MechanicMaster (DS) Review
Posted by Jacob Lopez on 11.19.2008
MechanicMaster is a puzzler published by Midway Games, and developed by Most Wanted Entertainment out of Budapest, Hungary. The game may not seem like much, but don’t let that turn you off. There may be more to this little title after than meets the eye.
Title: MechanicMaster
Publisher: Midway
Developer: Most Wanted Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1-2 Local Wireless Multi-Card Play
Rated: E for Everyone
Gameplay:
I heard that this game is exactly like an older series for the PC and Mac called The Incredible Machine, but having never played those games, this one felt quite fresh for a puzzler.
The object of the game is to destroy the aliens in the area, and free any captive humans. The puzzles in the main mode--actually called Puzzle Mode--function just like a Rube Goldberg Machine. You will be given a set amount of tools per level to help you complete your little contraption, and destroy any aliens in the area.
The levels in Puzzle Mode will require you to strategically place gears, ropes, weights and bands throughout. Once you think you have it down, hit the play button at the bottom of the screen, and let physics take care of the rest. The puzzles in the game range anywhere from crazy simple to just crazy. If things don’t quite work out, you can hit the stop button and move things around a bit more. When you really screw up, you can just hit the pause button to get to the menu and restart the level.
The game also has a play mode called Drawing Mode. You will have to draw lines and ramps that interact with objects in the level to solve the puzzles. The stylus also works like a 2D portal gun. If you draw a circle, it will make two ‘portals’, a green ‘entrance’, and a blue ‘exit’. Certain levels will require you to draw these portals in order to destroy the aliens. For instance, putting an entrance under a falling anvil and an exit over an alien will cause the anvil to come crashing down on the creature. Everything you have in this mode is limited, from your stylus’ “ink” to how many sets of portals you can draw. Overall, the mode is fun and different enough from the main game to make it worth playing through.
The 3rd mode in the game is the Custom Mode. As the name implies, this mode allows you to create your own levels for some added replay value, but more on that later. The Custom Mode gives you all the tools, platforms and machines available in Puzzle Mode, but this time lets you create your own challenge. This may seem easy at first, but visualizing an interesting puzzle and knowing how to make it physically solvable can actually take some brainwork. I would venture to say that it probably takes more thought to put together a good puzzle than it does to solve many of the tougher pre-made levels.
Graphics:
The graphics in MechanicMaster are on par with a Game Boy Advance (GBA) game. That is not to say it’s a bad thing, but it definitely gives you an idea of what the game’s visuals are like. Everything is made up of simple flat shapes with a limited color palette. Details are usually not what a puzzle game is after, so don’t be surprised when you see the game‘s art style.
Sound:
The sound effects and music never particularly stand out as anything different. The second you turn the game off; you forget what the music even sounded like. Don’t expect yourself to be humming the music after you play, because it probably won’t happen. Take it for what it is, sound to keep the game from being almost entirely silent.
Lasting Appeal:
There are several levels throughout the 2 single-player modes; in fact, the game’s box says “Over 100 levels!”. Most take less than a minute to beat, but some will have you scratching your head for a while.
If lasting appeal is what you are looking for, “Custom Mode” is the way to go. Create and trade levels with your friends; the possibilities are endless. I had some fun with this mode myself, and will probably NEVER be able to fill in the 120 empty level slots the game provides with my own user-created content.
On the downside, you won’t be able to trade levels via Wi-Fi. Everything is local DS-to-DS. I understand that this is to protect kids from older kids with dirty little minds, but it really hinders the possibilities which otherwise have so much potential.
The 411:
At 30 dollars, this game did not disappoint. As long as you are a fan of puzzlers there is nothing to frown upon with MechanicMaster. The first few levels may seem insultingly simple, but don’t let that fool you, this game will give you a run for your money soon enough.
The graphics and sound won’t impress, but as I said before, that is usually not the aim of puzzlers. Enjoy the game for its cool Rube Goldberg-like riddles and the drawing game that feels inspired by Portal, and you will probably have a decent time with it.
MechanicMaster was an unexpectedly decent game, and I wouldn’t mind seeing at WiiWare sequel (Midway, you listening?) with new puzzles and maybe some online modes.
Graphics
6.0
A game like MechanicMaster is definitely not about visual appeal, but a little nudge in the graphics department would help make the title a bit more appealing.
Gameplay
8.5
The gameplay is simple, but may take a non-gamer a bit of getting used to. MechanicMaster is not quite as simple a puzzler as say, Tetris, but once you learn the tools, things start moving.
Sound
7.0
Don't expect a full aural experience, but the sound you get chugs along well enough to keep you going.
Lasting Appeal
8.8
Why not a 9? Well, the game has several levels. There is an awesome level creator, but anyone you want to share with has to be about 60 feet away. Even some online level updates would be pretty awesome.
Fun Factor
8.5
MechanicMaster is a heck of a lotta fun. The approach is pretty cool, and it's been a while since I've played a decent puzzle game. If you are a fan of the genre, give it a shot, you just might enjoy this one.
