Museum of Monoliths
- February 21, 2023
- Podoba Interactive
Get on Steam"Museum of Monoliths" is a surreal exploration game where you delve into a series of monolithic structures, each with its own puzzles, secrets, and unique aesthetic. The game encourages players to uncover the stories and meanings behind these mysterious monoliths, while immersing them in a contemplative and atmospheric world. With no combat or time limits, players are free to explore and interpret the monoliths at their own pace.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique central mechanic of creating a soundtrack by interacting with monoliths, which is appealing to fans of ambient music.
- The sound design and atmospheric visuals are highly praised, creating a surreal and immersive experience.
- Despite its short length, the game is considered a worthwhile experience, especially when discounted, and has been compared favorably to other walking simulators.
- The environments can feel amateurish and sparse, leading to moments of monotony and dragging gameplay.
- Some players found the lack of narrative context and minimal interaction disappointing, making the experience feel like a cash grab.
- The game may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who dislike slow-paced walking simulators or require more engaging content.
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a standout feature, allowing players to create their own ambient soundtrack by interacting with monoliths, which produce a variety of appealing sounds reminiscent of labels like Cryo Chamber. This interactive soundtrack mechanic enhances the walking simulator experience, making exploration of its abstract environments more engaging and enjoyable. Overall, the combination of unique soundscapes and visual aesthetics contributes to a memorable auditory experience.
“The central mechanic of creating a soundtrack for the game by interacting with the monoliths you encounter is the highlight, and the sounds you produce will appeal to fans of the music on labels like Cryo Chamber - the drones, pads, metallic sounds, echoes, groans, and industrial thumps all sound great.”
“Interesting visual style, impeccable musical accompaniment.”
“Just know that this is a bare bones walking simulator where you go from liminal environment to the next where you choose the ambient soundtrack that plays.”
“You explore abstract locations and come across monoliths, usually in a pair, with each having their own sound, and whichever you select becomes the world's background music.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is frequently praised for its surreal and immersive environments, enhanced by excellent sound design. While some players find the experience monotonous, many appreciate the intriguing landscapes and the overall ambiance, describing it as a captivating walking simulator or a fever dream. Overall, the atmospheric quality is a standout feature, making it a worthwhile experience, especially at a low price.
“The atmosphere and some levels are interesting in a surreal way, but the game is too monotonous even though I enjoy these types of games.”
“This is an atmospheric fever dream that solely relies on its ambiance and weirdness.”
“Museum of Monoliths is a highly atmospheric experience with great sound design and various places to explore.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by well-chosen, moody color palettes and impressive cosmic visuals, though some building textures may feel basic and underwhelming. While the visuals evoke a dreamlike quality that intrigues some players, others find the slow-paced exploration through vast, empty spaces lacking in engagement. Overall, the aesthetic is appreciated for its uniqueness, despite some criticisms regarding its execution.
“Combined with some really great cosmic visuals, it's a good recommendation for anyone that's a fan of games like Naissance or Fugue in Void.”
“The color palettes used are generally well chosen and moody, but some of the buildings and textures are a bit basic in a way that doesn't just feel down to the PSX aesthetic.”
“When they mean slow burn, they really mean waste-your-time burn as you walk extremely slowly through enormous empty spaces with minimal visuals or interaction.”
“I feel it like a lucid dream, something that you can't truly understand but aesthetically fine, something that gives you more questions than answers.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around creating a unique soundtrack by interacting with monoliths, which is a standout feature that resonates well with fans of atmospheric music, particularly those who enjoy drone and industrial sounds. The audio experience is enhanced by high-quality production, making it a compelling aspect of the game.
“The central mechanic of creating a soundtrack for the game by interacting with the monoliths you encounter is the highlight. The sounds you produce will appeal to fans of music on labels like Cryo Chamber - the drones, pads, metallic sounds, echoes, groans, and industrial thumps all sound great.”
“The gameplay is incredibly immersive, allowing players to lose themselves in the rich soundscapes and unique interactions.”
“Each interaction feels meaningful, and the way the game integrates sound with the environment enhances the overall experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Many users perceive the monetization strategy as exploitative, likening it to a cash grab that detracts from the overall experience of the game.
“The worst sin, though, is that this feels almost like a cash grab.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is a brief yet engaging walking simulator that effectively conveys a straightforward environmental narrative.
“A short, cool little walking sim that tells a simple environmental story.”
“The story feels underdeveloped and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
“I found the narrative to be predictable and uninspired, leaving me wanting more complexity.”
“While the game has potential, the story is too simplistic and fails to engage the player.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing credits, which add a lighthearted touch and leave players with a smile after gameplay.
“The funny credits at the end had me laughing out loud!”
“I loved the clever jokes sprinkled throughout the game.”
“The humor in the dialogue made every character memorable and entertaining.”
