Monument Valley 2 Reviews

by Whitehair250

I love monument valley, I really do. But what has happened to the cleverness, the difficulty, the head scratching puzzles that made the first game what it was? The first game had a main story, forgotten shores, and idas dream. There were some hard puzzles in the main story, harder puzzles in shores, and the hardest puzzles in idas dream. Each section of the game built off the last in terms of difficulty, in the way platforms would move, in the way the world would visually bend to your finger. Monument 2 is completely devoid of any challenge whatsoever. Some levels of the game have proactively no puzzle whatsoever, and you’re limited not by your ability to think in the MC Escher world, but by the walking speed of the character. The recent “expansion” (I use this term very loosely) for the game got me excited. Wow, 4 new levels since the game was released! They’ve had all this time to think of clever puzzles and unique ways the world can hide a solution. Imagine my disappointment when it wasn’t 4 levels, but rather one level with 4 transitions, and that it has the same difficulty as the third level of monument 2. The difficulty of the puzzles was never something anyone complained about in 1, so it makes no sense to me why it was removed. I know monument valley 3 is in the works- I sincerely hope that it won’t become the boated brain-dead mess that 2 is.

by Mickeys Bff

As a huge fan of he original MV, there seemed to be a distinct difference in the effort put into the original and the sequel; MV2’s settings, for example, were a bit too simple for my taste. The settings in MV seemed to do a better job of creating a clear vision of what the fictional setting of “Monument Valley” looked like with its tower complexes, waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and ancient catacombs (one of my favorite parts of the original). The detail of those settings really involves the player more in the story about restoring the Sacred Geometry to restore the valley. MV2, however, consists of overly-simple settings, most of which are literally just a floating block in the middle of a plain background (comparable to the levels in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker), where’s in MV you’re scaling actual mountainsides, climbing actual towers, and exploring actual cave complexes. MV2 could have at least given us a waterfall or something in the background to look at and remind us that “Monument Valley” even exists as a setting (the level Botanical Gardens especially did not at all give off any “garden” vibes when it definitely could have). Not to be completely negative, I did love the level where you’re inside Totem; that was pretty awesome.

P.S. This is all without mentioning that it literally took me, like, an hour to beat the game, and most puzzles can be solve by simple trial-and-error methods (with a couple of exceptions, to be fair)

by Putabanana

As a huge fan of the first game and forgotten shores, this second installment did nothing to raise the standard set by the first. The art and music were on point, but the levels themselves were shorter, simpler, and far less intriguing than those in the first.
The difficulty/complexity of the first game made it rewarding to play and also increased the playtime such that retrospectively I’d have happily paid twice the asking price to download the first... on the other hand I’d tell anyone who hasn’t played these to only buy the first and forgotten shores and skip MV2 (or play it first).
MV2 also seemed to have a smaller set of puzzle mechanics. Typically in this game you are limited to rotating platforms and sliding platforms. In MV1 you had these, but you also manipulated the entire map relative to camera angle, redirected water flows, channeled bird people to/from switches etc. The only new mechanic in this game was having two characters that you could direct which ultimately functioned as an easier version of the NPC birds or smaller version of the block friend you work with.
In short, the first game had puzzles, clever mechanics, presented a challenge and had a compelling storyline. MV2 felt like a reader rabbit game; a children’s interactive storybook with simple references to the original. The first game involved multiple sessions of play, this one I finished in under an hour.

by Earth Versus Soup

...I thought the first was pretty awful, so....
I’m glad this was an improvement over the first so the bundle deal wasn’t completely infuriating, but there still just isn’t much here. The improvement is that one or two levels do actually have some puzzle elements towards the end instead of being an interactive animation straight through. Unfortunately, those are few and far between. Once again, if the “game” had just been categorized differently, it would not have been so disappointing. As it is, you have a great idea and mechanics that don’t have enough actual puzzles involved to fairly classify it as a puzzle game. Lovely, but just okay, not great, though a definite improvement over the first. I still can’t recommend it unless you understand that it’s largely an interactive animation without puzzles until almost the very end and extremely short. If you’re okay with that, give it a try, but I do not recommend the bundle and beg you to skip the first game.

