Thomas Was Alone's gameplay follows a relatively simple platforming loop. The player controls a number of colored rectangles, each with different abilities - and is able to switch between them at any time. The goal is to move these rectangles to their individual exit portals from the level.
This often involves using the rectangles together - for example, those with limited jumping abilities may need to climb on to others to reach high platforms. Other simple mechanics are also featured, including switches (some of which can only be used by matching-colored rectangles) to open up previously inaccessible parts of a level.
Interface
The interface is simple: the shape you are in control of has a little white triangle above its head, all the available characters are displayed on the bottom right of your screen, white narration quotes appear and accompany narrator's story, the black shapes represent the environment and the colored background simply serves design purposes.
Characters
During the game, you will get control (in this order) of the following characters and their abilities:
- Thomas: average jump and average speed
- Chris: low jump and slow speed
- John: high jump and fast speed
- Claire: floats on water
- Laura: acts like a trampoline for other characters
- James: inversed gravity, walks on ceiling
- Sarah: double jump
