For this week’s critical play, I decided to play Monument Valley, a game that I had heard about many times but had never played. The player is introduced to the relatively simple gameplay mechanics in the first level, where the player learns they can move their character (Ida) by tapping, and they can manipulate the environment of the puzzle worlds by swiping on specific interactable sections of each “monument”. This hands-on manipulation of the game’s environment creates a sense of control and ownership, deepening the player’s immersion into the game world. This also immediately introduces us to the oddities of the game world.
Each level of this game exists in non-Euclidean geometry, having some aspects of normal 3D environments like depth and corners, but all the rules of space between points are thrown out the window. By altering the perspective that we are viewing the game world or changing the angle of certain elements, Ida is able to walk up walls and span gaps in ways that defy belief. This manifests as a series of interactive, dynamic mazes that appear impossible or paradoxical from certain perspectives but reveal a logical path when viewed from another angle. This fundamental principle of shifting perspectives is not only physically implemented but also woven into the narrative of the game.
Furthermore, the mechanics of the puzzles have a direct impact on the game’s pacing and progression. Each level, while self-contained, brings a level of complexity that gradually builds on the skills acquired in previous stages. This gradual ramp-up of difficulty maintains a balance between challenge and frustration, fostering a sense of accomplishment upon completion of each level. As the player navigates through the intricate mazes, they begin to get more comfortable with the unnatural geometry of these spaces, but then another layer of interaction amplifies the difficulty. This can take the form of manipulating the walking patters of ‘crow people’ NPCs, or teaming up with a sentient and mobile column of stone. This layered introduction to game mechanics fuels the player’s motivation to continue the journey and engage with the game’s increasingly complex conundrums.
By crafting a game world where puzzle-solving mechanics contribute towards player progression, exploration, and storytelling, Monument Valley delivers a truly captivating gaming experience, demonstrating the immense potential of puzzles in game design.
