Parents' Guide to Thomas Was Alone

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Common Sense Media Review

Chris Morris By Chris Morris , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Completely charming -- and funny -- puzzle game.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

What's It About?

Players will help Thomas the square and his friends solve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles, where they must get from Point A to Point B by working together. Players control the characters through a basic set of controls on the bottom-right side of the screen, which allows them to move right or left and jump. Characters must work together (for example, Thomas the Square must jump on the "shoulders" of other characters to clear tall cliffs) to solve each level.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

THOMAS WAS ALONE isn't a graphical powerhouse, but it packs an emotional wallop. With its deceptively simple appearance, the game has soul -- delivered through a wonderful narration. Make no mistake: Although the gameplay is good, it's the story that will keep you playing. Against all odds, you'll come to care about these rectangles and squares and the relationships they forge. The emotions that are a part of this story are among the most believable in any game. It is truly a remarkable feat of writing.

There aren't many games like this -- so when you get the chance, grab it and savor what good game elements and great storytelling can create.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of friendship and working together.

  • Families also can talk about determination. When a puzzle or situation is hard, do you give up -- or work harder to resolve it?

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