Machinarium

For anyone who follows the stock market, riddle me this. Why has the market taken a nose dive recently, with the Dow dipping back below the 10,000 level when consumer confidence levels are reaching new highs (when compared to the last 6 months)? Its like the fearmongering over our own economy has evaporated only to be replaced by huge scares from global politics and foreign economies. Either way, seeing 2-3% shaved off of the markets across the world isn't exactly comforting news.

Back to today's topic:
Machinarium

Indie games have gotten more and more recognition over the last few years. Digital distribution reduces production costs, giving developers the ability to come out with some really unique quirky titles. Often these short, inexpensive games have a charming quality the big AAA titles lack. And they can be an incredible amount of fun. For those of you who enjoy the puzzle genre – and don’t mind really having to think outside the box, check out Machinarium.

It’s very similar to a flash game I saw a few years ago, where you have to click on things around the screen to accomplish a goal. You aren’t really sure what you have to click, but instead must discover everything on your own. There are some different hint systems to help you if you get stuck but expect to put some thought into the game.

In fact, the game is still flash based – but plays like a normal full-screen game. I did experience one crash about part way through the game and lost a lot of progress, so you’ll want to save after figuring out a tricky section. Sadly there’s not much replay value in a game like this, like portal once you’re through it the puzzles are ‘done’ – you can complete it again in a fraction of the time.

So what makes this title particularly cool? Well you’re a little robot in a goofy robot world….nothing like the movie Robots. All of the artwork is drawn and has a very custom made feel to it. The artistic style gives the game a really cool feel that I can honestly say I’ve yet to encounter in another title. Here’s what I mean (this is about ½ way through the story)



If you’ve played the game, give me your thoughts on how easy or difficult you thought it was below. Also does this type of art style make you more or less inclined to pick up the title? For those of you who want to check out the game but don’t make compulsive buys (I’m right there with you guys….demos are excellent) – check out the game demo of the first three levels at their website here:

http://machinarium.net/demo/

The demo is fully playable and exactly what you’ll see in the full version (though it does increase tremendously in complexity later in the game, each ‘room’ has items that are needed to interact within other rooms….you may find yourself going back and forth. Expect to have a lot of “ah ha!” moments once you figure out a puzzle, and even more head scratching moments while you try to figure out what the heck to do. You’ll need some patience here, but it’s very satisfying to figure out the puzzle and send your little robot friend on his way.