Crazy Machines

Crazy Machines is a puzzle type game on the PC, which requires you to really flex your thinking muscles.

I'm sure that many readers will have played the board game Mouse Trap at some point - this is the same sort of idea. You must set up the items of a laboratory in such a fashion as to complete the goal, of which there are a wide variety. In later levels, these requirements include objectives such as blasting a robot into space or making a robot go around a virtual Earth. An unnamed Professor is your in-game mentor, and will tell you what to do for each level as well as giving hints each time you come across a new obstacle.

There are over a hundred levels in the game, as well as several other sets that bring another hundred in each, although a lot of these extra levels are just variations on the same techniques. Earlier levels introduce new aspects, which you will need to remember for later levels. Depending on how fast you can work out what to do, you may well spend a fairly long time on some levels. Every so often, there is a ‘test' level, where the Professor gives you less help with how to do it, instead just telling you what needs to be done. Some of these tests, especially the final ones, can really tax your brain.

There is a wide array of equipment at your disposal, with the extra level sets bringing new tools with them, but your current level will only give you a selection - most will be required items, but there can also be totally unnecessary red herrings in there too. There is not always just one way to do a level either, you will frequently find that you can arrange the same equipment in different ways, or use different pieces to attain the stage's purpose.

If you like, there is a scoring system in play, which takes into account how long you take and if you have any tools leftover. The only thing that scoring brings to the game is a competitive edge with friends, allowing you to pit yourself against each other.

An interesting feature is the ability to create your own scenarios. You can set it up just like any of the set levels are - gravity to Earth, Moon or space, which objects are set and what equipment is available. However, there doesn't appear to be an option to publish these to a web community, which is a shame as there are many creative minds out there that could create an almost unlimited number of scenarios, which in turn would bring replay value right up.

The sound and graphics aren't amazing but in a game like this it really doesn't matter. The only real flaws are that the music gets a bit repetitive before just seeming to cut out altogether and the Professor will get right on your nerves, especially when he pops up over a bit of the contraption that you want to keep an eye on. Luckily, the settings menu includes an option to turn him off.

Crazy Machines is great, simple fun, much more of a casual game to cool off with or to stretch your thinking. It's unlikely you'll find yourself surprised if you keep going back to it for just ‘one more go', as it does have that addictive charm to it. Did I mention that it is pretty good?