► WTF Is... - Thomas Was Alone ?

Get it on Steam: bit.ly/12Vs2hF
Visit the website: bit.ly/WcxoOw
TotalBiscuit takes a look at a new minimalistic puzzle platformer from Mike Bithell.

[@Saintbalor]

1 minute... "The problem with Indie games is they get pretentious...." 7 minutes... "This is actually compelling..." 12 minutes... "...I love it..." Bro, you and I had the same reaction to this game xD

[@SJDVeteran]

I saw this game in my feed and flashed back to tb doing his wtf is... 10 years ago. RIP to a legend. Even now.

[@DM_Dad]

It's something special when you can give character to colored blocks. It's so effective because he uses real human emotions and feelings that real people have, such as Chris' jealousy. I got this on sale and am looking forward to it. Now I'm imagining what I think these "people" would actually look like. This speaks to the power of good writing. This game about colored blocks already looks like it has better writing than triple-A Mass Effect 3.

[@Left4Coragem]

This video was just relevant to a conversation I was having. Thanks TB, for all you did.

[@Zepherus14]

Had happened to mention Thomas Was Alone to some friends of mine recently and showed the trailer, seems like this got into my recommended's because of it. What a wave of emotions.

[@TheEru88]

7:14 is exactly why I really liked this game. I'm not into puzzles games but the narration, the way it gives life to this blocks. You want to keep playing to know what happens and actually care for this blocks.

[@Shadowshade321]

Thomas was alone 2 confirmed with totalbiscuit as narrator

[@tehfoxxy9630]

:(

[@ВадимНечунаев-л2о]

Canceled

[@TimpsterTheDude]

This game has a really warm humor to it. Too bad it's not too long, & the gameplay keeps fresh with unique puzzles, but switching characters later on get's a little annoying. But for the awesome narration & cool style to it I'd give it 8.5/10.

[@shyguypro9876]

Honestly I think the reason this game succeeds where so many other indies of the same flavour fail is because the goal of this game isn't to tell a pretentious story or try convey some deep meaning. Its goal is to make you like and care about its characters, who just so happen to be coloured blocks.

[@seandevlin1965]

This game gave me the feels like no other

[@asn8744]

(In David Cage's voice) of course, look at all the polygons, how could it not have emotions?...emotions... Emotions...

[@PtAltmVansanTarr]

What is going in with video game writing when a game about blocks made by basically one person has better writing, plotting, and characterization than multimillion dollar game which has pro Hollywood screen writers working on it?

[@elessar6950]

Good writing is priceless.

[@femoman]

11.10- So basically, this game's big strongpoint is the whole gameplay-as-metaphor thing that Extra Credits talked about. The individual blocks all have different abilities that tie directly into their personalities. The tallest one with the highest jump likes to show off, the one that floats thinks she's a superhero, the double-jumper is aloof and condescending, the bouncy one is worried the others don't really like her and are just using her, it's really simple, but it fits so well, you don't really care.

[@darkproclaimer]

I really like this game! I got it in the summer sale, and still happy that I did.

[@ygrasdilthrashdaddy3186]

i love the nice little heartfelt speech at the end where TB is actually confounded as to what he wants to say. We all knew what he meant because we all felt the same way. The narrator makes me, a grown man, feel like i'm back in my mum's lap listening to a story. The idea of Chris and Thomas is just comforting somehow and listening to a few paragraphs brought back that same memory. It's just a good memory, a warm memory.It's a memory we all share and we all can feel even if we don't realize it.

[@PrimeSuspect123]

You are missed TB and this game is a gem

[@sniffer94]

This game is a ton of fun! :D So much humor and funny dialogs! ^_^ Very funny puzzles too!

[@PtAltmVansanTarr]

Is it good for a gaming newcomer?

[@sniffer94]

PleasantGuitar I'd say so yes! :D

[@deathpyre42]

The soundtrack is great, is there a place to buy it or download it?

[@tasycalinciu9046]

deathpyre42 you can buy it on the phone or tablet too

[@GarrettComics]

RIP Biscuit.

[@spazowacky]

lets have thomas was alone 2 with totalbiscuit as the narrator.

[@Noobia1020]

Hi TB, Thanks for introducing this game! I have played through it and it was amazing! Were it not for your channel, this game would have flown completely off my radar. Keep up the good work!

[@9083465]

this is one of the best WTF Is I have ever seen from you TB, and I have been watching every single one of them from the start of the series with mixed feelings, mostly joy and amusement, but this is one of the greatest you have to this day.

[@haribokart]

Great video, I have to play this! I have the same cancer you did and get my first CT scan results in two weeks; nervous as fuck. RIP Totalbiscuit.

[@torresworries]

Hope for the best, much love sent to your way

[@haribokart]

@@torresworries Thank you! Could still go either way but slightly more positive than expecting 🤞🏻

[@TutiDelme]

Oh how I miss you Total Biscuit. The gaming world has a void no one could fill. Your reviews meant everything.

