Dinsun Review
I'm usually skeptical of games that are described as 'art,' but Monument Valley is one of the few that earns the title. It’s short—shorter than I’d like—but every single screen is a masterpiece of composition. It doesn't scream at you or demand fast reflexes. Instead, it asks you to look closer and think about space in a way that feels genuinely refreshing for a man tired of typical mobile tropes.
Now, as a gamer who likes a bit of 'meat' on the bone, the puzzles are undeniably easy. You’ll rarely get stuck for more than a minute. If you’re looking for a logic-heavy grind, you won’t find it here. But as a complete package? The sound design, the color palettes, the simple story—it’s high-quality stuff. It’s a bit of a 'one-and-done' experience, but it’s an experience worth having. I’d give it a 90 if it gave me more reason to go back, but once the illusion is revealed, the magic fades slightly.
Overall Stats
Pros & Cons
- Stunning visual design
- Incredible atmospheric audio
- Perfectly intuitive controls
- Very short playtime
- Little to no replay value
- Puzzles lack significant challenge
Technical Report
Performance: Visually flawless; no technical issues noted.
- No time limits
- Audio cues
Audience Fit
Buy if: You appreciate high-quality art direction and want a relaxing, contemplative experience.
Skip if: You want difficult puzzles or long-form gameplay with deep progression.
- Monument Valley 2
- Lara Croft GO
- Gris
Reviewer Context
- Reviewer: Dinsun, 40yo Male, Conservative Professional Critic
- Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
- Playtime: 4 hours
- Status: Finished Base Game + All Expansions
