Machinarium

 

Machinarium is an adventure based puzzle game that involves the player locating hidden objects in order to move on in the next level.  The player will have to follow a point and click system to progress in the game.  It was developed by Amanita Design and released on October 16, 2009. 

 The goal of the game is to solve a series of puzzles and brain teasers to move on in the story.  The differences between this game compared to other puzzle solvers is that only objects within the reach of the character will be available for you to click on. The game also has no dialogue, the exception being the opening level that is meant only as a tutorial. Instead it uses a thought bubble that displays images that can be useful to the player as a hint.  There is also a hint system as well as a walk through for each level.  However, in order to access the walk through you must first complete a mini game.  Once that is completed you will then be given a series of sketches that shows you how to get past the level.  It is a unique system that clearly shows you that it wants the player to figure out how to get by for themselves.

 The audio for Machinarium is quite unique for this particular game.  The background gives an almost eerie feeling at times while you try to solve the puzzle for that particular level.  For every action you do there is a simple sound that goes along with it.  The sound track was written, composed, mixed, and produced by Tomáš Dvořák for Amanita Design.  The music in general fits the game very well.

Overall, this is a great game that is simple to play yet challenging to figure out.  However, I think anyone can enjoy this game.  It also doesn't hurt that it is very inexpensive nowadays to play.