[@grant0306]

am i the only one that cryed a little on the last leval .....awesome game

[@TehParismio]

The music hit perfectly when you yelled "Its just good!" It made you sound very very genuine towards this game.

[@thegyger]

The narration is borderline Douglas Adams. I'm in love with this game :)

[@thandoplaysguitar5222]

there is about 20 other characters

[@chewsumyumm]

The ending of the game is sad but cool

[@genericrubbishname8479]

This game is brilliant, and not at all pretentious.

[@kix5241]

I love this. Most people wouldn't have given this a second glance (including myself) and now i really want to see how this story of colored blocks turns out. Thank you Mr. Biscuit

[@Nicolaus89x]

Thanks to the narrator, music and character/gameplay cooperation those blocks showed more humanity and emotion than dozens of RPGs I've played in my time.

[@dakotab291]

i swear since portal 2 there has been a rise in indie games with British narration. like there is some formula like indie game+british guy talking+humour= engaging game i.e Stanley Parable,

[@UltraMutant336]

Because of a commonly more engaging and commanding style of speech with fewer vocal switches that make it hard to understand. (Large number of "British" narrators have been non British.) Speakers like such often retain more viewers even when they do something that irritates viewers on youtube. As a common example that is visible. It's running with the current times I guess. Could you imagine TotalBiscuit suddenly having a Bostonian accent?

[@jackdajackichun175]

Man,... we really need someone like TB again... Dear Cynical Brit... the gaming world has fallen deep, while no longer under your watch..

[@DrGoopta]

10:18 .... PewDiePie.... Barrels...

[@dinofreak10]

Stephano, Mr. Chair... It's horrible

[@subject41]

Dear TB the dinamic music was in the game since lvl 1 if u count the background and if u dont then lvl 2 because the bars you where jumping are EQ bars they where following the music

[@femoman]

You would be incredibly surprised how engaging this game is. I only just got it today and I blew the whole afternoon on it.

[@LanceThumping]

Did anyone else think this game seems like they are slightly parodying Thomas the Tank Engine?

[@LanceThumping]

MilesFan100 Well, it's that and the fact that the narrator reminds me of the Thomas the Tank Engine narrator.

[@LanceThumping]

K

[@Lazarou101]

MilesFan100 Wow bit racist aren't we.

[@TheSelphir]

Lazarou101 When did "British" become a race?

[@UltraMutant336]

Lazarou101 Nationalistic is the correct term I believe. And sounds more like wheatley than the stanley parable or Thomas the Tank Engine narrators.

[@unnamedenemy9]

Ah, I understand. Sorry for the initial misunderstanding. You have a happy new year too.

[@TheIncredibleBadger]

The music and narration give this game a ton of character. The narration actually reminds me of some childrens shows I used to watch as a kid. Very nostalgic.

[@mythirdchannel]

I think I'm in love with this game, I am Thomas, we're all Thomas. The reason this game works is because it strikes some of the same chords that Journey does and is so acclaimed for. It's a distilled, unique outlook on what it is to be human presented in a very honest way. This game excels on it's storytelling, and the minimalistic art style isn't just "simple" or "flat", it's actually really well thought out, it's beautiful because it doesn't take precedence to the story.

[@DanielCrabbprn]

This was a bit of a surprise, but it quickly became one of my favorite games from 2012. It has character, and tells a better story with a couple of blocks than most games can with a full fledged array of characters. Worth every penny.

[@Ceigee]

I've only just recently played this game cause of the Humble Bundle. I got to say, I've never played a game that I could be attached to as much as Thomas was Alone. I've finished this game in 1 sitting, a good 3 hours. I've loved every moment of it. The music is amazing and very fitting. If you've never tried this game, I suggest you do.

[@NoNameC68]

That explanation where you talked about how you try to appreciate a game, and look at games you generally don't enjoy from the perspective from someone who actually enjoys the genre, was great. I wish more people had that mindset. I guess it's less of a problem in the video game world and more of an issue where movies are concerned.

[@bccr13]

Just completed it yesterday and it's pretty damn good. If you're into this kind of puzzle game it's definitely worth your money. The story is very interesting and the characters (it sounds weird calling them characters, with them being block and all) are very well done.

[@SirPrizeMF]

I think the sharp contrast between the minimalist styling and very deep character building gives it a quirky charm.

[@Nornagest84]

Wow. I'm really moved by this video. Your unexpected and sincere reaction is really nice to hear. Thanks again for the great content!

[@NeonLeonNoel]

This was so interesting to hear his thoughts change of why he likes the game! The whole thing about embedding character into blocks was so cool, how it's easy, but it works because of the mechanics of their abilities reflect their emotions. And the end of how it's the essence of a fun game broken down to it's basic elements then rebuilt to the cool sense of style and funny narration was so stimulating. It's so stimulating to hear that kind of eloquence and accuracy caused by a video game.

