Crazy Machines is a puzzle solving developed by FAKT Software and published by dtp Entertainment. Crazy Machines: Elements isn’t your average puzzle game. As the player you work at solving many different levels in each section, with only the objects provided for you in each level. For example the first level (warning level spoiler), you are shown the scene of a basketball net, several wooden panels, a ball at the top of all these panels. There is a gap in the panels. You objective is to get the ball through the basketball net. In you inventory you are supplied with a wooden panel. Once you have placed the panel, the ball can go to the net, through it and the puzzle is complete. (end of level spoiler)
The controls of Crazy Machines: Elements are simple and effective mimic the controls from the PC version of the game. With the left analogue stick being used to move the items, A to select an Item, and B to remove it back to the inventory, Y to stop and start the machine and X to enter the inventory. The gameplay of Crazy Machines is mixed. There are some nice and challenging puzzles, however there are a lot of really easy puzzle to, which to anyone who plays a lot of puzzle games, this can seem a tad disappointing. There are two parts of solving the puzzles, first is to just solve each one is to ‘Perfect’ each level. To perfect a level the player as to collect all the nuts that are scattered around the puzzle. If 100 levels wasn’t enough this surly adds more length to the play time of this game. There is an added challenges mode, that unlocks after the first 50 puzzles have been completed.
The presentation of the game is overall good. The cartoony styled graphics are very pleasing to the eye and fit the game genre very well. It has a nice blend that appeals to both young and old. The music in the game can get annoying, especially the menu music, but eventually you just tune out of it.
There is a slight issue with this game though, It has very long loading times between the start of the game and the menu, and between the player selecting the level and actually playing it. These many however just be an XBLA issue.
Gameplay
It has some very intersinting puzzle to play, that can really rack your brains, and however there are a lot of easy levels, possible to fill out the game. The controls for this game are nice, and suit all levels of gamers. The loading times are an issue.
Presentation
This game is presented very well, the graphics are friendly and eye catching, ideal for all ages. The music for this game however is annoying. Very annoying, and is best played in my opinion in mute.
Longevity
There is certainly plenty of longevity in this game. With 100 levels, and the chance to perfect them, these add and add to the play time. And the added challenge mode, and level design mode, this game could be play again and again.
Overall
Crazy Machines: Elements is a very enjoyable game, with plenty of content and nice graphics. I however cannot play this game happily with the sound on, and the loading times really do need work.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
