Monument Valley

 iOS
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 171 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 214
  3. Negative: 16 out of 214
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  1. zonabossa
    Nov 21, 2014
    10
    This is a great little game, good for adults and children. Teaches perception, 3D thinking and imagination. Clever, subtle, beautiful, addictive, with a calm relaxing music. Pure magic. I want more.
  2. vrildox
    Apr 6, 2014
    10
    This game reminded me of DampGnat's Wonderputt. That is a compliment of the highest form. This game is not only beautiful, but also very deep. Even though there isn't dialogue or cutscenes, the devs get their point across. It doesn't hurt that the puzzles and gameplay are flawless. Buy this game now and never look back. We need more iOS games like this.
  3. BassGuru82
    Jul 12, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite iOS games. Monument Valley is a beautiful puzzle game inspired by the artwork of MC Escher. It is fairly easy and a bit short but it is an experience that shouldn't be missed by anyone with an iPhone or iPad.
  4. jankywalker
    Jan 15, 2015
    10
    One of the best games for iOS; not a hard point to argue, but I know a lot of people are skeptical because of the price point. Incredibly well developed, takes full advantage of the iPhone's graphical quality, and is "simple" enough not to frustrate with its puzzles -- just a great atmospheric journey that sits with you for a bit. If you're a fan of Fez, you'll love this.
  5. monkeymojo
    Apr 9, 2014
    10
    Monument Valley is an amazingly fun game. It's like Fez meets MC Escher. I only wished it was a bit longer, the ten levels can be finished in one sitting.
  6. Magicguy1
    Apr 13, 2014
    10
    The puzzle genre has been has been nice to mobile users for years and monument valley is no exeption it looks like a generic move the block to get to the goal but it it has a twist a twist in reality it some times looks like you can't do anything but your probably being tricked by its masterpiece of puzzles and the story is poetic puzzle as well it has a very good price and it literallyThe puzzle genre has been has been nice to mobile users for years and monument valley is no exeption it looks like a generic move the block to get to the goal but it it has a twist a twist in reality it some times looks like you can't do anything but your probably being tricked by its masterpiece of puzzles and the story is poetic puzzle as well it has a very good price and it literally looks like art… Expand
  7. AndrewWhite
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Love it, not just a simple game but a dreamy idea that improves your imagination.
    Great design and a lot of interesting levels. If you're looking for a good puzzle game, you found it .The experience of Monument Valley is sure to please both: experienced players and just-for-fun players
  8. salmankhan81099
    May 20, 2015
    10
    Great game great concept great puzzles great controles just a perfect puzzle game best game on mobile platform and thanks to ustwo thatthey released it on android also because they dont take money for making it exlusive on iphone
  9. Bumblebugbee
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Nothing is impossible. You may not see a clear route but don't be discouraged. A different perspective may be all you need and everything will fall in place. You may be unsure of your destination but remember its journey that matters. With every obstacle overcome you become more confident in your ability to see the hidden paths and navigate these twisted worlds.

    Monument Valley    Nothing is impossible. You may not see a clear route but don't be discouraged. A different perspective may be all you need and everything will fall in place. You may be unsure of your destination but remember its journey that matters. With every obstacle overcome you become more confident in your ability to see the hidden paths and navigate these twisted worlds.

    Monument Valley shines in its clever level design and focus on minimalism. All the sharp edges, even symmetry, and tri-tone blocks give this game a super crisp, clean, look. Even accounting for the perspective shifts its really easy to see where you can and can't walk. There is little to no unnecessary flair to distract you while you try to solve the puzzles. Sometimes you'll just want to take a break from playing to just enjoy the sheer beauty of this game. It even gives you an option to take a picture at the end of each level to share with your friends or keep as a reminder of your accomplishment.

    The goal in each level is simple. All you have to do is go from point A to point B. The problem is that there is no clear path. You'll either have to move and twist the map around to flow the way you need it or spin the camera to make what seem like impossible gaps to line up and connect perfectly. None of the puzzles are too hard. Ida's movement is quite limited so there are really only so many ways you can go. This is clearly designed just to be a calm and relaxing experience. You may be scratching your head every so often but don't expect too much challenge.

