Monument Valley
Description official descriptions
Monument Valley is a visual puzzle game inspired by the art of M.C. Escher, Japanese prints and minimalist 3D design. The player leads Princess Ida, the main character, through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects towards the map's exit. Along the way, the player interacts with the game's architectural landscape by moving and rotating platforms and pillar animals, and creating bridges, all the while trying to avoid crow people (secondary characters) who cannot harm Ida, but block her path. New elements such as buttons, passages and manipulation are gradually introduced with each new level. There are also often small sequences that further the story. By pinching it is possible to zoom in. It is possible to enter a camera mode to compose a take on the artwork, which can be subsequently saved and shared. The game places high value on the visual experience and accompanying soundscape.
Later game updates unlocked a new free chapter Ida's Dream and also made available a new eight-chapter story Forgotten Shores as an in-app purchase.
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Monument Valley series- Next: Monument Valley 2 (2017)
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Spellings
- モニュメントバレー - Japanese spelling
- 紀念碑谷 - Traditional Chinese spelling
- 纪念碑谷 - Simplified Chinese spelling
Screenshots
Credits (iPhone version)
23 People (14 developers, 9 thanks)
| Ustwo Games | |
| Sound Design |
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| Special Thanks |
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Collaborations
People credited on this game were also credited on:
- Monument Valley 2, a group of 11 people
- Land's End, a group of 11 people
- Monument Valley 2: Panoramic Edition, a group of 11 people
- And 6 more...
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Other Games
In addition to this game, these people were also credited on other games:
- Stafford Bawler on 46 other games
- Todd Baker on 26 other games
- Kenneth Wong on 20 other games
- And 15 more...
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Reviews
Critics
Average score: 88% (based on 9 ratings)
Players
Average score: 4.1 out of 5 (based on 26 ratings with 1 reviews)
Monument Valley – Simple, calm, and always worth coming back to
The Good
The mechanics are simple yet clever—you twist and slide structures to unlock new paths, and even after multiple playthroughs, those small reveals still feel rewarding. The music is calm and minimal, with just a few quiet tones creating a meditative vibe that suits the visuals perfectly. And with short levels that are easy to jump into anytime, Monument Valley offers a repeatable, relaxing experience that hits just right.
The Bad
The game is very short—you can finish it in one or two hours without much effort. The story is minimal and only lightly hinted at. It’s enough to hold things together, but don’t expect any deep characters or complex plot developments.
The Bottom Line
Even though Monument Valley is short and easy, it has something special that keeps pulling me back. It’s not about challenge or depth—it’s about taking a quiet break and enjoying a well-crafted moment. What makes it truly unique is the use of visual illusions to create new paths and perspectives. That core idea isn’t just clever—it helped define a whole new kind of game experience for phones and tablets. I’ve played it multiple times over the years, and I’ll probably play it again. It’s not a game that tries to be more than it is—and that’s exactly why it works.
iPad · by iMayo · 2025
Discussion
| Subject | By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| walkthrough | Lukasz G | Apr 22, 2022 |
Trivia
References
The game is referenced in chapter 31, the fifth episode of the third season of the 2015 US Netflix series House of Cards. President Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, is shown playing the game and completing a level. Later on it is also turned into a plot point as he uses a review of the game as inspiration to sell his America Works program, hiring the game reviewer and author to work for him. He also describes it directly as an indie game, distinguishing it from console games and shooters he generally prefers. It is not the only game he plays that season. Two episodes later he is shown playing The Stanley Parable. Those two games are a distinct departure from the shooters he used to play for stress relief in earlier seasons.
Awards
- The Game Awards
- 2014 — Best Independent Game — Nominated
- 2014 — Best Mobile/Handheld Game — Nominated
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Conina.
Windows Phone added by Sciere. Nintendo Switch added by AlfalfabetSoop.
Additional contributors: Sciere, Havoc Crow, Rik Hideto.
Game added December 7, 2014. Last modified July 5, 2025.