Monument Valley, a game from the Ustwo Games studio, is a puzzle game that is available on iOS, Android, and Windows, as well as a variety of other platforms. As I explored Monument Valley, I was enthralled by the game’s unique mechanics, particularly how they represented the MDA framework, as well as how they these mechanics influenced my gaming experience. Regarding the audience, Monument Valley appeals to a broad audience, including casual gamers (which is where I’d put myself), younger kids, and those who like aesthetically stunning gaming experiences. This game is truly one of a kind in the emphasis it puts on minimalist and engaging aesthetics. The game’s simplicity in controls combined with its depth in puzzles makes it accessible to a wide demographic of players.
The mechanics of Monument Valley surround architectural illusions, are central to the experience I had while playing, creating a sense of wonder and intellectual satisfaction. These mechanics not only define the gameplay but also enhance the narrative arc of the protagonist, Ida. Monument Valley’s puzzles are true works of art, designed around optical illusions and wacky geometry, which seems to be inspired by the Dutch artist M.C. Escher. Game mechanics revolve around changing the environment to create paths forward, allowing Ida to traverse what can only be described as “crazy” mazes of sorts. This core mechanic transforms simple navigation into a complex experience and is useful in my game design experience–even a simple mechanic, when executed well, can create a rich and fun game.
One example that stood out to me is the use of rotating platforms. In many levels, I had to rotate the architecture to align disconnected routes. This mechanic required me to expand my mind and embrace the novel logic of this game, which I really enjoyed. The simplicity and satisfaction of this mechanic cannot be understated. Some areas of improvement include adding additional details to the puzzle–over time, the game felt repetitive. Moreover, expanding the narrative and puzzle complexity could provide a richer experience. Compared to most other puzzle games I’ve played, whether it’s the NYT crossword or something else, Monument Valley has a simpler mechanic, but the use of this mechanic in complex ways makes it a wonderful game to play.
When looking at the MDA framework, we can see that the mechanics of the platforms directly influence the game dynamics and aesthetics, particularly the design of the game, which is quite beautiful. Regarding formal elements, the elements, particularly the rules of how the game works and the objective of what Ida needs to do are clearly defined and cohesive in nature. I had no trouble learning the game basics, and the elements were simple and clear. The game very clearly ramped the player into the process and allowed for a simple learning process. Overall, Monument Valley is a word class puzzle game with a simple yet fun mechanic and incredible aesthetics.
