Logically Find a Happy Reunion for The Minims

‘What’s a Minim?

‘ was my immediate reaction to this game, and I’m probably not the only one. Minims are adorable blob-like creatures with large eyes and a remarkable capacity for logic. They’re the stars of The Minims: A New Beginning , the debut title from the three-person development team of beyondthosehills, based in Greece.

The hero of the story is Mii, one of the Minims, who is devoted to his life partner, Mo. As he prepares one day for their usual picnic, he comes to the unsettling realization that Mo has gone missing. Naturally concerned, Mii sets out to find Mo by making his way through charmingly rendered landscapes. Through the application of logic, the collection and use of assorted items, and the resolution of puzzles, Mii must trace Mo’s steps and bring her safely home. But along the way, this journey becomes one of personal transformation for Mii. While his goal is still ultimately to find Mo, he also ends up finding himself in an “exploration regarding life choices and personal values.”

The world in which the Minims live is described by its creators as “quirky and serene.” Softly vibrant colors and peaceful animals fill the screen. Mii will travel by a variety of means, including a ski lift to the top of a mountain and a boxcar chugging through old mine shafts. He, and the player, will explore a wondrous world inspired by great point-and-click PC games of the past.

Developed in the Unity engine, The Minims is currently available only for iOS devices. However, beyondthosehills has hopes to make it available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and that’s just for starters. “In the long term, we want the game to be playable by as many people as possible, and we aim to be on any platform that fits the design of the game.”

Available from the Apple App Storefor $2.99 USD, The Minims is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch on iOS 5.1 or later. An early version of the game with five mini-chapters was released last fall, but it has been improved since that time. The latest version has made some important changes, notably graphic upgrades and adjustments to puzzles in the early chapters.

Where has Mo gone? Can Mii find her? And most importantly, how will he – and you – be changed by the journey? Share the adventure on the official Facebookand Twitteraccounts.