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    Monument Valley

    Game » consists of 3 releases. Released May 14, 2014

    An M.C. Escher-inspired puzzle game where players guide a character by rotating the world to create new paths.

    Monument Valley Revew

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    noahtheboa999

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    Edited By noahtheboa999

    For some reason I wasn't able to select the game when using GB's reviewing interface, so here is my review of Monument Valley.

    Monument Valley is a perspective-based puzzle game that will leave you scratching your head, but not for the reasons you might think. From the simplistic yet beautiful art and music, to the instantly understandable controls, it has all of the trappings of a great mobile game (plus a bit more).

    In Monument Valley, you play an unnamed character who traverses M. C. Escher style environments in order to pick up polygonal objects of unknown importance. The narrative is revealed to the player piece by piece throughout, offering up some interesting themes that many won't be expecting (and some very thought-provoking reveals). The lack of any dialogue between characters really works towards creating a lonely environment, even when that environment is so colorful and vibrant. There are enemies, but it is impossible to die in Monument Valley, begging the question: why do there need to be enemies in the first place. The importance of these "enemies" is revealed towards the end of the game, something which should not be spoiled here.

    As a puzzle game, Monument Valley isn't the best of the bunch. For one thing there isn't really anything in terms of challenge, as the solutions to most puzzles are immediately apparent. This lack in difficulty does however allow the art to be appreciated, as there won’t be many difficult solutions to occupy the player’s thoughts. If you go into Monument Valley expecting a mentally-challenging experience, you will be disappointed. To reiterate, this is more of a "get from point A to B and enjoy the sights" game. There are 10 total levels, and the game can be completed in around 1 1/2 hours, with no real incentive to be repeated. This is acceptable, because like “The Room” and other fantastic mobile games before it, the first playthrough of Monument Valley is well worth the asking price.

    Monument Valley is a heavily atmospheric game which greatly benefits from it's art and music. The twisting and turning level design never get old, displaying stunning creativity polished to a fine sheen. It’s immediately apparent that by shortening the game to no more than ten levels, the developer has made each it’s own entity, without any reused elements or art. It’s refreshing in a time where many games are artificially lengthened by repeated segments. Normally graphics don't hold as much sway as gameplay, but in Monument Valley's case, the art is perhaps just as important as the core gameplay. Later on the narrative takes the forefront, offering up some great surprises, but it's the way that these levels look that really sets the game apart. The music is quiet and minimalist, which only adds to the already great atmosphere. The inventive art design practically begs for screenshots to be taken and framed, it really does look that good.

    Monument Valley utilizes great art and sound, simple controls, and some interesting (and surprising) narrative threads to create a memorable, albeit short experience. The game isn't trying to challenge you, but it is trying to make you think. If you own a mobile device, you have every reason to play it to completion immediately after reading this review. Set aside an hour or so, kick back on the couch, and enjoy one of the most stunning experiences mobile gaming has to offer.

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