by Halefire101

I had a hard time trying to figure out what score to give this game. Ultimately I settled on 3 starts for one reason, it’s much too short for the price. What’s here is an excellent, visually striking, heartwarming puzzle game. The art style is astounding and the music is just present enough to tug at your emotions while sill making things feel quiet and lonely. The puzzles are interesting and unique. None are terribly challenging but they’re all enjoyable. Unfortunately as amazing as this game is it also commits my number 1 gaming sin. There is no replay value at all. The game is about an hour long and once you’ve played through you’re just done. There’s no reason to play it again and seek out extra goodies or collectibles because there aren’t any. $5 is just too much for a 1 hour experience with no replay value. If it were $1 or $2 then I’d say go for it but even though $5 isn’t much it’s a little steep for a game that shows you everything it has to offer in 1 hour.

by Mattchew_11

The game is wonderful! I had a blast playing this, but after about 1:30 of gameplay it was done. Before I knew it, I saw the credits. No extra content. Only 14 levels. The game demographic is clearly for kids >6, as they would struggle a little. The puzzles and illusions are great, and it really played with my mind. (Especially the last one!) But, the solutions are a little too obvious in some of the levels. The way the game introduces the mechanics is great, and made the game too easy. After you beat the game, they shove the original in your face. I deleted the game after beating it. If you like hard puzzle games, maybe not this one. About 20 minutes of the game for me was hard. If you are starting puzzle games, I truly recommend this. Some of the levels made me say “Woah.” This is no exaggeration. Anyway, this game is awesome and it’s really fun! Thanks for reading this novel, and have fun playing the game!

After thought: The price is not really worth the content if you can breeze through these types of games.

by Evil Dr.Corndog

I you thought the first one was good, then wait until you play this one. The game does not disappoint, bringing in new elements and more stunning colors and visual effects. There is a story, but it didn't fill in much regarding the many questions such as, "Who are these characters and how do they connect to the first game?", "Who are the temple guardians, the four-block beings who help the characters?", among others. The levels were a bit short, but they didn't disappoint. They even added this feature where, at the end of the level, you can draw your own geometric figure, which I thought was very nice. The sound effects when you move blocks, move things up and down, and rotate platforms is actually quite satisfying. Overall, this game has absolutely stunning art, great levels, and, even though it's very small, a nice story. Great work, ustwo games.

by Lucasjsemczuk

I was a big fan of Monument Valley when it first came out and upon hearing about the release of Monument Valley 2, I immediately downloaded it. I love the introduction of a new character and the implementation of family into the game. It makes the player much more sympathetic with Ro throughout her journey through the Valley simply because of the fact she has a child. It truly is an amazing experience and continues to be my favorite iOS game on the market.

That said, I really want the Mac version to be developed and released. With the new Touch Bar, controlling the slider that changes the architectural layout of the mazes would be effortless and using the mouse to point and click where Ro should move next would feel natural. I think a macOS version of this game would complement the already amazing series even more.

by PendragonHouse

Maybe I wasn't tearing out my hair on a level like I did the first one...and Monument Valley and the insanely wonderful free one that was made for a charity (what an incredible gift that was and my all time favorite). It just seemed to end to suddenly.

It is still wonderful to play. It was lovely, score was well done and the puzzles were a little different so that is great. That said...I still love the series and would so buy again. I replay the first sets but I don't think I would replay this as much. That is just me. I could be having a cranky day....but notice I said "as much"...not that this wouldn't be replayed again later. I wasn't expecting another so this was a lovely little break from reality (or fake reality) so was very welcome. I do think it is worth the price just because it is so unique.

by Rebecca🐬🐬

I can’t stress enough how much I love this game! I have never given a game a 5 star review, but you deserve it! I love the sound a lot but wish that the new chapter The Lost Forest’s music was in Apple Music. The graphics are simply stunning and breathtaking!
I personally like that Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 have not been copied and that you didn’t copy another game. It’s original, creative, beautiful, and satisfying. The puzzles aren’t unsolvable, there are no adds, and so much more! I love the story of the mother and daughter and the storyline, Monument Valley had remarkable soundtracks, graphics, and an understandable storyline. I also liked that once you finished the main levels, you could still do Forgotten Shores and Ida’s dream. I loved that Totem was still in this game and thought it was a nice touch. Thank you for this time!

