As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Monument Valley 3 is a masterpiece that stands tall among the giants of mobile gaming. Over the years, I’ve played my fair share of puzzlers, but none have captivated me quite like this enchanting journey.
For over ten years, Monument Valley has delivered an exceptional and indelible gaming journey. Its puzzles honed players’ abilities while its backdrop ignited their creativity. This series has demonstrated the potential within the realm of mobile gaming. Following the success of the initial two installments, Ustwo Games faced a significant challenge with Monument Valley 3. Upon completing the narrative and engaging with fresh, intellectually stimulating puzzles, I can confidently assert that Monument Valley 3 stands among the top mobile games released this year.
Crumbling architecture
In Monument Valley 3, a completely new tale unfolds, separate from the happenings in the first two games. Instead of extensive dialogue, the narrative is primarily conveyed through actions and visual cues. Players assume the character of Noor, a lighthouse keeper’s apprentice, who discovers the secrets to maintaining the region’s lighthouses, as their light slowly diminishes. The disappearance of the light causes the land to decay and fall into darkness. Furthermore, when the world becomes dark, the waters surrounding it start to rise and flood everything.
Following several initial chapters, players navigate Noor through numerous architecture-style sliding puzzles spread throughout different areas. Each location positions Noor at a starting point and the goal is to help her reach the exit by maneuvering parts of the environment. This might involve shifting puzzle pieces, rotating switches, or pressing buttons. Consistent with the Monument Valley series, each section presents visual illusions. Pieces that extend along an X, Y, or Z-axis can sometimes appear to merge together. Essentially, it’s like leading someone through a piece of M.C. Escher artwork or a Magic Eye book, and this comparison becomes more fitting as the story progresses, since Ustwo Games introduced some fresh concepts for this third installment.
Down the river
In Monument Valley 3, apart from individual puzzles, there are larger parts that require more complex navigation due to the narrative’s emphasis on rising waters. To traverse certain areas, Noor uses a boat. Players control the boat’s movement by swiping and dragging on the touch screen. This system is straightforward and typically helps Noor move from one puzzle to another, but there are instances where multiple sections link together. For instance, in one section, several switches need to be activated simultaneously. In this case, Noor must sail to a different location to pick up a displaced inhabitant and take them along for the journey.
In simpler terms, Monument Valley 3 offers an extraordinary experience by combining 3D puzzles, perspective shifts, and unique color blending effects that create a mind-blowing atmosphere. The way lines, surfaces, and axes intersect visually is consistently breathtaking. Despite its initial complexity, the game’s beauty lies in its simplicity. With enough exploration of switches and interactive elements, solutions to most puzzles become evident over time. Challenging tasks like walking on a Möbius strip can be accomplished with patience and practice. However, if you encounter a puzzle that leaves you stumped, don’t expect any help from the game as it encourages self-reliance and exploration.
Under construction
Monument Valley 3 offers a heartwarming narrative about restoration and reconciliation, presented through a sequence of creative and thought-provoking puzzles. However, the drawback is that it concludes rather abruptly, leaving you engrossed in the storyline right when it finishes. Although this may set the stage for future seasonal updates, the captivating visuals of Monument Valley 3’s puzzle design make the sudden ending feel unsatisfying.
Despite being relatively brief, Monument Valley 3 offers an enjoyable journey that leaves you wanting more. Puzzle enthusiasts will find themselves intrigued and questioning what other creative masterpieces Ustwo Games might produce in the future. The mind indeed has countless ways to be astonished.
The analysis of this game is derived from an early version sent by the publisher, which was accessed using the Testflight application. Monument Valley 3 is set to launch on Tuesday, December 10, and will be available first for both iOS and Android devices, but only for Netflix subscribers.
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2024-12-03 17:27