Review of the third game in the iconic puzzle franchise

A must play mobile experience that is great on larger displays like the iPad or the Galaxy Tab, this game comes with a Netflix subscription – a major coup for the streamer’s games catalogue if you ask me.

Hyderabad: A review of the third game in the iconic puzzle franchise, brought to us by Netflix.

“The best puzzle-based experience for touch devices. Period.” This is the phrase most of us associate with Monument Valley when we think of the elegant, sleek, and straight-lined structural puzzles set in the spectacular, now-trademark, duotone gradient backgrounds.

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With their last two games, makers Ustwo, have developed a nasty habit of immersing us in sheer beauty as we find novel ways to manipulate space and perception, clear obstacles and find even more beauty.
Monument Valley 3 continues in the same spirit with some amazing puzzles designed to befuddle you, immersive accompanying music, and now a central-narrative so strong that it forces you reflect every few levels.

This is a game that cannot be played without engaging with Noor’s journey. If Monument Valley 2 was a test of how capable the little one is, MV3 is her coming-of-age – a bildungsroman tale, if you may. As Noor overcomes odds to ensure that the essence of her lighthouse remains, the game offers players an opportunity to traverse the lands and set sail in a boat to guide lost people back to the lighthouse.
I cannot say much about how beautiful the levels are or even how glorious the intricately- designed level wheel is, you simply have to experience it. Similarly, nor can my words do justice to the emotions Noor or the other characters convey in the game. Helping them find their way back to the lighthouse is more than just puzzle-solving as some of the characters evoke the nostalgia of Monument Valley 2.

In terms of puzzle solving, there are a few levels that are absolutely noteworthy for their design and the ways they challenge your perception such as: level 4 – Origata Atelier, level 6 – Vaiaku, and level 8 – The Inverted Palace.
The game also moves beyond its penchant for straight lines by experimenting with curves and arcs to great effect. Please make sure to enjoy them to the fullest in this short journey.

A must play mobile experience that is great on larger displays like the iPad or the Galaxy Tab, this game comes with a Netflix subscription – a major coup for the streamer’s games catalogue if you ask me. Ustwo also seems to have mastered the art of leaving us wanting more as the 10 levels do finish too quickly.

Title: Monument Valley 3
Developer and Publisher: Ustwo for Netflix Games
Game Type: Puzzle-based exploration
Platforms: Android and iOS
Price: Free to Play with a Netflix Subscription

Verdict (all scores out of 10):

Innovative Gameplay: 9.5

Game Handling and Quality: 10
Value for Time: 10
Overall: 9.83
What Stands Out: The game’s affinity for bending space and perspective continues unabated. MV3 offers a lot more to unravel by adding layers, new structures, and widening the scope of the puzzles on screen.

The music and visuals continue to remain absolutely gorgeous. Ustwo manages to elevate its signature ethereality for a third time. Even the game’s calamity, incessant rain, and rising tides are visually spectacular.

Fails to impress

The puzzles can get a bit repetitive if you choose to clear levels non-stop in a marathon play session.

Do let me know if you find any