When comparing Shadowmatic vs Monument Valley, the Slant community recommends Monument Valley for most people. In the question“What are the best relaxing puzzle games for iOS?” Monument Valley is ranked 1st while Shadowmatic is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Monument Valley is:
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.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Relaxing gameplay
Users can take as much time as they like to solve puzzles, so there is no stress as to how or when they are solved. Couple this with the use of ambient music and it is a very low key game that allows for anyone to enjoy the experience stress free.
Pro Striking graphics and use of shadows
Objects in the game put HD textures to use quite well which makes all of the objects look very real and then the lighting system used (which is the main mechanic of the game) to create the shadows on the wall behave as they would in the real world. The game is a pleasure to look at and interact with due to the high level of polish to the graphics and lighting system.
Pro Precise touch controls
Swiping the objects on screen in order to rotate them is intuitive and control really well making the game a joy to control.
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 Difficulty curve is too low
The game does not ramp up difficulty at a fast enough pace with too many puzzles being too easy for too long. Basically the game is too easy.
Con The game is too short
The base game only has ten levels that can be completed within 20 minutes.