Monument Valley is an beautifully-designed puzzle game developed by ustwo games. Released in 2014, the game is available on phones. The target audience seems to be casual gamers who enjoy visually stunning, serene experiences.
The central mechanic of Monument Valley revolves around manipulating Escher-like architecture to guide the silent protagonist, Princess Ida, through imaginative levels. The player must twist and drag components of each floating monument to create paths for Ida, taking advantage of impossible geometry and optical illusions. For example, two paths that appear unconnected may link when viewed from a different perspective as the player rotates the structure.
This core mechanic serves a dual purpose – it presents engaging puzzles that provide a satisfying challenge, while also unveiling more and more of each level’s breathtaking artwork as new angles come into frame. Progressing through chapters feels like exploring an interactive art exhibit, with each solved puzzle acting as an elegant transition to the next visual marvel. The sense of accomplishment from cracking each puzzle is enhanced by the rewarding reveals of stunning new vistas.
Compared to other puzzle games, Monument Valley’s mechanics are streamlined and minimalist. There are no time limits, high scores, or fail states. The game is accessible and easy to grasp, with simple tap and drag controls. Intricate solutions emerge from these simple interactions, making the game inviting for the casual audience. However, later chapters do layer in new elements to keep the formula from getting stale, such as controllable NPCs that can hold down switches or sections where Ida must avoid the hostile Crow People. These additions are thoughtfully paced, providing a gentle difficulty curve.
The stripped down mechanics allow the game’s true masterpiece to shine through – the aesthetic experience. The gameplay harmonizes perfectly with the visuals, evoking a zen-like sense of serenity as you slowly unravel each puzzle. Gentle background music and soothing sound effects complete the ambience. Playing Monument Valley is a calming, almost meditative experience.
If I had to nitpick, the main weakness is that the game is quite short, clocking in at around 2 hours for the average player. I was left wanting more levels to explore and mechanics to master. But perhaps the ephemeral nature is part of the artistry – Monument Valley is more interested in evoking emotions and wonder than in providing a hardcore challenge. Like an elegant piece of interactive art, it says what it needs to say and then gracefully concludes, lingering in your imagination long after.
In terms of game design concepts, Monument Valley excels at creating a sense of discovery and wonder as the impossible architecture is revealed piece by piece. The gorgeous visuals and sound design engage the player’s senses in a powerful way. Guiding Ida’s path through this world, you feel a light touch of self-expression and agency, as if you are choreographing a dance through majestic structures. And in the end, you are left in a somewhat meditative state, having been transported to a surreal, serene world that contrasts against the over-stimulation present in many other games. Monument Valley demonstrates how a game can be a work of art by evoking emotions and providing a memorable, affecting experience.
