Mosaic
OpenCritic Rating
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Mosaic
A game about breaking free from monotony that gets, perhaps inevitably, a little monotonous.
From both philosophical and pure gameplay perspectives, I loved playing Mosaic
Mosaic might only last a few hours, but within that time it has moments that can stick with you, bring you joy amidst the monotony of everyday life. There's a message here to say that there is always a glimmer of hope even if it isn't always obvious, which is a good message to send. Plus, there's a talking goldfish.
Like a lot of middling and so-so titles in years past, the "so-close" conclusion that something greater, more impactful — or at least enjoyable — has gone horribly amiss is always far more regrettable than an otherwise rotten-to-its-core excuse for a game.
While Mosaic is a good game, it's hard to describe it as enjoyable due to its subject matter. It has the possibility to hit a bit too close home for some, but the overall message once you hit the end might be worth it. It is by no means a bad game, just very heavy handed when it comes to its subject matter.
A barbed look at today's society that lacks an end-product of sorts, Mosaic is a short experience that seems content with telling us what's wrong with our lives without really going any further than that. There's a vital message trapped within the game somewhere, but it never quite gets out, and the experience ends up being depressing rather than entertaining. That might have been what the developer was going for, but ultimately, it doesn't make for a particularly interesting video game.
Depression, isolation, and burnout is the name of the game in Killbrite Studio's latest title, Mosaic, but as you start to see things for what they really are, will you be able to escape the grasping hands of control once and for all?
While Mosaic is full of puzzles, mini-games, and a tiny bit of exploration, it is mostly about experiencing the game. This gorgeous, low-poly title does an amazing job of confronting depression and burnout, through whimsy, moody colors, and amazing sound. While the Switch version suffers from framerate drops, it tells a surprisingly touching and relatable story, and I only wish gave the player more chances to fail.
