Developer: Zachtronics
Publisher: Zachtronics
RRP: £15.49 (Gog.com, Humblebundle and Steam)
Released: 7th December 2017
Available on: Gog.com, Humblebundle and
Steam
Played Using: Mouse
Approximate game length: 20 Hours +
In the past the pursuit of alchemy was
generally a pleasure reserved for the wealthy. Eventually study of
alchemy would become what is known as chemistry today. But imagine a
world where alchemy actually worked as it was intended. Turning lead
into gold, water into wine or the ultimate goal of creating the
philosopher’s stone.
Having looked through their library of games it seems that Zachtronics are all about puzzle games, specifically assembly style ones. Opus Magnum is no different in that regard, in fact that’s the core of the gameplay, create a working assembly machine and create the product that you’ve been tasked to do.
If you’re anything like me you’ll find the prospect of creating these products to be a daunting and complicated task. Thankfully the tutorial explains everything you need to know in an easy to understand step-by-step manner. Occasionally the game will throw you a new mechanic to play with but each one is well explained at the point of introduction and builds off of what was taught previously.
Once you complete a puzzle you can export your solution as a gif so that you can share your creations. I personally loved sharing my overly complicated Rube Goldberg style creations. There’s also a leaderboard, so you can obsessively compete with your friends as well as with yourself.
This is the kind of game that can drive a perfectionist mad. Oh sure, you completed the puzzle but surely you can refine it. Make it more efficient or cost less. Down that way madness lies, although it’s immensely satisfying once you finally work out an elegant solution.
I have to admire the fact that there’s actually a story to follow if you so wish. It’s by no means required to understand what to do in the puzzles but it adds some context.
I have to say that despite my initial misgivings I really enjoyed playing this game. There’s just something very satisfying about creating mechanism that runs perfectly and should you complete all the puzzles (or just want something different), you can access a whole slew of consumer created content within Steams Workshop.
If this appeals to you perhaps try;
Spacechem
TIS-100
Infinifactory