9 yr old

by Dizzle66

MV2 is absolutely wonderful. Many will expect things that are not there, like endless gameplay or more challenging puzzles. This is an art piece, no question, but not like many "art games" I've played. It has a sweet story to guide the gameplay, and the puzzles are very accessible by most age groups. The new interactions, like the end of level sequence, add such an immersive, satisfying richness. I also adore and admire the art style, and am constantly screengrabbing throughout the game (helpfully built in). I want to say MV1 was more challenging, and that the sequel is less of a game, however I think more it's that MV1 taught me about this new world and how to interact with it. The sequel so perfectly continues that story, and I would gladly continue to purchase more with the same exact outcome. Thank you UsTwo for becoming UsMany and crafting something so beautiful and fun. Keep em coming!!

by Bonjourviv

All of the reviewers saying this felt “short” either haven’t played the first game, or have gotten used to it and therefore felt like this was less of a challenge. I disagree. After an hour I haven’t finished it yet and I feel like it’s already on par with the first. The puzzles from MV1 were not that difficult to begin with, but I fell in love with the visuals and UI of it all. If you wanted more of that, it’s all here again. I appreciate the new elements the creators added with the 2-characters gameplay as well as the “drawing” aspect. The environments + story here are simply gorgeous and feel a little more whimsical and upbeat than the first. You could do a WHOLE lot worse for $5 for an evening of this, really... and if you feel like you’ve wasted your time, well you must either be cheap or prefer mindless shooter games. Just tellin’ it like it is.

by 903brandonf

I agree with what other people have said. There is not A TON of actual gameplay. However, it was definitely enough for me. There are 14 levels in total with a couple of them being very short, but the rest taking me anywhere from 10-25 minutes to complete. I probably spent at least 3 hours on the game in total, so you could probably finish it in one day, but it helps if you do a couple levels each day to make it feel longer. I also agree that the game was not as challenging as the last one. However, it still did challenge me and make me think. There were still a couple of levels I got stuck on for a while. This game focuses on the story and the art. Overall, it is a beautiful game and you will probably enjoy it if you enjoyed the first game. $5 may seem expensive, but it was surely worth it for me.

by Leafeon :3

I have been a long time fan of Monument Valley. I love the puzzles in the levels and solving them. When I heard about the sequel, I was very excited to play. I love the soundtrack in Monument Valley 2. The visuals were, how do I say this, monumental (No pun intended). It was absolutely stunning. However, Monument Valley 2 is not perfect. I feel like the story and characters were not as developed. What I got was that a mother was teaching her daughter to navigate through Monument Valley. In one level, I saw a younger Ro ( the mother) and someone who seemed to be her mother, or at least the spirit who talks to Ro, saying goodbye to her daughter. In the last level, Ro, and what I assume to be her ancestors, all welcome back the child who is now fully grown. I don't know if the story takes place before or after Monument Valley 1. Personally, I think that the sound effects and level design made up for it! But I think we all know what made this a 5 star... TOTEM!!!

by #titaniclover416

I fell in love with Monument Valley the first time I played it. The graphics and the storyline were so beautiful and smooth, I can't help but STILL play the game over and over again today. It is an amazing game.

But then, the 2nd Monument Valley came along, and blew the first one out of the water.

The second I saw it on MonumentValley2 Store, I ran to my mother (because we're both Monument fans) yelling, " Mom! Mom! They just came out with a Monument Valley 2!" And so I begged her to let me buy it, and she gave in.

The second one is just...so...beautiful and moving. The story about the relationship between the mother and daughter was so nice. And seeing the daughter go from very dependent on her mother to now self-sufficient was amazing. The graphics are also even more amazing than the first. And the levels are much more fun and trickier.

