Minimalist indie puzzle platformer Thomas Was Alone hits iPad

Thomas Was Alone 1.0 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 001)

Another noteworthy platformer has arrived in the App Store. Named Thomas Was Alone, it’s an iPad version of the beautifully done console original, now ported to iOS by Surgeon Simulator developer Bossa Studios.

In Thomas Was Alone, you’re a curious rectangle – basically an AI sentient trapped in the computer mainframe – who must unravel the mysteries of his existence. It’s a minimalist platformer game with some puzzle elements and a unique twist to it. There’s a certain eerie vibe to it which reminds us a little of the wonderful Monument Valley [$3.99 Universal, Info].

With a hundred levels to keep you occupied, engaging atmosphere, stylish presentation and unique mechanics, Thomas Was Alone is a no brainer for fans of the genre.

The game is available now in the App Store

Billed as “a minimalist game about friendship and jumping”, the game features award-winning story narrated by Danny Wallace, the well-known British filmmaker, comedian, writer, actor and presenter of radio and television shows.

It’s interesting that Wallace’s performance in Thomas Was Alone earned him a BAFTA Games Award in 2013. The control scheme is pretty unique, too.

There are color balls on either side of the screen, but these are not your typical dual-stick controls like in shooters. Instead, each colored ball lets you select which character you want to use. Each character has a special skill, such as higher jump, the ability to float on water and what have you.

The controls let you basically “play the entire game without moving your hands,” according to developer Mike Bithell.

He told Polygon:

That was the thing. It’s on iPad. If you’re holding the iPad, I don’t want you to ever have to move your hands from flanking either side of the iPad in your hands.

I don’t want you to have to put the weight of the iPad in one hand and then use your finger for something else. It’s all played in that kind of default gamer position of the two thumbs, ready to do stuff on the screen.

Our friend, MacStories editor Federico Viticci, was sufficiently impressed by Thomas Was Alone. Here’s an excerpt from his quick review of the game:

To complete stages, you’ll have to think in terms of collaboration rather than individualities: there are platforms that can be reached only if one character helps another jump onto it, while water-based sections require the AIs to proceed on top of the one that can swim.

The way AIs, game mechanics, and narrations are intertwined makes for a classy, precise, and elegant game that always requires you to think of platforms as puzzles that can be solved by collaborating instead of running towards the end of a level.

I’m liking the minimalist visual style!

Thomas Was Alone 1.0 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 002)

Thomas Was Alone 1.0 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 003)

Check out the official trailer below.

Key highlights include:

• Experience the BAFTA winning, million selling game from creator Mike Bithell on iOS.
• A minimalist game about friendship and jumping
• 100 levels, one immersive journey
• Award winning story narrated by Danny Wallace

Have a look at some more screenshots below.

Thomas Was Alone 1.0 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 004)

Thomas Was Alone 1.0 for iOS (iPhone screenshot 005)

The game will set you back $8.99.

Download Thomas Was Alone in the App Store.

The iPad-only downloads comes in at 113MB and requires iOS 6.0 or later.