Crazy Machines Elements
- February 10, 2012
- Fakt Software
- 20h median play time
A puzzle game revolving around using complex machines to do simple tasks, Crazy Machines is a unique and enjoyable enough experience that is somewhat crippled by balancing issues and a lack of appeal
"Crazy Machines Elements" is a puzzle game where players build contraptions using everyday objects and bizarre components, with the added challenge of incorporating the elements of fire, water, and wind. The game features various puzzles to solve, and players can compete with friends and design their own inventions using a built-in editor. Realistic physics provide both an ally and an obstacle in creating fantastic chain reactions.
Reviews
- Crazy Machines Elements offers a fun and challenging experience with a variety of parts to create unique contraptions.
- The graphics are bright and colorful, enhancing the overall atmosphere and making it easy to recognize different elements.
- The game provides a decent selection of puzzles and custom creation tools, allowing for creative problem-solving.
- The physics engine is inconsistent, leading to frustrating gameplay where object trajectories can change unexpectedly.
- Many puzzles are considered too easy, with excessive hints and limited freedom in solving them, which may disappoint veteran players.
- There is no online feature to share creations, and the lack of community interaction diminishes the replay value.
- graphics13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a bright and colorful art style, making each element distinct and easily recognizable. While some may find the technical aspects lacking compared to modern standards, the unique aesthetic—featuring items like plywood sheets and brick walls—creates an engaging atmosphere. Overall, the visuals are praised for their charm and effectiveness in enhancing the gameplay experience.
“Graphics are bright and colorful, each part being distinct and easy to recognize.”
“The graphics are really amazing.”
“Elements is probably my favorite of the bunch, with a decent interface and graphics, and the professor isn't making comments all the time about your progress like at least one of the other Crazy Machines games.”
“Even the aesthetics are items built on plywood sheets in a backyard or a brick wall, instead of the basement laboratory theme people have come to expect and love.”
“Well, sure, maybe the technical side lacks whatever graphics-crazy people are hyped over nowadays, but with a more colorful and nice art style, it gives us an incredible atmosphere.”
“Don't get fooled by the graphics and buy Crazy Machines 1, Crazy Machines 2, The Incredible Machine, or if your kid is just 6 years old, Crazy Machines 1.5.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily focused on casual mechanical and assembly elements, drawing comparisons to the original Crazy Machines series. Players can expect engaging mechanics that emphasize creativity and problem-solving.
“Game description and mechanics are well thought out.”
“Gameplay-wise, it's somewhere closer to the first Crazy Machines.”
“It's where the gameplay is at.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered safe and unremarkable, failing to make a significant impact on the overall experience. While some users find the soundtrack bizarre, it is overshadowed by criticisms of other gameplay elements, such as the learning curve and physics engine.
“The music plays it safe.”
“The soundtrack is bizarre and doesn't fit the game's theme.”
“The music lacks creativity and fails to enhance the overall experience.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its colorful and appealing art style, which compensates for any shortcomings in technical graphics. Reviewers find that this artistic approach creates an incredibly immersive experience, enhancing the overall ambiance of the game.
“While the technical side may not meet the expectations of graphics enthusiasts, the colorful and appealing art style creates an incredibly immersive atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is captivating, drawing players into its unique world with a blend of art and sound that enhances the overall experience.”
“The rich and vibrant atmosphere of the game makes every moment feel alive, immersing players in a beautifully crafted environment.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has been criticized for lacking an introductory plot or context for the puzzles, leaving players without guidance or narrative engagement.
“Actually, there isn't even a hint on the intro plot for puzzles anymore.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers approximately 20 hours of humorous puzzles, providing a fun experience at an affordable price, especially when purchased as part of a discounted complete pack.
“About 20 hours of funny puzzles for a low price (got it in complete pack in discount).”