When comparing Strata vs Monument Valley, the Slant community recommends Strata for most people. In the question“What are the best Puzzle games on Steam?” Strata is ranked 12th while Monument Valley is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Strata is:
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Supports flexible window resolutions
The game scales to any resolution so you can have it in a window on the side.
Pro Addictive gameplay that steadily increases in difficulty
While the gameplay starts out as being quite straightforward (therefore easing the player into the game), the difficulty does build as one continues to play.
Pro Original design and gameplay
The minimalistic look of the game as well as the way the gameplay works is quite original while still staying intuitive.
Pro 2D minimalistic "weaving" that requires thinking in 3d
While represented in 2D the puzzle solving aspect of the game requires thinking in terms of "levels" as one would while weaving.
Pro The scenery is beautiful and incorporates clever Escher inspired gameplay mechanics
The gameplay for Monument Valley revolves around manipulating the environment in order to let your character proceed to the next level. It's similar to Fez in that it's obviously inspired by Escher paintings, requiring you to manipulate "impossible" architecture.
Pro No need for internet connection with offline gameplay
Monument Valley allows for offline gameplay, meaning that the user does not need an internet connection to play once the game has been downloaded onto his/her device.
Pro Perfect balance of difficulty in puzzles
No puzzle is too difficult or too easy. Never frustrating.
Pro Illustrative soundtrack
The soundtrack really helps illustrate the beautiful surrounding world in which the game is set.
Cons
Con Too easy if you figure out the pattern
The pattern behind the puzzles isn't the simplest, but if you can figure it out, you can solve any of the puzzles quickly.
Con Includes in app purchases
Strata is an upfront paid game at $2.99 which is why it is disappointing to see that in app purchases later apply.
Con No level generator
Even though the levels could easily be automatically generated, there is no level generator.
Con Short
The game can be beaten in about six and a half hours, which is really not all that long for a PC game. Of course originally this was a mobile phone game, which shows its roots in the length.
Con The game is too short
The base game only has ten levels that can be completed within 20 minutes.