Mel and the Alligator: A Horror Story
A Review of The Incredible Machine 3.0
by Istvan Urcuyo
This is the latest addition to the award winning "The Incredible Machine"
series. This version (3.0) is available for Windows 95 and Mac. Sierra
has completely revamped the graphics from the original incredible machine,
added more puzzle parts, more challenging puzzles
but managed to leave the original idea intact and just as much fun. I remember playing the original Incredible machine and I enjoyed it. This new version is much better.
Sierra's new installation engine provided for a trouble-free installation under my Windows 95 operating system. I was all set to play this puzzle game in no time. The autoload option makes playing that convenient. The graphics are in 256 colors and animations run smoothly.
After registering each player's name (the game automatically keeps track of
each player's progress), you are greeted by Professor Tim as he introduces
you to each puzzle and every piece in the parts bin. There are five puzzle
levels to choose from: tutorial, easy, medium, hard and extremely hard
(believe me they are). In addition there are two other "levels" to have
fun with: homemade and "head to head". This last option allows you and a
friend to go at it trying to solve the same puzzle (You can finally show
your friend who really is the brain). Both of you have a predetermined
time under which each player take turns and each has only one chance to
move a puzzle part from the parts bin or move a part that is already in the
puzzle screen. Each of the puzzles in this section is designed to be
solved in many different ways, therefore, you have to come up with the
fastest solution. The player that solves the puzzle first wins (and is
mentally superior to others).
This game comes with over 150 puzzles to solve or (if that does not satisfy your appetite) you can build your own. The homemade section allows you to create your own puzzles.
The construction kit is a great improvement from the previous incredible machine version and the walktrough tutorial is very helpful. Nevertheless, it will take a little getting used to in order to successfully build your first couple puzzles. But once you get the hang of it, there is almost nothing to stop you from creating the monster puzzle of monster puzzles.
When building your own puzzles, you will have at your finger tips the
complete arsenal of puzzle parts (all 113 of them) plus you can customize
the background graphics and music. Oh, the music. There are many nice
music themes in this game that range from classical pieces to body shaking
Hispanic salsa (my favorite). The music plays directly from the CD so you
are not going to be disappointed by its quality. There is plenty of
digital speech in this game. Prof. Tim is always eager to explain about
the specific goals for each puzzle, the description of each part in the
parts bin, puzzle tutorials and even hints to help you complete each puzzle
(of course you will not need any hints, right ? ).
There are, however, a
few bugs with the digital speech that may get annoying after playing the
game for a extended period of time. In my computer, Professor Tim's speech
cuts off at odd times during the game but especially when the game's music
comes on. Sometimes the digital speech may not work at all.
The Incredible Machine 3.0 contains a comprehensive on-line manual that
covers all the information needed to play the game. For all those
multilinguals out there, check this out, this version supports the
following languages: Italian, Spanish, German, French and even English.
However, the spoken messages and the on-line help are all in English.
Puzzle solving is by no means an exact science.
You could solve most of
the puzzles in a couple of different ways and you will meet many
interesting characters along the way. There is a funky looking Mandrill
motor (which replaces the monkey in the bike from the original game),
Newton the mouse (poor thing seems to always be on the run), Currie the cat
(drop a bowling ball on him and watch) and an alligator that likes to eat
little funny men that have weird names (How did Sierra come up with a name
like "Mel Schlemming" ?).
If you ever thought about giving "The Incredible machine" series a chance then it is probably now or never. But, if you bought the original "Incredible Machine" (and its sequel the "More Incredible Machine") then I would suggest you find the way to your nearest software store, pick this one up and get ready to demonstrate to the world that your brain is a terrible thing to waste.
Gamer's Zone Scorecard
| Product: |
The Incredible Machine 3.0 |
| Company: |
Sierra On-Line
|
| Cost: |
$24.95 |
System Requirements:
33 Mhz 486 or better CPU
Windows 3.1 or greater
8 Mb RAM
2X CD-ROM Drive
Soundcard
Breakdown:
Fun Factor 4
Interface 5
Replayability 4
Graphics 4
Sound 3
Overall Score:
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