    Who is Ida you may ask. You control the princess Ida through her journey across the sacred geometry. Yes, there is a story here but its so light it might fly away. Don't take my teasing too seriously. I enjoyed what little bits of story and dialogue there was but it just wasn't very memorable. This game is clearly focused on its unique puzzles and vibrant art. There was absolutely no need to weigh down the experience with an overbearing or half-baked story. It would have gone against everything else the game stands for.

    In the end, I think anyone could enjoy this game and I would recommend everyone giving it a chance. The minimalism in both the art and sound design helps trance the player in a wonderful zen like state. Its a great escape from the hectic, fast-paced, and intricate games we normally see and play on our favorite consoles or gaming computers. A rare mobile gem that doesn't rely on the usual free-to-play revenue model. The only time it will ask for any money is for the DLC which is well worth it as it adds more of the same exceptional level design. Buy this game, you won't regret it.    … Expand
  10. NoahRoss
    Jul 4, 2018
    10
    With beautiful artwork, cleverly mind-bending puzzles, and a simple-yet-touching story, this masterpiece is a perfect example of the potential of the mobile platform for gaming.
  11. sandeep
    Mar 27, 2015
    9
    Love it, Nice little game that made me dreamy though but it was a zen like experience. The art style is incredible with 3D perception along geometries executed with clever aesthetics. Absorbing, beautiful, subtle,with a calm relaxing music. Pure magic. You'll need more. Just try this. Thank you Mr. President
    #HouseOfCard got me into this.
  12. mike176525
    Apr 4, 2014
    9
    This game was absolutely surprising. I bought it (I think) around an hour after it was released. The game is beautiful, the soundtrack is pretty good, and the level design is incredibly clever. If you're looking for a good puzzle game on your favored iOS device, I wholeheartedly recommend Monument Valley.
  13. brockcheese
    Jan 22, 2015
    9
    Monument Valley is a unique M.C. Escher type dreamscape with fantastic visuals and audio that relax the player whilst marveling at the beauty of the graphics. With very unique puzzles, Monument Valley is a must have on any iphone or ipad.
  14. amasterflash
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    A true feat that mobile phone gaming can be artistic and well constructed. Not once did I see an advertisement or a microtransaction, and it made me feel as if it were something more than a cash in.
  15. StevenvanL
    May 11, 2014
    9
    I just spent a very enjoyable and Zen-like two hours with Monument Valley on my iPad. It is a new, arty puzzler that brings to mind Escher, Journey and possibly Fez. It enjoys playing with your brain by playing with perspective. As a pointy-hatted princess, you have to make your way around structures that could not exist in the real world. To do so, you have to rotate levers, which mayI just spent a very enjoyable and Zen-like two hours with Monument Valley on my iPad. It is a new, arty puzzler that brings to mind Escher, Journey and possibly Fez. It enjoys playing with your brain by playing with perspective. As a pointy-hatted princess, you have to make your way around structures that could not exist in the real world. To do so, you have to rotate levers, which may alter the environment, raise and lower paths, step on tricky-to-reach switches and befriend a blinking, yellow totem (!). If two paths don’t actually connect, but you can manipulate the view in such a way that they seem to line up, you can now actually walk across from one to the other.

    It is not an entirely new concept, but is done very well here. You will pleasantly struggle to grasp the impossible bending of space, but you won’t be stumped. There was only one instance where I was stalled for a longish amount of time, because I didn’t realize that lifting a lid from one end would reveal something else beneath it, than lifting it from the other end. My sense of reality was getting in the way of my embrace of surrealism.