[@Jukantos]

Thank you for basically getting me and this game matched with one another. I had a blast of a time playing through it, twice and then after that heatseeking out the last hidden dots in all the levels. As odd as it may sound i wish it had been more clear about what actually happens afterwards. I mean there's occassional "flashbacks" from a later point in time between the chapters but those are no actual complete scenario (ill try to not write anything more spoilering).

[@nexusj13]

I burst into laughter when TotalBiscuit said he hated Chris. You know you have a good game when simple good narration gives life to the shapes. (:

[@duskdev]

Went out and bought this right after the video was over. Looks very charming and interesting.

[@nonokobell]

Never been a fan of puzzle platformers. If I had seen this in the store and not seen your review I would never have bought it. However, you've intrigued me. I thoroughly enjoyed the video, and will definitely be grabbing this one.

[@JimmyMac2708]

The gameplay and presentation are indeed simplistic, but gel really well with the narrative. It makes for a surprisingly emotional experience, and I'm not the kind of guy that will play a game for it's story.

[@xXIxidor92Xx]

I usually ignore a lot of puzzle platformers . . . but I will be picking this up. Thank you TB

[@EddieKMusic]

5:20 Well, actually, this guy is going to be the first who will have a girlfriend in this game...

[@Sockbot22]

these kinds of genuine reactions, and the games that create them are what will help solidify video games as more then just entertainment, but an actual medium for creating and consuming art.

[@Necroskull388]

I like how, early in the video, he was trying to kill off Chris, but later on, he had already gotten attached to Chris enough that he was worried about sending him to his doom in the water.

[@bamf802]

This game seems incredibly charming.. the narration and the way they give the blocks character is fantastic.. its well worth the $5

[@gumcannon]

I will add that the length may be debateably short for the price, but its a good number of levels even if they are short

[@EmperorOfLols]

What was the technique you described on the music, TB? "Making the music react to what you do in game" Isnt that what Dig Dug, Deus Ex, Legacy Of Kain series and Sound Shapes have in common?

[@MetalJasnic]

This is easily one of the most enjoyable TB videos in a while. Mostly due to the combination of the peaceful music and TB's overall commentary was well done, imo. Four for you, TB.

[@subject153]

Wow... During the second level when the Narrator said "He just wished he had someone to share it with." That line actually made me feel for a jumping block...

[@SleightCreative]

It's available I think. IF i remember correctly it's thomas was alone on bandcamp

[@CorpsebombMKiv]

The personification of these coloured blocks is quite interesting, and the witty, sarcastic and jibeing narration makes all the difference to their characterisation. The way TB refers to Chris as fat; as if Thomas has become the norm, though they are both the same width.

[@GethOverlord]

"I've reviewed a lot of puzzle platformers this year" *releases video as his first video of the new year* Gotta love pre-recording :P

[@AlanRedgown]

The puzzle with different sized rings is called the Tower of Hanoi.

[@mandelbrot5]

For quite a few episodes I have watched you struggle with puzzle games, and yet each time I see you get better at the puzzles. While I know you have had enough offers, I'll ask. Would you play portal 2 co-op with me?

[@NexusNemesis]

i got my hands on this game immediately because of the narrator, the narration is just so good.

[@arrowfox4787]

In my personal opinion this is an amazing achievment in cgaracter developing and the simplicity of the looks of the characters adds to it

[@Runeclaw]

It's Danny Wallace. He did a voice in Assassin's Creed 3, wrote the book Yes Man that the movie with the same name was later based on and he also made a few documentaries, like How to Start Your Own Country.

[@cellopypo]

Got this during humble bundle, bought it for my friends during the Summer Sale, This game is just amazing and as Totalbiscuit recommends it, I strongly recommend it also.

[@gumcannon]

Saw the first 7minutes of this video and paused to instantly go buy and play this game as i was thoroughly intrigued. Without having watched the rest of the video (yet) I would say it was one of the most charming games I've played recently. The puzzle platforming is in no way lacking if u enjoy that aspect either, but the narration actually had me calling the respective shapes by name and I was happy to see certain shapes return after a time without them, but thats just my opinion.

[@The7thSoul123]

my guess is they wrote the story first and the recreated it in an abstract way while designing the levels. It isn't a great game per se, but a great idea that's well executed to create something rather unique

[@spwolftech]

RIP. Its 2022 and your still missed. (I wish KZbin would stop making me change my memorial comment every 20-ish videos or so. when did they implement this new annoyance?)

[@BigmanDogs]

What do you mean?

