Review: Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets
by Matt Fox
May 1, 2009
Overview
Magnificent Gizmos and Gadgets is a unique physics-based puzzle game that basically let's you build just about anything as you attempt to reach the goal in each level. Although the game has a few rough patches along the way, it does come with a variety of features that will definitely give you a different experience each time you play through it.Features
The game includes over 44 different levels with multiple possibilities on the ways in which you can effectively solve those levels. Plenty of environmental objects to aid you in getting past the overall objects as well as a tutorial guide that will instruct you on exactly how to build your gadgets correctly. There is also a share feature that allows you to save some of your favorite contraptions and email them to friends.Breakdown
The Good:
The variety of what you can build here. Most games like this usually have one solution that you must solve in order to pass the level. With this game, you have the ability to really build just about anything as long as it works just enough to get you to the goal. It makes for some interesting designs and is definitely challenging when you are trying to figure out the best thing to build here.
There are plenty of levels in this game so you really feel like you're getting the most bang for your buck. The share feature is also a nice touch if you have friends that are playing the game as well. Compare your solution to a particular level with theirs and see who has come up with the better design, etc.
The Bad
My biggest issue with the game has to be the overall look and feel of the game. The graphics just aren't that appealing and neither are the gadgets that you build. Everything just looks, well...bad, really. It's not terrible, but it's not very good either. The graphics here almost feel unfinished in a way as if this is the beta version of the game or something. I'm not sure? They just don't work for me.
My other grip is just the way the game moves...it's not very smooth. Again, it feels beta. There's a lag when you first build something and it is about to take off. Connecting pieces and zooming in and out feels very clunky and awkward. Last, there is a pretty big learning curve when it comes to the delete buttons and just about every other button you have available. It just takes a while to get used to the way this app functions. Your brain wants to do it one way and the app is calling for another. You get it, but it's frustrating at times.
