Thomas Was Alone Ending

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Edomaden

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Published on June 9, 2013 3:11:46 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2c9LYnZ4MQ

Game:

Thomas Was Alone (2012)

Duration: 4:58

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95

Ending #53
Thomas Was Alone
Developer: Mike Bithell
Publisher: Mike Bithell
Steam/PC
2012

Here is an experiment in minimalism. On the surface, there are blocks you put into holes like a child does to learn basic motor skills. Just under that, you have beeps and bloops for sound reminiscent of an earlier time in gaming. Lastly, there's simple imagery and controls. This is a case study of how to make a modern Atari game.

But this game is much more than the simple sum of its parts. When put together, the complexity exponentially compounds to create a wonderful game. The blocks you put into holes, all have character. Each block is an individual with a crucial set of skills that enable you to reach your goal of putting blocks into holes. The basic 4-bit sound is overlaid with beautiful soothing music that adds to the already ethereal feel of the game. Most importantly, imagery is perfected by the decision to add narration. It gives the simple elementary motor skills game something far more conceptual in its undertaking; the narration gives the blocks feeling.

Narrated by humorist Danny Wallace, the little block Thomas is given character, story, and a goal to strive for. Having reached sentience as explained by flavor text at the beginning of each chapter, Thomas meets up with other sentient AI as represented by other blocks, equally narrated and given character. From the long and proud John to the scheming and manipulative Grey, every character along the way develops, which can say a lot for the game's story about abstract AI becoming self aware.

The game is short, yet feels like it goes on for an eternity. I beat it right at four hours and that is with getting all thirty-five achievements as well. The game has a hundred levels, broken up into ten chapters of ten. It's about level ninety-four that the game begins to feel stretched, but luckily, you are so close to the end by that point that you push through and finish.

Thomas Was Alone is a spirited game with great narration and an inquisitive story. With just the right amount to it, play it, if just for the narration, if you have an afternoon to waste, or, in my case, have a bit of insomnia brought on by a poorly timed nap.....seriously, never take a nap at eight in the evening, it ruins everything.

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