A Welcomed and Unique Entry into the Genre
"A flash adventure game for 20?!" will certainly be the average consumers initial thoughts on this game, but the observant gamer will notice the value in every handrawn background, the well-crafted soundtrack, and the developers experience from its prior offerings.
Point-and-click adventure games have seen an unlikely (but welcome) resurgence in recent years and retail newcomer Amanita Design puts forth a polished product to that is deserving to be among Capcom, Tell-tale, and Lucasarts offerings.
The gameplay doesn't redefine the point-and-click by any means, but it is varied and challenging enough to keep you playing and always feelings that puzzle solutions are within your reach if you just think for a few more minutes. When hope turns to frustration, instead of reverting to a FAQ, Machinarium players can turn to a two-tiered hint system. The first hint is a one-time use per screen image that can usually free-up mental blocks, but if it fails, you can play a short (and purposefully tedious) horizontal SHMUP to access a comic book styled guide to the current stage.
The unique feature of Machinarium is in the storytelling. The plot slowly forms through flashback images contained in thought bubbles. Characters interact without ever muttering a word, and yet in the end, the player is no less aware of the story than if the game had been composed of more direct dialogue centered story.
Machinarium provides 5-6 hours of gameplay and my only gripe is that there is little replay value and this may set the 20$ price point too high for some. Still if you'd like to watch hand-drawn animations and solve a number of creative puzzles in a well-realized, unique setting, then I fully recommend giving your time to Machinarium.
