Thomas was Alone
Storytelling Reinvention:
tells a compelling story about 2D blocks by imbuing them with unique game mechanics informed by their personality attributes
Game Information
Release Date: November 12th, 2012
Developer(s): Mike Bithell
Rating: Everyone
Genre(s): Platformer, Strategy
Price: $9.99
Website: http://www.mikebithellgames.com/thomasasalone
Thomas was Alone, created by Mike Bithell, highlights the importance of collaboration, friendship, and self-discovery through a puzzling journey with engaging narrations by Danny Wallace. Bithell’s game, including its earliest versions, were popular from the beginning of development in 2010. In collaboration with Bossa Studios and Curve Digital, Thomas was Alone was expanded and released in full in 2012. In a review Adam Smith, from the gaming blog Rock Paper Shotgun, explains:
Thomas Was Alone isn't another lo-fi indie production in which abstract is an excuse for lack of an artist… while the shapes may have been chosen because they were simple to draw and animate, Bithell has turned any limitations into strengths. (1)
The player begins as Thomas, a small but well-rounded character. Progressively, more characters are added so that players must work as a team to move forward, utilizing one's best skills, no matter how limiting. Bithell’s combined use of sound, aesthetics, and narrative makes Thomas Was Alone a truly captivating gaming experience [2].
References:
1. Adam Smith. Wot I Think: Thomas was Alone. Rock Paper Shotgun, 28 June. 2012. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
< https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/28/wot-i-think-thomas-was-alone/ >
2. Mike Bithell. Thomas was Alone. Mike Bithell Games. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
<http:/www.mikebithellgames.com/thomaswasalone/>
Researcher: Anna Hixon
