**Imported post, originally published in March 2019*

Much as I say that mobile platform isn’t my favourite, there  have been a few enjoyable games. One of them is definitely Monument Valley.  This atmospheric mobile puzzle inspired by M.C. Escher is a gem and perhaps something of a classic by now.  For me this game is money well-spent sinceI think the game is a keeper.

The little game is  characterised by elegant beauty and minimalist, understated storytelling. Other than suggestive levels, the game drops little narrative hints here and there. Sometimes, less is more and there is actually a lot to the story, you can imagine it and narrate to yourself. 

You guide Ida through the mythical Monument Valley by manipulating the environment, creating new paths where they didn’t seem possible. To reveal those paths you often need to manipulate the perspective.

The levels  are beautiful, imaginative, enchanting, each a vivid world of its own. It’s an absolute delight and a very relaxing game to play.

The wonderfully minimalist music enhances the atmosphere.

Buy once, play forever. Additional level pack expansions can be bought. The game doesn’t take long to complete just under 2-3 hours maybe or less, but it’s a worthwhile journey, creative, imaginative and aesthetically pleasing all the same. A little mobile gem.

The popularity of the game spurred its sequel, Monument Valley 2  with a different story. Much as I’m not fond of sequels of any kind, I’ve found this installment to be just as pleasant and enchanting as MV1.

Related: 
It seems to have inspired a few similar other titles, including Ghosts of Memories and Evo Explores. And there’s Back to Bed where you guide a man back to bed, except there you have to prevent the man from falling so it’s also not quite the same. A game in a similar vein that I have found on steam is Pavilion –  pretty visuals too. I prefer Monument Valley to all these but pavilion is easy on the eye and quite fun too.