Mike Bithell hit the big time with his sidescrolling platformer, Thomas Was Alone. While it may seem like a simple game, there’s a rather complex plot under the surface, and some brilliant narration from Danny Wallace which really makes Thomas a great story-based game.
Each of the playable shapes have personalities, you see, with names making them seem more like real characters than some humans found in other games. Mike’s working on his second project now, Volume, and we’ll have an interview with him on that later this week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce about Thomas.
The game worked really well on the Vita, I thought, allowing you to switch between the characters with relative ease on the touch screen, and the little system feeling like a perfect fit for the tone of the game.
While the platforming might seem simple, some of the later levels were deceptively tricky, with the main characters having to co-operate in order to reach their individual exit portals. It’s just a really great game to play, and one which has received plenty of acclaim.
Jim scored the game 9/10 in his review, highlighting just how emotive and clever the game was:
When the curtain finally closed on Thomas Was Alone, I couldn’t help but feel touched. Despite being two-dimensional in appearance, the game’s cast of characters exuded more personality and depth than that of some games propped up by millions of dollars of development funding.
I completely agree with Jim’s points, and think I’ll have to revisit the game soon, especially after speaking to Mike at EGX late last week. Of course, it might not be for everyone, but since it was free on PlayStation Plus (and is regularly on Steam or Humble Bundle sales very often) you can let us know what you thought.
To do so, simply leave a comment below with a short review of the game, summing up all your thoughts on Thomas. If you’re lucky (and you get your review in by Sunday) then we’ll include you in our weekly Verdict round-up.
Don’t forget to include a rating for the game. Since it’s a downloadable title, the options are slightly different this week. You can choose Buy It if it’s worth the full price, Sale It if you think it’s worth picking up in a Steam or PSN sale, Plus It if you think it’s only worth picking up for free on PlayStation Plus or Avoid It if you weren’t a fan of the rectangles.
Dan Jones
Wonderful game – simple yet challenging. For me Danny Wallace’s narration made it the game it was. Claire was a superhero! Even better on Vita too. Buy It.
Taylor Made
Never played it cause my wife got so addicted to it that she 100% it & even buying the DLC.
She said a must buy simple & fun
three_leg_jake
Great game, simple, good story, great characters for rectangles, buy it! I have just made sure I completed all the trophies before I dump the PS3 for the PS4.
jbni
I downloaded it the day it was given for free on PS+ and beat it that night in one sitting. It’s one of the few recent games that has actually left me feeling happy. Seriously, how many games can make you feel affection for a block?
Yes, it’s short, but with its funny Portal-style script, it’s a gem.
Buy it…when it’s discounted.
sparkyscrum
Buy it.
It’s simple looks don’t give you the full taste of the game. It takes you in wanting to know more and how far is it all going to go.
Can’t say how much I enjoyed this game.
lambchop
It’s a oresome game