Review: Machinarium

If you’re bored with the guns, Nazis and zombies that appear in many games, or just enjoy exercising your brain in imaginative and creative ways, then Machinarium may be the answer.

A point-and-click adventure in the vein of gaming classics such as The Secret of Monkey Island, Machinarium follows the exploits of a rusty little robot who pulls himself off the scrap heap to rescue his mechanical girlfriend and foil a dastardly plot.

The story is told via a series of levels presented as static screens, each of which includes at least one devilish puzzle that must be solved in order to continue. One example is combining items to escape from a prison, another is reprogramming an automated waste disposal machine in order to reach the exit, which is otherwise inaccessible.

The puzzles themselves are mostly very cunning; a few seem downright impossible but help is always just a click away, with a basic hint system and a full walkthrough should you really find yourself stuck.

Machinarium is clever, funny and occasionally even quite touching. The game’s real stand-out feature, however, is its uniquely beautiful hand-drawn art style. Every screen paints an intricately detailed animated picture of your little robot’s corroded, retro-mechanical home city. It’s similar to the art style used by filmmakers Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam.

Released for download late last year and now finally available to buy on disc, Machinarium is an absolute gem. It’s a must for adventure fans and proof that modern games don't have to resort to violence to be fun.