[Game Review] Monument Valley on the HONOR 9X Pro - Available on the AppGallery!

Hi HONOR Fans!

Today im getting my Gamer on and will be brining you a review about one of my favourite AppGallery games: Monument Valley

With the glee of the holidays coming to an end and the reality of January setting in, I decided it was a good moment to treat myself to something small. A few years ago an amazing-looking indie puzzle game was released by ustwo games that unfortunately I never got around to playing. Today, I noticed it in the Play Store and decided finally I would spend the 2,99€ to see what all the fuss was about, and whether the game still looked as good today as it did when I first saw it all those years ago. Hope you enjoy this review!

Story

In Monument Valley, you play as Ida, a princess, whose kingdom now appears dormant, with only mysterious monuments left standing. As you go through the game, some more of the story is revealed, but much of the plot appears left up to the imagination of the player, based on what they see in the different chapters. It makes for an experience perfectly suited to a mobile game - you want to find out more, but you’re not bogged down in endless details of obscure plotlines and lore.

Gameplay

In each chapter of Monument Valley you are tasked with traversing a seemingly simple map by tapping where you want Ida to go. It quickly becomes apparent that things are not as simple as they seem as each meticulously thought-out map unfolds. Bridges will revolve, doors will disappear, strange bird creatures will block your path, while timing and memory play increasingly important roles in solving each puzzle. Each level feels like you are stepping into an Escher painting, and the UI is kept completely sparse, allowing the design to shine through. Difficulty-wise there were some puzzles which took a bit of time to complete, but rarely to the point where they became frustrating. All in all the 10 levels took me maybe an hour and a half to complete, and it ran extremely well on my HONOR 9X.

Graphics

Visually, Monument Valley is beautiful. The minimalist aesthetic has aged extremely well, and it could easily have been released this year. As mentioned, the simplistic graphics betray the intricacy of the maps, which shift and slide to reveal increasingly stunning visuals. The colours pop in each chapter, and change up often enough so that each level feels fresh and exciting.

Sound Design

Monument Valley also excels sonically. In each level you are immersed in a realm of icy ambient synths which, while quite soothing, also add to the mystique. Besides the music itself, your actions add layers to the soundscape, with guitar strings ringing and keys gently sounding as you spin cogs or slide stairs to help Ida cross the map.

Overall Verdict

Ultimately, I’m very glad I decided to download Monument Valley. I rarely decide to pay money for games on the Play Store but this time I am very glad I did. It is an immersive gaming experience, with extremely innovative design, satisfying puzzles and enough mystery to keep you moving through the levels.

Download Monument Valley here: https://appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C102034495

What do you think? Have you played Monument Valley? I’d love to hear your opinions!