Rave Review: Machinarium = Breath of Fresh Air

[ButterflyNet]

This game is a standout. The machine world is richly drawn with great humor and whimsy. It was far more immersive for me than adventure games that try to replicate the real world but end up looking fake.

I loved the inclusion of logic puzzles, machinery, Atari arcade classics, board games, etc. I've never found such a delightful combination in one game before. Amanita Design has a keen eye for what is fun and what is not. They hit this one right on the mark.

The music deserves high praise. It is highly original and well tended. When you move from the musician's outdoor courtyard into the bar, the music becomes more muffled and "enclosed" sounding, just like in real life. Even background noises added ambience and texture rather than being just noise.

I'm trying to think of a con but I can't. I used a walkthrough twice when I couldn't solve a few things. But I'd be really bummed if anyone made a game too easy and I don't mind getting stumped on a hard puzzle here or there, especially in such a fun environment.

Honestly, this was pure enjoyment from start to finish. Please Amanita make a sequel and keep up the great work. It is deeply appreciated.

[EnsignBlue]

My main complaint was that often times it wasn't incredibly clear on what you were supposed to be doing, and that's not "difficulty", that's just poor design. Initially the game did a good job of keeping you going in a direction, but then things got... opaque.

Beyond that, though, brilliant game. Amanita Design makes me proud to be Czech. :p

[ButterflyNet]

For me that was part of the game I enjoyed the most: after the first few rooms it became non-linear. The player is free to explore around the city, collect items, and look for the patterns that emerge (and they do emerge).

I don't enjoy highly linear games that lead me around by the nose. Plus, there is a very unique two-tiered hint system built into the game if a player feels stuck.

The player can get a general hint about how to advance by clicking on a hint icon, or they can play a fun little arcade game to unlock an elaborate walkthrough of any room.

Well done Amanita for giving us room to roam and guidance when needed!