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| | Publisher: Viva Media  Genre: Edutainment | | | Min OS X: 10.4 |
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One thing that makes this game somewhat unique is that many experiments actually can be solved more than one way. Quite often you will end up with parts left over, and a completed experiment. When you go back and use the option to reveal the solution, it may be different than the one you came up with. This gives the player the opportunity to be a bit more creative with their solutions, and keeps it from feeling like a simple "plug in the correct parts" game.Another impressive aspect of this game is the physics engine. Behaviors, while predictable, do not appear to be pre-programmed. Balls bounce realistically, dominos fall into each other believably, and collisions happen with the proper action-reaction force. Just because the ball ran into the first domino doesn't necessarily mean that it will fall over. There may not have been enough force behind it, or maybe you decided to try the tennis ball as opposed to the bowling ball. Setting the fan too far from the rising balloon will keep it from affecting its path. The true-to-life physics really give the game a polished look, and keep it a step above the others. Crazy Machines offers over 200 experiments to play through, and the option of setting three different gravity settings—Earth, the moon, and space—which will affect the outcome of some experiments. There is also an experiment editor, which will allow you to work with the 70 different components to develop your own experiments. These experiments can then be exported and imported, allowing users to share experiments with other users. Unfortunately, the included puzzles can be polished off by an experience gamer in a few hours, and there is little reason to go back and play through them again. The sandbox mode may allow for some extension of play time, but most will find little reason to take the game off the shelf again after completing the main game. The graphics for Crazy Machines are quite well done, and a pleasant surprise when compared to most dual-platform games. There are no Flash-graphics to be seen here. Everything is rendered in real-time using OpenGL. The game engine makes use of advanced feature like particle effects and real-time lighting effects, as well as high-resolution textures and detailed object models. Everything runs very smoothly as well, even at higher resolutions. The sound in the game is passable, with three non-irritating music tracks to choose from, and nice, if uninspired, sound effects accompanying the on-screen action. Nothing special, but nothing to complain about, either. Crazy Machines is a lot of fun while it lasts. The gameplay is enhanced by an excellent physics engine and nice graphics, but the game may not last long enough for some gamers. Younger gamers will find a lot to enjoy here, and for $24.95, it's definitely worth checking out. Pros • Physics engine is very realistic
• Polished graphics engine
• Learning curve not too steepCons • Tutorial levels may get old for seasoned gamers
• Older gamers will breeze through the game
• Once the game is complete, there's little reason to go back to it
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