    Monument Valley is a very short game with only ten – beautifully designed – chapters, so it won’t take you long to finish; about an hour or two. But the stylish, charmingly simple graphics, the poetic hints suggesting a melancholy backstory, the relaxing music and – of course – the surreal puzzle-platforming, make for a great experience. I guess some people will object to the relatively high price for such a short mobile game, but if you’re someone who values quality over quantity, then picking this up is – ironically – a no-brainer.    … Expand
  16. KramerNic
    Apr 4, 2014
    9
    Astounded by the inspired visuals and the use of depth perception. Awesome time waster and really well-made game. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fresh puzzle-based game.
  17. kylestarr
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    It seems the urgency for time has permeated the minds of the developers at ustwo. Monument Valley’s 2-3 hour play-through is the perfect amount of that decadent cake. The experience of Monument Valley is sure to please both the hardcore gamer and casual audiences alike. In fact, it is the perfect example of the importance of short and sweet, possibly introducing these polarizing audiencesIt seems the urgency for time has permeated the minds of the developers at ustwo. Monument Valley’s 2-3 hour play-through is the perfect amount of that decadent cake. The experience of Monument Valley is sure to please both the hardcore gamer and casual audiences alike. In fact, it is the perfect example of the importance of short and sweet, possibly introducing these polarizing audiences to a new approach in game design as seen in Journey, The Room, or EDGE. And like that decadent cake, Monument Valley’s length, design, and puzzles are mesmerizing enough to feel satisfied yet haunting enough to warrant constant craving. If DLC is abound, sign me up.… Expand
  18. eskim01
    Jan 20, 2015
    9
    Endlessly charming, fun little noggin scratcher puzzles, amazing aesthetic choice and spot-on execution. I don't normally play mobile games since my phone is a bit outdated, but I am very glad that I decided to pick this one up.

    None of the puzzles outstayed their welcome, nor were the too difficult for most anyone to be able to figure out. This could be a great little game to play    Endlessly charming, fun little noggin scratcher puzzles, amazing aesthetic choice and spot-on execution. I don't normally play mobile games since my phone is a bit outdated, but I am very glad that I decided to pick this one up.

    None of the puzzles outstayed their welcome, nor were the too difficult for most anyone to be able to figure out. This could be a great little game to play with your children. The atmosphere was engrossing and I truly loved the art style and aesthetics of this piece. It's hard to imagine being enraptured by little birds and a girl, but I loved the little caws, the pitter patter of the Princess' footsteps and the ambient music.

    For those who believe this game was too short, I get it. I wish it was a little longer too, but it is what it is. Also, the game is super cheap. To those of you that say it should have been free, maybe you don't understand how games are made, or are too overwhelmed by free-mium type games to care. Either way, I am very happy with my $3 purchase (seriously, you're complaining about three bucks...) and will be picking up any expansions/dlc that the devs have to offer.

    An easy recommendation, and a hearty 9/10 :)    … Expand
  19. PaprikaJancsi
    Jul 25, 2014
    9
    This game is very beautiful and imaginative play. A little short, but consolation is that the player participates in an experience which you never forget. Touching and varied artwork. I will not give you the maximum points only due to the above mentioned brevity. Those who can give it a try.
  20. nulldiver
    Nov 13, 2014
    9
    Monument Valley is a charming and imaginative premium puzzle game that clearly demonstrates that casual iOS games don't have to be mindless or derivative. The game is short — in a "leaves you wanting more" sense — and the day after completing it (I finished it off in an evening) I found myself recommending it to everyone with an iPhone.
  21. edwartexe
    Mar 12, 2015
    9
    best cellphone game out there
    the puzzle's are fun and interesting while leading them with a great m.c.escher style of art. sureal landscapes and puzzles are what make this game unique, with a hidden mysterious story that flows perfectly with little dialogue.
  22. AltCntrlGamer
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    A great game that uses perspective to create maps, like a M.C.Esher drawing this game has level design that will mess with your mind and yet make complete sense. Not a big game or a hard game, although there are times you will scratch your head, this is definitely a game that has to be experienced. A pleasant journey through mind bending worlds of wonder. Seeing as this game is now freeA great game that uses perspective to create maps, like a M.C.Esher drawing this game has level design that will mess with your mind and yet make complete sense. Not a big game or a hard game, although there are times you will scratch your head, this is definitely a game that has to be experienced. A pleasant journey through mind bending worlds of wonder. Seeing as this game is now free it's definitely worth picking up… Expand
  23. Model_C4R105
    Jan 22, 2016
    9
    Monument Valley is a mobile puzzle game developed by Us Two Games available on Android and iOS. You play as a princes named Ida that needs to solve these ever evolving 3D labyrinths to find out answers on why she is lost. Graphics look simple yet stunning; a very beautiful game that is pleasing to the eye. The art direction that Us Two Games took was having sharp edged graphics with aMonument Valley is a mobile puzzle game developed by Us Two Games available on Android and iOS. You play as a princes named Ida that needs to solve these ever evolving 3D labyrinths to find out answers on why she is lost. Graphics look simple yet stunning; a very beautiful game that is pleasing to the eye. The art direction that Us Two Games took was having sharp edged graphics with a perfect blend of colors. The music goes very well with the game that has the player calm, and thinking on the puzzle at hand. Level designs are well crafted and made me turn my mobile device from side to side to get a better perspective on where to make your next move. The difficulty in each level varies and are not completely presented in order of difficulty precedence. Players could have a hard time with some earlier levels and find some later levels quite easy however, this does not count against the game. I found enjoyment in the random level difficulty because it kept me examining the entire screen at every level. Although some might say that the game is too short as if there weren't enough levels; I would have to disagree. The amount of content quality, and art direction fully justifies the price.
    My only gripe was the ambiguity in the story in which the ending left me wondering why the crows were so rude in some levels, squawking every time I was in their way (WTF? The path is big enough go around!). Monument Valley is a great game and all gamers would enjoy this masterpiece of mobile gaming.    … Expand
  24. jfarq
    May 23, 2018
    9
    Beautiful puzzle game, Its aesthetics will appeal to any spectator with a good taste for shapes and gradients.

