Boy are there some negative opinions posted on the gaming sites about this new release on Steam.

Let me tell you what Proteus DOESN'T do. It doesn't keep score. There is no "end." There's no story to follow, no enemies to kill, nothing to build. So if your definition of "video game" requires one or more of those features, don't buy or play Proteus.

Now let me tell you what Proteus does: Proteus creates an island that you can explore. The island has no walls (other than the fact that it is an island... however, you can swim out to sea if you like.) There are forests, ruins, standing stones, mountains to climb, buildings to discover, paths to follow, small creatures to chase, weather to experience, and music. Lots and lots of music. The world is pastel-coloured and filled with sound. Each type of terrain and plant you find creates its own music that blends together. If Proteus is only a piece of digital artwork, as some people have described, then it's well-worth it for the music it creates while you explore the artwork.

The concept of games online have become very narrow-focused on competition. Even single-player games revolve around how fast you can do something, how many achievements you can acquire, how high your score can be. Proteus just IS. You go in for a few minutes, or longer, and can lose yourself in the environment.

I frequently get teased because I spend a lot of time on my very expensive gaming machine, playing Solitaire. I don't even play to win. I just click and drag cards. I do it because the repetition helps me zone out; it's a form of meditation for me. Some of my best story ideas come from my "wasting time" playing Solitaire. I think I found a better muse in Proteus now. At the very least I will have some of the most amazing relaxation music while I chase squirrels and little hopping rabbit creatures.