Monument Valley 3 Nintendo Switch 1 Mini Review & Gameplay Impressions

July 22, 2025July 21, 2025 Handheld Players 0 Comments 2025, Gameplay, Monument Valley 3, Switch, ustwo games

Game Title: Monument Valley 3
Released: July 22, 2025
Price: $19.99 / €19.99
File Size: 430 MB
Developer: ustwo games
Publisher: ustwo games
Platform: Nintendo Switch 1
Version: 1.2.18712, played in Docked mode

Already familiar with Monument Valley 1 & 2, I was excited for part 3 – and it doesn’t disappoint.

📝 Mini Review

Having already played Monument Valley 1 & 2 on Switch, I was genuinely excited for the third installment in this beautifully crafted puzzle series – and I’m happy to say it doesn’t disappoint. It builds on the familiar gameplay foundations while adding a refreshing new mechanic: sailing across mysterious seas to solve puzzles both on water and land. You can really feel the care and attention the developers poured into this title.

That said, there are some noticeable quality-of-life issues, especially when playing in handheld mode. The lack of a zoom feature makes it harder for some players to enjoy the game comfortably on a smaller screen. Certain new puzzle mechanics also struggle with Switch button controls – particularly sections where the pointer moves along rigid rails without free movement. It can get frustrating at times and could’ve benefited from more flexible input options.

Despite these drawbacks, Monument Valley 3 remains a captivating experience that pulls you in from the first moment. If you’re planning to play in handheld mode, make sure your eyesight is up to the challenge – there is mention of a zoom feature in the settings, but it’s unclear if it functions as intended or is just tied to photo mode. We weren’t able to figure it out.

Still, it’s another enchanting entry in a series that continues to charm.

✅ Pros

Beautifully Crafted Experience: Expands on the iconic puzzle design with a new sailing mechanic that adds depth to exploration.
Developer Passion Is Evident: You can feel the care and artistic effort that went into every detail of the game.
Immersive Puzzle Flow: Continues the series’ signature approach – engaging, relaxing, and aesthetically captivating.

❌ Cons

No Zoom Functionality: Playing in handheld mode can be difficult for some users due to the lack of a zoom feature.
Rigid Control Scheme: Pointer movement is locked to rails, making gameplay feel limited and sometimes frustrating.

🔚 Final Verdict: 8/10 – Good

Another solid entry in the Monument Valley puzzle series. The atmosphere, artistry, and gameplay continue to impress. With the addition of a proper zoom function and more refined control options – especially for handheld play – it could’ve easily scored higher.