Thomas Was Alone, but Not for Long
Posted By Jessica Lugo on June 30, 2013
It shouldn’t be as good as it is. On paper, it’s simple enough to be perhaps too basic: slide rectangles into this rectangular outline. Progress to the next level and do it again. It’s a testament to the style and atmosphere that sets Thomas was Alone apart from the average student game. Simple does not necessarily mean lesser, which developer Mike Bithell proves by transforming simple puzzles into a profound experience. Thomas Was Alone guides players through a journey spanning a gamut of emotions. By invoking intimate loneliness, it draws us in and forces us to learn more about ourselves.
Thomas, the game explains, is an errant chunk of data that has glitched itself into self-awareness. He is fond of jumping and discovering companionship in fellow glitches as they skirt along the mainframe seeking a higher purpose. This includes the egoist Sarah, the boastful John, and the slightly delusional Claire, each provided with his-or-her own unique perspective. As they traverse the unknown together, the multiple viewpoints express deep characters taking a journey of great importance. When the story dictates that a character go missing for a level or two, it’s not uncommon to miss them. All this is backed by an extraordinary soundtrack that leaps and swells in perfect rhythm with the emotion of the story at hand. It would be a spoiler to fully explain how and why we care for sweet Thomas and his band of misfits, but the immersion rivals the original Portal in execution. If you shed a tear for GLaDOS while Still Alive played, this may be an experience for you.
This is Gray. You may be surprised to learn how much you can come to hate a rectangle.
A good story would be nothing without a backbone of strong gameplay to fall back upon, and luckily Thomas Was Alone delivers in this respect as well. The controls are tight and responsive, never leaving a player to rage against an unfair death. Respawns are immediate to facilitate a quick return to puzzle solving. The point of a failure state in this game is not to punish, but to gently guide the player to a different solution. That didn’t work, but maybe this will. Will Chris be able to clear that ledge by bouncing on Laura? The mark of a good puzzle game is one with the ability to make a player feel clever for running through a predetermined sequence. To that end, Thomas Was Alone qualifies for greatness.
During a time when the gaming industry is more obsessed than ever with high-end graphics and photorealism, Thomas Was Alone stands apart with its unique minimalism. By the time the game ends, the purpose is still to guide rectangles into rectangular outlines. But though it remains steadfast and committed to its playstyle, the style itself never grows old or unwelcome. Playing through from beginning to end can be a life-affirming experience no gamer should miss.
Thomas Was Alone is available on Steam, Playstation Network, and DRM-Free. Visit the official website to try a free demo for Mac and PC.
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