The Little Crane That Could
- December 22, 2013
- Game Studio Abraham Stolk
"The Little Crane That Could" is a physics-based puzzle game that challenges players to operate a small crane and complete various tasks in different levels. Players must carefully plan their movements and use the crane's abilities to lift, move, and place objects to progress. With its detailed 3D graphics and realistic physics, the game provides a challenging and engaging experience for players who enjoy problem-solving and simulation games.
Reviews
- Fun and challenging gameplay that keeps players engaged.
- Great graphics and sound effects enhance the overall experience.
- No ads and a good variety of levels make it enjoyable for all ages.
- Limited free levels, requiring payment to unlock additional content.
- Controls can be frustrating and unintuitive, leading to a steep learning curve.
- Some levels may be too difficult or tedious, causing frustration for players.
- graphics115 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the smoothness and quality, while others find them basic or in need of improvement. Many users emphasize that gameplay takes precedence over graphics, appreciating the fun and engaging mechanics despite any graphical shortcomings. Overall, while some players are satisfied with the visuals, others express a desire for enhanced graphics and more detailed environments.
“The 'little' crane is flabergastingly excellent with fabulous graphics and the grapple is very tight and enjoyable.”
“I love the game, it's really fun with great graphics and good controls; it's like driving the real thing.”
“Great graphics and is a great relaxing game.”
“The game graphic is not good and smooth, don't download it.”
“Good concept but had to uninstall because the graphics were so bad I couldn't see... please fix and I will reinstall.”
“The graphics could be better.”
- story29 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is perceived as limited, with players expressing frustration over the lack of available missions in the free version and the requirement to purchase additional content. While some users appreciate the creative mission design and realistic physics, many feel that the game is essentially a demo that restricts gameplay unless players are willing to pay. Overall, the narrative is overshadowed by concerns about accessibility and the monetization model.
“It tells a story; size doesn't matter, kindness does, so be kind.”
“Very creative mission design and varied vehicles.”
“I love this game! This is the best game ever. I was just looking for a game but I could not find a good one. This is what I think about this game. I know that this is a long story about it, but I love it. I think it is the best game ever.”
“You have to buy the missions, it's frustrating!”
“Too bad you only get to play the first four missions then asked to pay to play more.”
“My one problem and reason for not giving it 5 stars is that I paid for the full game but it still won't let me play new missions.”
- monetization26 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many appreciate the absence of ads, there is a strong desire for more accessible content, with suggestions for ad-supported free levels or lower-priced in-app purchases. Some players express frustration over the high costs of unlocking additional content, indicating a preference for a more balanced approach to monetization.
“No ads.”
“I'm glad there are no ads, but I understand it has to be paid for the full version, something I can't cough up.”
“This game is fab and there are no ads in this game, I love this game ever.”
“It's a really good game, but you need to buy lots of things, so just chill on the in-app purchases.”
“Really fun game, would purchase it for £1, but instead it's ruined with expensive in-app purchases, for shame... for shame...”
“Either make more free levels or make a desperate full version, as in-app purchases are dangerous.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is highly praised for its fluid mechanics, engaging physics, and addictive nature, often overshadowing the simplistic graphics. Players appreciate the challenge and variety offered by the levels, although some have noted issues with crashes and a desire for more detailed environments. Despite a steep learning curve for some, the game is considered a fun and compelling experience, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of physics-based puzzles and driving mechanics.
“This is an amazing game with amazing gameplay and levels; it's challenging, and no matter how many times you play one level, you never get bored. It's amazing.”
“I like how good physics and gameplay have taken priority here over good graphics.”
“Fun and fluid gameplay.”
“The only thing I would like to see changed is a sensitivity option for the actual driving mechanics.”
“Steep learning curve but compulsive gameplay!”
“The controls work well, but the many degrees of freedom can lead to gameplay that feels overwhelming and confusing.”
- stability14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting frequent crashes, freezing issues, and bugs that hinder gameplay. While some players have had positive experiences on specific devices, many others find the game unplayable due to these persistent technical problems. Overall, the stability of the game appears to be inconsistent and problematic across various platforms.
“Runs great on my Samsung Galaxy Proclaim!”
“Love this game; it runs great on my Galaxy Tab 2.”
“Game is very buggy and clearly has lots of issues.”
“Game doesn't start up and freezes a lot.”
“Freezes to unplayable state as soon as you try to start a level.”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it consistently funny and entertaining, often leading to memorable moments that they enjoy sharing online. Many users highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter, making it a standout experience that they recommend to others. Overall, the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.
“It's the best, and I could make funny moments and post them on my YouTube channel.”
“Because my friends and I were at the port playing this game, and it is so funny, so download it!”
“I don't usually post ratings on games, but this one deserved it. This game made me laugh and think.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mix of fun and frustration, describing it as tedious and sometimes stressful. While some levels are enjoyable and addictive, many users express disappointment with the repetitiveness and lack of creativity in certain maps. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a double-edged sword, offering both enjoyment and annoyance.
“Some of the levels are annoying and tedious.”
“Was very disappointed by the rest of the levels... very tedious and not too creative.”
“Sooo tedious and stressful and not enough free levels.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, opinions on replayability are mixed; while some users find the game enjoyable and fun enough for multiple playthroughs, others feel it has low replay value, particularly for adults. The transition from a free to a paid model has also impacted perceptions, with some players appreciating the experience but noting limitations.
“A fun game with plenty of replay value.”
“The game was great, everything like a real crane, but it went from totally free to totally paid. They should warn you that it's only a free version at first, but all in all, it's replayable and a fun time killer, so four stars.”
“Low replayability value for me, but it might appeal to children.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying feel redundant.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features impressive sound effects, but it lacks a musical score, which users feel is not necessary for the overall experience.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the game to be deeply heartwarming and emotionally resonant, often reflecting on personal memories, leading to overwhelmingly positive ratings that exceed the standard scale.
“This game is heartwarming and filled with memories, so I rate it a 5, but I would actually rate it a 99999999999999999999/5.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game receives high praise for its optimization, particularly in the free version, which offers excellent accessibility, impressive graphics, and detailed environments. Players appreciate the smooth performance and intuitive control HUD, enhancing the overall experience in the sandbox mode with various vehicles.
“5 stars for accessibility in the free version, graphics and detail, sandbox with many different vehicles, control HUD, and performance.”
“The optimization in this game is impressive, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
“I love how the game runs seamlessly with minimal loading times, showcasing excellent optimization.”