PS3 Footage

DS Footage

I think it’s safe to expect a game that mirrors Ghibli’s animated works in it’s kid level accessibility and parent friendly depth of character and visuals. Look for both versions of the game to be a different experience because they are being developed independently of each other at Level 5. The DS game is due out late 2010 with the PS3 version due out sometime 2011. Oh, and Pokemon-style creature collecting! Yay!

Crazy Machines for iPhone or iPod Touch is the latest in the franchise from German based developer Fakt Software.  The object is to use the provided items to make a contraption in the spirit of the old board game Mousetrap.  The player may be given items like a lighter, a candle, and a magnifying glass, and be expected to use all three items to light the fuse of a cannon, or to heat up a teapot, or activate a solar-powered electrical socket.   There is more than one way to solve each level, but time is limited. Bonus points are awarded if the level objective can be completed without using all of the parts.

Tools in the game include lasers, mirrors, brick blocks, steam engines, conveyor belts, various forms of electrical sockets, ropes, weights, pulleys, toasters, and fans.   The game also features a construction mode, which allows you to build your own puzzles to stump your friends with.  Mission objectives for each level are clearly defined, so the only part of the game that might slow you down is figuring out how to accomplish the objective with the tools you are given, but that’s the very point of the game. Get ready for several hours of iPhone gaming goodness.

The graphics are average when measured against other iPhone games (and especially as compared to Crazy Machines 2 for the PC), but the gameplay is highly engaging and will occupy your mind long after you put the game down.

Be creative, and have fun!

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

This game is also available for Nintendo DS and PC (visit the official German site for download links).

Crazy Machines (Official German Language Site)
Direct Link at iTunes Store (English description)

Genre: Platformer
Platform: iPhone or iPod Touch
Purchasable: $2.99 at iTunes Store

Have you played Crazy Machines?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think: