development studio.

 

[Fedora Master]

but... why?

From the Steam page:

This artisanal game is the sole creation of Tapio from Uncultured Games, a Finnish game development studio.

 

[n0wh3r3]

I'm sold.

 

[pOcHa]

combines all the worst sides of pixel "art" (graphical glitches), chip "tunes" (annoying music), and jrpg "combat" (excel sheet)

 

[Infinitron]

Released.

 

[taxalot]

Bought it on itch.io for some reason, will probably never play it nonetheless.