Monument Valley

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Description

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.

Screenshots

Promo Images

Alternate Titles

• "纪念碑谷" -- Simplified Chinese spelling
• "紀念碑谷" -- Traditional Chinese spelling
• "モニュメントバレー" -- Japanese spelling

Part of the Following Groups

• Game Engine: Unity
• Games referenced in movies
• Genre: Optical illusion / Perspective puzzles
• Monument Valley series
• Protagonist: Female

User Reviews

There are no reviews for this game.

Critic Reviews

App Spy	iPhone	Apr 22, 2015	5 out of 5	100
DarkZero	iPhone	Feb 03, 2015	9 out of 10	90
4Players.de	Android	Jun 03, 2014	90 out of 100	90
GameZebo	iPhone	Apr 07, 2014		90
4Players.de	iPad	Jun 03, 2014	90 out of 100	90
Pocket Gamer UK	iPhone	Apr 03, 2014	9 out of 10	90
Digital Spy	iPhone	Apr 16, 2014		80

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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

Related Web Sites

• Monument Valley (official website)