"Can rectangles make you cry?
Prior to playing Mike Bithell’s independent puzzle platformer Thomas Was Alone, I’d never had to ask myself that question. Of course they couldn’t, I’d probably have scoffed in response. How could mere shapes, flat and boringly symmetrical ones at that, ever be able to evoke such a heartfelt reaction?
However, after actually playing Thomas, and being exposed to a delightful and heartwarming tale of scattered, unique individuals putting aside their differences and finding solace in a newfound friendship, I’m no longer so sure. Even now, as I stare at the white fuzz and sharp corners of my computer screen, I’m having trouble expressing exactly how transfixed and overjoyed I felt while playing.
One thing, however, is for certain. The answer to a certain other question, one by the name of “are games art?”, has become easier to answer." (Michael Urban, OnlySP.com)