    As an architect I am fascinated by level design and how rewarding it is to solve them, the story is simple and easy to follow. Yet, I expected something more developed in this section. Indispensable!
  25. SomePersona
    Feb 9, 2017
    9
    This game is amazing! I got it on my birthday and slowly played it from beginning to end in two to three days. It is truly creative, imaginative, and mind-whopping.
  26. beeanadou
    Apr 16, 2018
    9
    Was once totally free for limited time in China mainland area, and rose a total frenzy of this game. Like many puzzle games, the amazing graphics captured a legion of female players.

    The fame soon arouse debates in many forums on whether Monument Valley has copied the psp game "Echochrome". Both games are aiming to use Optical illusion to create the game world for the user to explore,    Was once totally free for limited time in China mainland area, and rose a total frenzy of this game. Like many puzzle games, the amazing graphics captured a legion of female players.

    The fame soon arouse debates in many forums on whether Monument Valley has copied the psp game "Echochrome". Both games are aiming to use Optical illusion to create the game world for the user to explore, it may be not quite fair to compare those two, as touch screen will greatly enhance the playability of any game, besides, monument valley is much newer product, the graphic tech development enables a palm sided phone to function like a toybox, it's no surprise that Monument Valley's interface looks much fancier.

    I personally prefer Monument Valley for its well-present of M.C Escher's imaginative world and wonderfully expand it.    … Expand
  27. Ruzaky
    Aug 25, 2020
    9
    This game shows that mobile gaming have a potential and can be not only free to play microtransactions sh*t.
  28. SmallCatt101
    Nov 18, 2019
    9
    Monument Vally is a beautiful, incredible, imaginative and extraordinary adventure. I feel that it's the second best game on IOS. Just behind Oceanhorn.
  29. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    9
    Very creative game design. A Mc Escher perpective inspired casual puzzle game. Short but high quality. Great art style. must play
  30. Empidonax
    Apr 2, 2022
    9
    I'm not that fond of mobile games in particular, but as far as mobile games go this is the best one out there. I got this game for free through an amazon app store deal back when they did free app promotions. It was enough to get me to buy the game when I switched to an android tablet, and later the second one when it came out. It is very rare for me to pay for a mobile app.
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best iOS Game of 2014
5
#5 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2014
15
#15 Most Shared iOS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    May 13, 2015
    88
    This eautiful puzzle platformer is an atmospheric trip, but a tad too short. Well designed puzzles keep you occupied for couple of hours, but when the credits roll, you'll be crawing for more. [May 2015]
  2. DarkZero
    Feb 3, 2015
    90
    Monument Valley is a perfect combination of creative beauty and fun simplicity.
    Read full review
  3. Post Arcade (National Post)
    Sep 4, 2014
    90
    Monument Valley is a strong contender for my mobile game of the year.
    Read full review
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