Crazy Machines
SCORE: 76
Crazy Machines for the Wii by thinkSMART Games gives players a chance to tinker with some of the wackiest chain reaction contraptions imaginable. Essentially players create Rube Goldberg machines which are elaborately designed devices that perform a ridiculously simple function through a series of chain reactions.
Crazy Machines is full of vibrant colors. From the various backdrops to the crazy props, there’s plenty of pigment to go around. Unfortunately the clarity of the graphics, particularly the objects used in the machines, is very poor making it difficult to discern exactly what some of the objects are. Players can hold their pointer over an object for a brief description, but things would be a lot more fun if the graphics were a bit more refined. Crazy Machines is free from any violent imagery, aside from the occasional explosion, making it a visually safe game for families.
There are some odd things about the audio used (or not used) in Crazy Machines. The first thing that struck me as odd was the complete absence of music in the main menu. From the time you start the game to the moment where you select or create your profile, the game is awkwardly silent. You may suspect that the sound on your TV has malfunctioned, but fear not, after you begin the game the music plays with such exuberance that you’ll no longer doubt your TV’s capability. The music used in each location fits the scene well. I did feel that the music became repetitive and somewhat annoying after a length of time as it continuously loops the same track until you move on to the next level. And speaking of the next level, while loading each puzzle the game again becomes conspicuously silent with the professor, your host for the game, standing there awkwardly looking at you. I felt like I should say something to break the silence, but I hardly know the guy. The game does employ plenty of sound effects which all work appropriately and fit the objects and actions they correspond with. I did not detect any offensive audio during the course of play, so parents need not worry in this regard.
Crazy Machines features a substantial amount of content that will certainly give you plenty to do. In addition to the large selection of standard single player puzzles, you also have the option to create your own crazy machines from scratch and even play the multiplayer mode with friends and family. As you play you can earn gold gears to unlock additional levels and content. The game also includes an excellent 37 page user manual which I feel is worth noting as decent manuals are becoming an increasingly rare creature.
I was sadly disappointed with the gameplay of Crazy Machines. Initially I was very excited to play this game as I find these chain reaction machines quite amusing. The problem for me comes down to how this game functions on the Wii console. Players must maneuver different parts of the contraption around the screen and place them correctly so that the machine can function properly. The problem with this is the way it works with the Wii controller is less than ideal. Even those of us who are proficient with the Wii controller will find it difficult and frustrating to position the pieces precisely (particularly when trying to rotate). Being that precision is a key part of this game, the lack of control gets old very fast. The developers did thankfully include an alternative method of control that you will almost certainly need to employ at one time or another. By holding down the placement button to switch modes, you can slowly navigate the object using the directional arrows on the control pad and rotate it using the + and – buttons on your controller. While this gives you infinitely better control over the object, it is a slow and tedious process when several objects are required in each machine. Once you have managed to complete a functioning machine, the results are gratifying as you see all of the objects work together to accomplish your goal. I also found the multiplayer games to be fun and easier to manage with the Wii controller. Players go head to head and attempt to best one another by completing a task more quickly or more proficiently than their competition.
Crazy Machines is safe for
the whole family and can be enjoyed by all ages. The option of working
together to riddle out the solution to a puzzle or going up against each
other in multiplayer mode is a fun way to spend time together. There is
little to be concerned about in the way of offensive material. The
developers took care to make this game kid friendly. One item of note is
that the professor casually picks his nose during some of the loading
screens. This could have been left out of the game as it adds nothing
worthwhile and it may be offensive to some. If you enjoy tinkering with
crazy contraptions, have the patience of a saint, and possess a very
steady hand, you will enjoy Crazy Machines.
-Roger
Graphics: 79%
Sound: 73%
Replay/Extras: 80%
Gameplay: 67%
Family Friendly Factor: 80%
System: Wii
Publisher: Mentor Interactive/thinkSMART Games
Rating: 'E' - Everyone
Want more info on this
product,
or the company that made this product?
Set web browser to:
Link
Got a question, comment,
or a concern regarding this
review?
Email them to:
Roger@familyfriendlygaming.com