[@lolluspingus]

Evolve (e-volve) 1. To develop or achieve gradually: "Evolve a style of one's own." 2. To work (something) out; devise: "The schemes he evolved to line his purse" 3. To undergo gradual change; develop: "An amateur acting group that evolved into a theatrical company."

[@ThaMythbuster]

I really like how the blocks "compress" slightly horizontally when you jump :3 When we had 3d animation classes in college(I study game design) we had to do that with some bouncing ball and I always thought "why the fudge do I need to do this..."... Now I understand. Also, the narrator reminds me of Wheatley in Portal 2... Even though they sound completely different. They have the same sort of humor...

[@FattoCattoGo]

"I'm having some very odd feelings right now" It's called joy TB, embrace it, it's not such a bad thing after all. XD

[@BlackJade685]

You are welcome. Yes, it is a bit frustrating to pass through some of the levels. However, in later parts of the game, you do have some blocks that can do that and have abilities such as bouncing other blocks. Great game nonetheless, a bit short though.

[@gino14]

It takes some serious guts to make someone feel for something as simple as a block.

[@charmoyl]

Incredible! I can't believe that I'm now looking forward to playing a game about blocks. Looks/sounds absolutely brilliant.

[@SocialHolocaust]

This game really surprised me, expected just another platformer with a gimmick that neither adds or detracts from a game, but no, it is quite wonderful. The text for the narration is also handled really well, its typography and design around it is beautiful

[@skellious]

It's Danny Wallace, writer and star of such books as "Join me: The story of how one man started a cult by accident" and presenter of TV series "how to start your own country" in which Wallace attempts to create his own country.

[@bigredtomm]

This year has been the year of the indie developers. So many great games from the smaller developers. Thomas Was Alone, Journey, FTL, Hotline Miami, Mark of the Ninja, Chivalry to name just a few. Hope to see more of the smaller companies in the future making great games like these.

[@shadowmanwkp]

"I played a lot of puzzle games this year" Date: January 1st 2013... Whoopsy daisy

[@Gekuu9]

It's like how, when you're reading a book, you don't want to stop, you want to keep reading till the next chapter.

[@Shaderaygun]

Bought this game right after this video and loved it. Thank you for showing me this game TB it is now one of my favorites of all time.

[@DK45Redd]

holy shit this has an excellent soundtrack and narration. aha this is genuinely awesome.

[@314jake]

What an utterly fantastic piece of work.

[@MKRocker2012]

Apparently KZbin recommended me this video 43 years ago.

[@Kuuenbu]

TotalBiscuit, have you played a game called The Lost Vikings? It was a highly commercially successful puzzle platformer released in 1993 by Blizzard (yep) on the SNES. It had a lot of character you've described in this video, only more, well, graphical, along with a lot of humor. It was also based on the same team system this game uses, only it utilized abilities rather than size and physics. Oh, and the music and character/world design is tanfastic, too. Try it. You might just not hate it.

[@ThePaperGhast]

bought this game after seeing this...played for five hours straight got all the achievements in one run and loved every minute of it!

[@Rozonkomo]

I think what you mean is evolution of a species starts with a mutation in an individual. Evolution is a process that only affects a population, an individual cannot "evolve" because that would mean that it becomes something other than what it started as (that would be metamorphosis.) Evolution occurs between generations of a species: altering, creating, or removing traits that affect survival.

[@PixelleHearts]

Nah... the artist for Terraria was the head producer's brother... and right now, their only project since the last update to Terraria is their upcoming space-like version of Terraria that uses more advanced interaction called StarBound.

[@buckie92]

At the end when TB is talking about why he likes the game, the music from the game goes really well with his monologue. 16:06 if you want to skip to it to see for yourself.

[@liamfleming3673]

Thank you TB, just finished Thomas was Alone...so glad I saw this and decided to buy it

[@TheFreaKStrike]

I played this game, wasn't long, lasted a little above 2 hours, but for such little money, three quid, it was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Vinno1234]

I love how TB doesn't want to interrupt the Narration.

[@thoeezheeah]

This looks like a game for people in therapy, combo this with lego and some insane dude's gonna find a lot of inner calm

[@nonuvurbeeznus795]

"If only for a few levels." Is a line in the game that TB referred to as "4th wall breaking nonsense." Well, actually not. The characters are aware that they are going through levels that are getting harder and harder. Thomas "observed" it.

[@AirBattled]

Man i just finished a series of someone finishing this series and its a true amazing story its heartbreaking and fun at the same time.Theres no sequel yet and the game ended even tho it looks like it didn't end. I'd like to see you TB Do a FULL Lets Play on this I really don't care why reply you think but I'd think you would add more attention to this if people watched this and it is a good game that people would love to see (And your funniness through the levels :3)

[@ninjaguysvideos]

Thanks for posting this TB. Really glad I got to play this game.

[@phillydill1207]

And that day...totalbiscuit's heart grew 7x as big.