Overview

Monument Valley 2 is the sequel released by ustwo games in 2017. Building on the original's iconic visual style, this installment brings a new story, richer color expression, and more mature level design.

Compared to the original, Monument Valley 2's visual style is brighter and warmer, with bolder use of color. The emotional tone shifts from "seeking forgiveness" to "growth and legacy," telling a story about motherly love, growth, and letting go.

Story

The story follows a mother named Ro and her daughter. At the game's start, mother and daughter embark on their journey together, with players controlling both characters through various magical structures.

As the journey progresses, the daughter gradually matures, from initially needing her mother's guidance to eventually exploring independently. In some chapters, mother and daughter separate, each facing their own challenges. This process serves as a metaphor for children growing up and leaving their parents—a natural progression of life.

The emotional climax centers on the separation and reunion of mother and daughter, and Ro learning to let go, allowing her daughter to walk her own path. This delicate emotional expression has moved many players to tears upon completion.

Core Gameplay

Monument Valley 2 inherits and develops the original's core gameplay:

• Dual Character Control: Some levels require controlling both mother and daughter, using their cooperation to solve puzzles
• Optical Illusions: Continues the Escher-style impossible geometry design philosophy
• Environmental Interaction: Richer mechanism types, including light and shadow, water flow, plant growth, and more
• Architectural Transformation: Entire structures can dramatically transform and reconfigure
• Day-Night Cycle: Some levels use time changes to create different puzzle conditions

Chapters

Monument Valley 2 contains 14 carefully designed chapters:

• Chapter 1: The Vestibule
• Chapter 2: The Orchard
• Chapter 3: The Obelisk
• Chapter 4: The Mirage
• Chapter 5: The Archipelago
• Chapter 6: The Docks
• Chapter 7: The Lyceum
• Chapter 8: The Botanical
• Chapter 9: The Indigo Palace
• Chapter 10: The Foundry
• Chapter 11: The Watchtower
• Chapter 12: The Shores
• Chapter 13: The Amaranth
• Chapter 14: The Sanctum

Art Design

Monument Valley 2's art design shows significant improvement over the original:

• Color: Uses a warmer, richer palette, from sunrise pinks and oranges to twilight deep purples
• Plant Elements: Incorporates extensive flora design, symbolizing life and growth
• Lighting Effects: More refined light and shadow transitions, enhancing scene depth
• Architectural Styles: Integrates more cultural elements, including Arabian, Indian, and East Asian architectural influences

Music & Sound

The soundtrack was composed by Todd Baker, continuing the ethereal, serene musical style of the original while adding warmer melodic elements that complement the mother-daughter theme. The sound design is equally excellent, with satisfying feedback for every interaction.

Awards & Reviews

Monument Valley 2 received widespread acclaim after release:

• 2017 Apple Design Award
• App Store Game of the Year
• IGN Score: 8.5/10
• Praised as "a more beautiful, more moving sequel than the original"

Differences from the Original

Compared to the original, Monument Valley 2 features several changes:

• Stronger Narrative: A clearer emotional storyline, less abstract than the original
• Longer Playtime: 14 chapters, longer than the original's 10
• Dual Character Mechanic: New mother-daughter cooperative gameplay
• More Gorgeous Visuals: Richer colors and details
• No Enemies: The Crow People no longer appear as obstacles