I typically find it better to be more critical of an indie game the second time around after the hype and the nostalgia of the game wears off. Some games like LIMBO have lost their charm with age as all the things that have made LIMBO great are now typical and lackluster. Does Thomas Was Alone suffer a similar fate? Should you care to give this game a look?


Without going into much detail, the plot of the game is simply about a group of AIs gaining sentience and dreaming of the outside world (ours). If you want to know what happens throughout the game you must pay attention to the dilaogue and the introduction texts at each chapter. Similar to the art style, the game's narrative is also minimalistic and the ending will leave you lacking if you aren't interested in piecing together the story. So keep an ear open while you play and you'll get the gist of this game.

Even though the theme of the game is about friendship, it's not that PC, watered down, benign view of friendship we get in Carebears or something for kids. This game handles friendship as it should be handled; friends squabble with one another about petty stuff, they form bonds in mutual gains for each other, they learn a little about themselves with time and, eventually, they help one another because they want to help their friends, not simply for personal gain. This is the reason why I think many people enjoy the storytelling of a few blocks because the game handles the subject of friendship quite accurately to people you may encounter everyday, and lets you imagine what might those AIs look like as your friends.


Calling this game a puzzle-platformer is a bit generous. The puzzles tend to be simple problems for the first few chapters, and until you get four or five blocks (chapter 3 out of 9) the game stays monotonous in getting Chris over every obstacle. The obstacle is simply getting the weakest block over to the end, and then getting everyone else in their spots. Up until the last chapter (excluding the DLC chapters), you have seven characters that have abilities (or lack thereof) that suit each personality.

Some levels offer multiple paths such as jumping on small blocks that hang off an edge without getting the larger blocks involved. For the most part, each level has one and only one solution. There are some levels that test more of your reflexes rather than your puzzle skills, but it's nothing too difficulty for any age to figure out. The only skill that might not be intuitive is using James and Thomas together; one has reverse-gravity while the other has a basic jump, and you can put these two together to move in the air without platforms. It takes a little practice to get use to that trick that's used in two levels.

One criticism I have with the game mechanics is the lack of momentum in certain situations. Some of the bigger blocks can carry the other blocks on top of each other, and as you move forward you would think the other character would try to stay above your character. This doesn't happen. The character just falls from where it is and you have to wait for the block to stay still before you can move on. Falling into water and Laura's trampoline ability are the only instances where this becomes noticable. But it's a small thing that could've been fixed for better gameplay.

As much as this game may be easy, it's decent in its execution. The game is only around 3 hours if you know what you're doing (with the DLC included). If you want to play a dumb-puzzle platformer to relax for a few hours, this game's difficulty spikes up a little bit better towards the latter half of the game. I never felt bored, but maybe you were expecting something more challenging. If the narrative or the delivery of the dialogue doesn't interest you like Portal, then I would recommend this game for you.

The DLC adds two prequel chapters of Benjamin, Anna and, one character you later meet, Sarah. Story-wise, it's okay; it's a sad, small tale that was referenced in the main-game but it's sad it watch it unfold when you know what will happen, especially with the game's gorgeous soundtrack. Gameplay-wise, the jetpack adds more annoyances with the controls than any other character and some levels are infuriating to get through because of the delay of the jetpack.


I think years from now this game will still remain a gem for many gamers. The mechanics might be too simple for some, but the presentation keeps the game as charming as it was years ago when I first listened to Thomas's ramblings. With Steam's new refund policy, I would encourage players who were hesitant before to now give the game a try. Maybe on a 50% sale at the least for the amount of gameplay you get from this game, but the game is worth your time for a thought-provoking, charming little tale of a group of quadrilaterals. So don't be such a square.

I typically find it better to be more critical of an indie game the second time around after the hype and the nostalgia of the game wears off. Some games like LIMBO have lost their charm with age as all the things that have made LIMBO great are now typical and lackluster. Does Thomas Was Alone suffer a similar fate? Should you care to give this game a look? [h1]Story:[/h1] Without going into much detail, the plot of the game is simply about a group of AIs gaining sentience and dreaming of the outside world (ours). If you want to know what happens throughout the game you must pay attention to the dilaogue and the introduction texts at each chapter. Similar to the art style, the game's narrative is also minimalistic and the ending will leave you lacking if you aren't interested in piecing together the story. So keep an ear open while you play and you'll get the gist of this game. Even though the theme of the game is about friendship, it's not that PC, watered down, benign view of friendship we get in Carebears or something for kids. This game handles friendship as it should be handled; friends squabble with one another about petty stuff, they form bonds in mutual gains for each other, they learn a little about themselves with time and, eventually, they help one another because they want to help their friends, not simply for personal gain. This is the reason why I think many people enjoy the storytelling of a few blocks because the game handles the subject of friendship quite accurately to people you may encounter everyday, and lets you imagine what might those AIs look like as your friends. [h1]Gameplay:[/h1] Calling this game a puzzle-platformer is a bit generous. The puzzles tend to be simple problems for the first few chapters, and until you get four or five blocks (chapter 3 out of 9) the game stays monotonous in getting Chris over every obstacle. The obstacle is simply getting the weakest block over to the end, and then getting everyone else in their spots. Up until the last chapter (excluding the DLC chapters), you have seven characters that have abilities (or lack thereof) that suit each personality. Some levels offer multiple paths such as jumping on small blocks that hang off an edge without getting the larger blocks involved. For the most part, each level has one and only one solution. There are some levels that test more of your reflexes rather than your puzzle skills, but it's nothing too difficulty for any age to figure out. The only skill that might not be intuitive is using James and Thomas together; one has reverse-gravity while the other has a basic jump, and you can put these two together to move in the air without platforms. It takes a little practice to get use to that trick that's used in two levels. One criticism I have with the game mechanics is the lack of momentum in certain situations. Some of the bigger blocks can carry the other blocks on top of each other, and as you move forward you would think the other character would try to stay above your character. This doesn't happen. The character just falls from where it is and you have to wait for the block to stay still before you can move on. Falling into water and Laura's trampoline ability are the only instances where this becomes noticable. But it's a small thing that could've been fixed for better gameplay. As much as this game may be easy, it's decent in its execution. The game is only around 3 hours if you know what you're doing (with the DLC included). If you want to play a dumb-puzzle platformer to relax for a few hours, this game's difficulty spikes up a little bit better towards the latter half of the game. I never felt bored, but maybe you were expecting something more challenging. If the narrative or the delivery of the dialogue doesn't interest you like Portal, then I would recommend this game for you. The DLC adds two prequel chapters of Benjamin, Anna and, one character you later meet, Sarah. Story-wise, it's okay; it's a sad, small tale that was referenced in the main-game but it's sad it watch it unfold when you know what will happen, especially with the game's gorgeous soundtrack. Gameplay-wise, the jetpack adds more annoyances with the controls than any other character and some levels are infuriating to get through because of the delay of the jetpack. [h1]Conclusion:[/h1] I think years from now this game will still remain a gem for many gamers. The mechanics might be too simple for some, but the presentation keeps the game as charming as it was years ago when I first listened to Thomas's ramblings. With Steam's new refund policy, I would encourage players who were hesitant before to now give the game a try. Maybe on a 50% sale at the least for the amount of gameplay you get from this game, but the game is worth your time for a thought-provoking, charming little tale of a group of quadrilaterals. So don't be such a square.