In the last level, when they reunite, I nearly cried. It is such a moving storyline, with beautiful graphics and awesome new levels to play. Like the first, I still play the game over and over again. If I could rate your app 10 million stars, I would. Trust me.

Thank you so much for bringing Monument Valley into my life, ustwo games. They are amazing-awesome-super-duper-great games, so please don't hesitate to make a Monument Valley III!! I cannot wait to see what beautiful game you make next. I will never, ever forget Monument Valley and how stellar it is.

Thanks for reading,
Alex 💙

by Jesseondrums

During the end of my semester I was stressed and would take breaks by going for a walks and smoking a cigar.
I came across this game (if you can call it a game) and it became this relaxing time I would take away from studying.

It’s not a strategy, you can’t die and you don’t collect points; In other words, there’s nothing creating a tension forcing you to want to keep playing. Just the opposite, I find I don’t want to spend all my time on the game so I can save a level for another Time. The levels become precious moments of peace that I didn’t want to hastily consume.

This doesn’t mean there isn’t smarts involved. You are forced to look at the pathway differently in order to see there are more ways to travel than the most flat and straight road.
It’s Penrose stairs come to life.

It’s a relaxing joy to find the alternate path and more so when you can see the options like you’re in the matrix. I can feel the tension in my shoulders relax and the knot in my chest loosen when I play this game.

You can’t play stressed because it’s not fast paced. Play with the intention to relax and you will become relaxed. It’s immensely enjoyable and therapeutic. I only hope they keep making levels and add ons because this has become a treat that I savor and I’m running out with no more supply after I finish MV2 😬 I'm getting stressed thinking about it... Better go play a level.

by El1anaG

Monument valley is one of my favorite games. I saw MonumentValley2 in one of those apple stores where they let you play on the tablets and phones. Since then I kept and kept looking and looking for it on the AppStore. The moment I started playing that was it... I was hooked. I saw the second version and I knew that I NEEDED to get it. And to all those people that said the storyline was boring, I have something to say to you. This storyline was about the same character as in the fist one. And the child was her daughter, which means that the storyline in both apps connect which I love . I think not a lot of you knew that because you didn't take the hint when under one of the levels names it said "In which Ro ____ an old friend" (I forgot the other part) .The old friend that it was referring to was the block dude which was in fact in the first version. I LOVE this game so much that I would like to see version 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, (one day later) and version 100,000!!!!

P.S. I cried many times during this...

Mkay bye😜

by Tk1997

In a time where mobile games are perceived as quick cash grabs, I’m genuinely happy to see a team out there who dedicated this much effort and love into their game. The geometric puzzles are always a joy to solve, never too hard nor too easy, but just with the right amount of challenge. The further I progressed into the game, the more I grew fond of the characters. The game’s art style and visuals are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve tried a plethora of mobile games, but none were this close to beautiful. The best part wasn’t me playing through the game, but seeing my own mother, who haven’t played anything more than one or two mobile games in her life, walk through the game by herself (and occasionally asking for help for a really challenging puzzle!). Not only did the developers manage to make a great game, but they managed to do so while catering to both avid and casual gamers. To the team behind this masterpiece, I want to tell you that me and my mother, and many others I’m sure, can’t wait to visit the world of Monument Valley once again.

by Tripleverbosity

I struggled a bit with how to rate this game. Most likely if you’re reading this you’ve already played the first Monument Valley. Let me affirm what others have said in that this is an easier game in terms of mechanics. However the game is very beautiful, more so than its predecessor, in terms of art, gameplay, and story. I was a bit perturbed by the ease at which I solved it, however I can’t in good conscience rate this less than 5 stars. As a stand-alone title it is superb and absolutely gorgeous. The philosophy of the story is extremely whimsical and almost meditative in its beauty. The fact that the difficult is less than the first may turn off some to which I understand, however I have no problem paying the price for a title like this on iOS. If this game came first it would be met with the same acclaim the predecessor had. If I were to recommend this series to someone I would advise they start here and then go back and try the first one plus expansions. All in all, it’s a fantastic puzzle game filled with rich art and animation.

