Thomas Was Alone is a game that combines puzzles and platform gameplay. It was developed by Mike Bithell and was initially released as a browser game using Flash technology in October 2010. Later on, in July 2012, the game was improved and released for Microsoft Windows and OS X. The game’s popularity has led to its expansion, and it has since been released for various other platforms, including Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Wii U, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

Thomas Was Alone is set in a computer mainframe where something called the “Event” happened, which caused several artificial intelligence routines to gain personalities and go out of control. The game features various simple shapes, with the main character being a red rectangle. Each shape comes with its own unique abilities, such as the ability to float on water or limited jumping height. Players can switch between different shapes and control them one at a time.

The objective of each level in the game is to guide the shapes to their designated exit points, ensuring that they all leave at the same time. This typically entails utilizing the unique abilities of each shape to maneuver them effectively. For example, if a shape cannot jump very high, one can create a staircase using other shapes to allow it to reach a higher platform. Alternatively, a shape that can float can transport the other shapes across water. Numerous hazards can cause a shape to be lost, but it will reappear at the beginning of the level or at a checkpoint if it has already passed one.

Story

Artificial Life Solutions is a company that conducts trials on different artificial intelligence approaches. However, some of these AIs suddenly become self-aware, and the reason behind it remains unknown. These self-aware AIs perceive their electronic surroundings as a two-dimensional realm, where they are represented as quadrilateral forms.

One AI character is known as “Thomas-AT-23-6-12” or Thomas, shown as a red rectangle. Thomas has an inquisitive and perceptive nature. He embarks on a journey through his internal world to discover his purpose and possibly find companionship. Along the way, he encounters other AIs, each with their own unique personalities and skills. These include the cynical Chris, the show-off John, the self-proclaimed superhero Claire, and the apprehensive Laura. Laura is hesitant to join the group due to the black “pixel cloud” that has been following her. Unfortunately, the pixel cloud ultimately attacks and devours all five AIs.

How long is Thomas Was Alone?

When it comes to the main goals, Thomas Was Alone typically takes about 4 hours to complete. However, if you’re a dedicated gamer who wants to experience every aspect of the game, it may take you around 5 hours to achieve 100% completion.

Reception

Thomas Was Alone received generally favorable reviews by critics. It was praised for its for its unique approach of using narration to give individual personalities to simple shapes. The gradual introduction and pacing of the puzzles in the game also helped players learn the mechanics smoothly, despite the game being relatively short in duration.