Indie mobile games are their own little ecosystem of underrated titles. They have attracted developers with their experimental content, ranging from short-burst interactive storytelling like Mountains’ Florence to Jason Roberts’ puzzle video game Gorogoa. These titles have amassed their niche player base, creating a reputation for being “underrated” or “hidden gems” in the ever-growing mobile gaming sphere. However, there is one game that has truly kept me engaged with every release, and that is UsTwo’s Monument Valley.
All three of UsTwo’s Monument Valley games have found a perfect, cozy home on mobile devices. They have been praised for their experimental approach to puzzles, where players rotate camera angles or push and pull platforms to create walkable paths for each game’s protagonists. It was a novel concept that felt perfectly suited to mobile play. As a result of their success, the series has now been ported to consoles like the PlayStation 5, expanding its player base and enhancing visual fidelity beyond the limitations of a small mobile screen.
The Monument Valley series has never been heavy on narrative, but its storytelling is remarkably effective at evoking emotions with every twist and turn. The first two games carried me through moments of shock, sadness, and relief after clearing each level. In this third entry, we follow Noor, a Lightkeeper living in a lighthouse within the Monument Valley universe. Noor serves as a guiding light for travelers, helping them cross the seas safely and making their voyages less dangerous.
The lighthouse serves as the in-game hub where we can interact with other members from their commune or travel from one level to another.
Like a fully interactive puzzle adventure inspired by M.C. Escher’s perspective-breaking artworks, Monument Valley is a series that loves to explore the realm of surrealism, most notably Japanese prints and minimalist sculpture. The first two games, Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2, received universal acclaim for their impressive handcrafted level design and gameplay that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Monument Valley 3 is no different. It still borrows the same magic that the first two games conjured, with mind-bending levels that range from borderline perplexing to absolutely breathtaking. The original game focused on simple platform-pushing and pulling mechanics, along with shifting camera angles, while the sequel expanded its creativity with Matryoshka doll-style stage transitions.
What UsTwo attempted in Monument Valley 3 is not a radical departure from the first two titles, but it reflects the studio’s continued evolution in handcrafted level design. Each stage in this new entry has its own signature style. I guided Noor through intricate origami-inspired contraptions, folding and unfolding paper to create platforms. On another level, I wrestled with an inverted camera perspective that threw my brain off-balance. All of Monument Valley 3’s levels bring their unique twists, though I will refrain from spoiling the surprises.
It’s also worth noting that the puzzles in Monument Valley 3 (and the rest of the games) are not overwhelmingly difficult, nor are they overly simple. They strike a comfortable balance between being fun and challenging.
One of the game’s most charming additions is its boat-riding mechanic. Considering the theme of lighthouses and sea voyages, watching Noor sail a small boat feels like a natural and refreshing expansion of the Monument Valley experience. The boat often accompanies her through different stages, allowing her to help others stranded on Escher-like islands. It reinforces the game’s sense of community and expands its cast beyond the more solitary first and second entries.
While I enjoyed most of what Monument Valley 3 offers, the controls felt awkward on the DualSense controller. Having played the first two games on an iPhone, I was used to intuitive touch controls. Using a controller made movement feel odd, particularly when steering the boat or positioning the cursor on platforms. It is not a dealbreaker, but it was mildly frustrating at times.
Like its predecessors, Monument Valley 3 is short. The first two games could be completed in under an hour, with DLC adding only a few more minutes of gameplay. This third installment is no different. With only nine levels, I finished it in exactly 48 minutes, earning every trophy, including the Platinum. However, Monument Valley 3 will follow the first two games' approach by adding extra levels, which come out this Winter.
Overall, Monument Valley 3’s brevity does not diminish how much the series has evolved over the years. Its intricate level designs, paired with a spellbinding soundtrack, continue to captivate me. And for $20, you can experience how UsTwo has mastered the art of perspective, shapes, and sound, delivering one of gaming’s most beautiful and memorable puzzle adventures.
