Monument Valley takes echoes of the artwork of MC Escher and updated it, resulting in a stunning puzzler that bends the eye and the brain. Add in a rhythmic soundtrack and what you have is one of the most clever and unique puzzlers that I’ve seen in a while. Even though Ustwo probably intended for this game as an artful puzzler it could technically be called atmospheric, simply based on the rich and multi-sensory player experience.
Play as Ida, the oddly named Silent Princess, as the navigates through 10 different levels consisting of challenging yet solvable puzzles. Game play is intuitive, the only written clues are in the clever titles of each level. Completing the levels is an act of trial and error, but in a gentle way; there’s no dramatic falling off the screen or grisly end for Ida. There are, however, noisy Crow People who stand in her way in both the literal and figurative sense.
Despite getting rave reviews for mechanics and visual appeal, there is an undercurrent of disappointment in the game’s length. Many reviewers are calling for level expansion in future updates, and some are even saying that the puzzles aren’t challenging enough. Obviously Ustwo did something right because the app is #1 on the Top Paid Apps chart even with the hefty download price of $3.99. I would take it as a sincere compliment that less than a full week after its release, Monument Valley remains as a game that people just want to play and continue playing.
Speaking to the content length, it didn’t take me more than an hour of solid game play to finish the game. I too was left wanting much more, delighted by the Escher-esque spatial puzzles and the minimalist visuals that still express some real depth of perception. I was challenged enough to keep wanting to play with minimal frustration but I also didn’t feel like I breezed through the levels, especially towards the last few puzzles.
There’s minimal, non-essential reading and no questionable content, making the game family friendly. My 6-year-old son managed to complete the first three levels without any help from me. Monument Valley could be highly replayable if there was a level expansion, plain and simple. It’s obvious that a lot of hard work went into the making of this game and the payoff is huge. Ustwo is certainly on the right track to having a cult favorite on their hands.
Screenshots
From the Developer
In Monument Valley you will manipulate impossible architecture and guide a silent princess through a stunningly beautiful world.
Monument Valley is a surreal exploration through fantastical architecture and impossible geometry. Guide the silent princess Ida through mysterious monuments, uncovering hidden paths, unfolding optical illusions and outsmarting the enigmatic Crow People.
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\"This might be the most beautiful iPad game of 2014\" - Wired
\"MC Escher, You\'re looking different, and gorgeous\" - Kotaku
\"Monument Valley is looking fantastic\" - Touch Arcade
\"The Art of Visual Trickery\" - Polygon
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BEAUTIFUL
Inspired by minimalist 3D design, optical illusions and palaces and temples from around the world, every monument is a unique, hand-crafted world to explore.
EASY TO USE
Twist and drag to reshape the world and help Ida to explore. Designed to be easy for everyone to pick up, enjoy and complete.
SOUND
Audio reacts to your manipulation of the world to provide a surreal and beautiful soundscape. Best experienced with headphones.
iCloud
Synchronize your game across all your devices.
** Monument Valley is designed for iPhone 4 and above. It is NOT compatible with iPod Touch 4th Generation.
