Mechanic Master

With its brain-teasing puzzles and approachable visual style, Mechanic Master looks like another casual hit from Midway. Ben Parfitt gets his mind knotted…

Along with the rejection of the standard joypad, Nintendo’s DS and Wii have also bought with them a departure from traditional gaming and a move to titles that stimulate the brain and body just as much as the fingers.

The latest evolution of this phenomena is, ironically, returning to gaming’s roots. Nintendo’s upcoming Professor Layton has enjoyed critical acclaim, and now Midway is ready to present its fusion of brain athletics and gaming tradition.

“MechanicMaster offers challenging problems for creative minds,” brand manager Mark Cook explains to MCV. “In the age of Sudoku and Brain Training, more consumers want to be stimulated and challenged in a fun and engaging way, and this is exactly what MechanicMaster has to offer, as you manipulate, create and adapt crazy contraptions to solve problems in your own style.

"The game offers a contemporary and innovative problem-solving experience – so for any consumer who enjoyed Brain Training and TouchMaster, MechanicMaster offers a new experience they will be comfortable with.”

The game draws much of its inspiration from American political cartoonist Rune Goldberg, who is remembered by many for what have come to be known as his ‘Rune Goldberg machines’ – over-engineered devices that perform a very simply task in an indirect and convoluted fashion.

The game offers 100 levels in which gamers must build contraptions to solve what are seemingly simple puzzles using the DS’ stylus touch input.

Two game modes are available from the off, along with a level editor that allows users to share their creations wirelessly with friends.

“MechanicMaster will be at the forefront of our casual range this Christmas, enjoying prime spots in a variety of campaign activities, promotions and online,” Cook adds.

“We’re looking forward to replicating the success of TouchMaster at retail and feel we have a vibrant, unique and evergreen title.”