by Kittygirlcupcake146

THIS GAME IS THE BEAT GAME OF ALL TIME!!!! I thought the first one was good, and then this one came!! As soon as I saw it in MonumentValley2 Store, I bought it! It was so fun! The levels were just the right amount of challenging, not to easy not to hard, but I have a few minor suggestions: the main thing I didn’t like was that the story lines are not clear. I have so many questions about MV1 and MV2. Is Ida the queen or princess of the crows? Why did she go on that whole adventure? Who was that ghost lady and why does she call Ida a “ thieving princess”. What is the ghost lady even talking about? And what does totem pole guy have to do with it? The story line in MV2 was a little clearer, but it had nothing to do with the first one.
Is Ro’s child Ida? Is Ro the ghost in MV1? Why does Ro have to leave her child? What were all the little sparks coming out of Ro’s hat? And I was also kind of disappointed when there were no bonus levels in MV2. In MV1 their was Idas dream and forgotten shores but there were none in MV2. But otherwise I loved it! Please consider what I said if you are going to make MV3 (which I hope you do) thank you 4 reading!

by Graphite Tiger

MV2 is a solid, good game and I’m glad I have it. I’ve got MV1, Forgotten Shores and Ida’s Dream and now MV2. I played them in that order and suggest you do the same.

MV2 has a different story line, but one that is also heartfelt and good spirited. Since the game follows the paths of both mother and daughter it came across (to me) as a version of the series that is built to include younger players, either with an adult or not. That would appear to be the reason certain creative decisions were made. If you keep this in mind, then the differences between this one and the others makes sense. It’s a different valley, with different colors and a different story to tell.

I won’t spoil any details for those that haven’t played it. The graphics are beautiful and the soundtrack and sound design are of special note. They are excellent and the union of music, sound design and visuals is well crafted. Maybe better than the others, imo - but all are superior.

There are varied story “themes” which are prevalent and multiple playthroughs of the game yield better understanding and thus more enjoyment/appreciation of it - at least for me.

Special note: there are gameplay mechanics that are new and unique to MV2 and are very inventive.

I’ve played it through about four times and really enjoyed it. No regrets. Price is fair.

Very recommended!

by ArisoL MakarA

I loved monument valley, and monument valley 2 is a very good game, however the levels weren't as challenging and they felt really short. Plus, the storyline was lacking. From what I can gather it is a mother teaching her daughter the ways of something so that one day she can take over. You rapidly aged the little girl and I felt that was unnecessary. I know it is meant to imply the passage of time, but I felt it took away from the game. We don't learn anything about the ghosts?? Or temple guardians?? What is their purpose? Why are they there? I thought it would also somehow tie into the first game. A little disappointed. I don't want to leave on a bad note, so I would like to say I did enjoy the game and I had a lot of fun with it. I look forward to a monument valley 3 hopefully, or perhaps a game that happens very early in the timeline of this universe and explains why everything is now in ruins. As always, coloring and graphics are amazing! Great job to the design team and artists who worked hard on it. Overall, i love the game and will continue to play monument valley in the future. Good job guys!
Sincerely,
A loyal fan <3

by Beat INSANE! 7-0

Firstly, this game is stunningly beautiful. The way everything moves is flowing and smooth, and the complementing soundtrack is honestly the best iOS soundtrack I've heard in a while. It suits the game perfectly. The art direction in this game is top notch and probably deserves an award of some kind. The story here is also quirky, intriguing, and touching. It's not a tearjerker, but I felt the love between mother and child, and it warmed my heart.

Any game can get by with good visuals and sounds, but the gameplay here is enjoyable as well. Although the puzzles in the beginning were admittedly easy, especially if you played the original game, the difficulty curve was consistent and the puzzles towards the end were tough. All of them were satisfying though, if only because the unique geometry requires you to think in a way you normally wouldn't.

Overall, if you're only looking for a brain-bender of a puzzle game, this may not be for you. However, I think that everyone can get something out of MV2, because I won't forget the experience for quite a bit. I look forward to the updates so I can get back into this lovely, lovely world.