Review : Mechanic Master on Nintendo DS

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Mechanic Master

Your verdict [1 vote] : 7.4 Add to my collection Discuss

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Mechanic Master

The clone of an old classic

By Jay Acevedo (AnodaJay)
Posted on November the 3rd 2008 at 01:11:00 AM

Back in the nineties, I used to play a great game on my dad’s Macintosh called "The Incredible Machine" from Sierra. After so many hours wasted into the original game and some of it’s sequels, I stopped playing them since I was starting to experience newer intuitive games. But then, Midway ships this game to our offices and suddenly, it came back: "Oh snap, it’s The Incredible Machine!"...only the game had a different name: Mechanic Master. Bliss or deception?

Gameplay

Even if it’s not a genuine replica of the classic puzzler, I can’t go without saying that the developers over at Most Wanted Entertainment have used it as a main inspiration to create this game…and the final product is very good. And since there’s no Incredible Machine game on the DS yet and while we’re still waiting for the long-rumored XBLA version (there’s cellphone versions...but nah), Mechanic Master is a cool and interesting alternative on the Nintendo DS.

The game has a quirky premise in which you need to save humans and kill aliens by creating mechanisms and path lines with a specific number of items and layouts to create movement and interaction in order to resolve the puzzle while often respecting the laws of gravity and physics. It may sound hard at first but it isn’t. The only thing you will need is your wit and concentration. If you ever played The Incredible Machine game, you will have fun solving the 90+ puzzles with a sense of deja-vu. As for the others, let us tell you that this game isn’t too shabby and will surprise you, guaranteed whatever your experience with this kind of videogames is.

Graphics & Sounds

Although the game is interesting and plays well, the game isn’t the crispiest game on the DS. It’s simple and bland with no bells and whistles in terms of animation. It’s straight to the point, nothing more. The same goes to the sound effects while the music, even if it’s generic, has a certain beat that keeps you motivated to build more, for some unexplainable reason.

Value

90+ puzzles right of the cartridge and with the possibility to create your own puzzles and share them with your friends through Wireless play into another DS (they will need their own cartridge to save them), Mechanic Master will keep you busy for a while and will improve your intellect at the same time. Believe us when we say it’s addictive.

Conclusion

Midway was clever to release this ‘clone’ now instead of waiting for the real Incredible Machine to show up. Either way, this game delivers and for 30$, the investment is worth every penny. So until the real game makes its appearance on the DS or elsewhere, Mechanic Master will keep you busy for a long time.

Your verdict [1 vote] : 7.4 Add to my collection Discuss

Pros

+ 90+ puzzles to resolve
+ Ability to create and share your own puzzles
+ Cool but simplistic soundtrack
+ Very solid game in general
+ Huge replay value

Cons

- Bland graphics and presentation
- Barebones animations

Final Verdict

7.4

Breakdown :

Presentation :

6.0

Graphics :

6.5

Sound :

6.5

Gameplay :

9.0

Replay Value :

9.0

Our review : 7.4
Your verdict [1 vote] : 7.4
System :
Publisher :
Developer :
Category :
ESRB : E - [GameFocus' ESRB Guide]
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Here's a small guide to help you understand our evaluation of games.

PRESENTATION GRADE
Can be from the game's box to the contents of the booklet, and even the game introduction. (Intro, menus, options, etc)

GRAPHIC GRADE
Up to what point the graphics have been worked on my the developper. The design type, the effort used for textures and environments, as well as animations and framerate.

AUDIO GRADE
Is the soundtrack a good match to the game's style, he ambient sounds keeping with the gameplay and the sound effects clear and convincing?

GAMEPLAY GRADE
Placement of the controls and the inferface that the player with be using during the game.

REPLAY VALUE GRADE
The most important factor in the evaluation of a game. It identifies the lifespan of the game and the fun of coming back again and again.

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