Day 121, Game 121 - Thomas Was Alone

Last week, I joined the awesome guys over at The 40 Cast for their weekly podcast, as they so graciously invited me to hang out with them - and I'm not one to turn down an invitation to hang with the homies.

During the podcast, a little game called Thomas Was Alone was brought up. Most of the guys laughed about it, due to it's lack of graphics, creepy name and distinct lack of anything even remotely looking exciting about it. The host of the show, Vic, tried to defend the game and why he thought it looked interesting, but was quickly mocked even more so.

I chimed in to add that it was previously a flash-based game, hence the simplistic nature of it. After some more jokes and banter, Eric "Glovebox" quipped that Vic would probably still end up buying it and coming on next week declaring how it is the best game ever. So, in an effort to save Vic some money and embarrassment, I decided to pick up the game instead. 

While I can't say that it is the best game ever, or even the best game I've played all week, it is still a quirky, fun, engaging and yet challenging game that anyone could easily get in to and find some sort of enjoyment in. 

The concept it simple. Maneuver the colored blocks that you have control over (one at a time, of course) to get them all to the exit point of the level. You must use precise platforming, puzzle solving and patience to complete each level, and while non are game-breaking difficult, they all require some sort of thought and planning in order to accomplish what you are setting out to do. Without a timer or consequence for dying over and over, it is super simple to continue trying a level if need be without the frustration of failure looking over your shoulders. 

Also, the narrator is far and above the best part of the game, and his presence reminds me a lot of what Bastion did  for adding a new, different element to an otherwise good, fun game. The narrator does an amazing job of not only explaining what is going on in each level with their pseudo-storylines, but he also gives you a glimpse behind the curtain as well. Who knew jumping rectangles and squares would have a storyline to adhere to and back-stories to live up to?

Overall, it's a fun and addictive game. The levels are quick and easy and it's amazingly simple to jump in and out of games at will. 

I like the game, despite having exactly half of the graphics that the NES had. Don't worry, Vic. If you bought it already, you didn't waste your money. If you haven't, go ahead and pick it up. You might actually like it! Just don't tell Glovebox...

---