Whispering Rogue

Machinarium for PC

I don’t believe there has ever been a game as innovative or creative as Machinarium- Hey, I could be wrong but keep it to yourself! When I loaded it up into my computer, it knocked me back a step and I instantly fell in love with the little robot you control and here’s a few reasons why.

GAMEPLAY

The gameplay is very simple to pick up, due to the fact that if you want to look or interact with something, you just point ‘n’ click (I always wondered where that name came from). From the earliest moments where you have to put your poor beaten robot body back together to figuring out how to get back into the city, all the actions are smooth, fun and at times downright adorable. There is an option to get a clue as to what to do if you are feeling a bit stuck too (now that was some good rhyming!), but this is done in such a way it never feels like cheating- As all the hints are displayed in thought bubbles- but be careful! There is only one hint allowed per level. Or if you are feeling a bit sneaky, and dare a say and bit stupid, there is an accompanying walkthrough booklet (in the Collector’s Edition) which is all hand-drawn and not done in the right order, so the choice is yours.

GRAPHICS

These are simply amazing. The detail at every turn is extraordinary, down to the running water to the wrench-like body of the creature that lives below. All the graphics are actually hand drawn which gives the game a depth and life I have not seen anywhere before. One would never have thought robots and their robotic community could be so very beautiful until after playing Machinarium.

MUSIC

Another incredible feature in this game (the Collector’s Edition even comes with the soundtrack on a separate disc- it’s that good!), I suppose it had to be as there is NO DIALOGUE. None. Nada. Bupkiss. Whenever the little robots have something to say to each other, they communicate in thought bubbles, encouraging you to use your own common sense to decipher what these adorable little guys are saying to each other. Usually I say if the dialogue/ music is a bit boring, watch TV, play some music, but in this silent game of quiet murmurs and a stunning music score, you really find you don’t need anything else in the background.

STORYLINE

You begin life as a sad broken robot whom of which- through no fault of his own- has been dumped in the trash. But he must courageously fix himself back up and march right into town and find those bastards that did this to him! On top of that, his missus has been kidnapped! All throughout the game, the little robot will have flashbacks on spending time with his sweetie on the swings or at the lake, until some mischievous creep comes along and ruins the fun, and these scenes will make you say ‘Oh no…’ as it all starts to come together. I felt the story started to pick up a bit more as you learnt what really happened, and it did make me really sad when I saw how the little guy got thrown on the trash heap. I like robots…

But being as adorable and beautiful as I’m making this game out to be, it’s not just like that- it has some great puzzles, amazing interactions with your fellow robots and you just find that you HAVE to find these bullies and beat the crap out of them!

This game in amazing. Pure and simple. When I read that it had no annoying voice acting and saw the exquisite hand-drawn graphics, I began salivating in anticipation at when I could buy it. Well, maybe not literally as that would make everything rather soggy considering how long I had to wait, but you grasp the general idea.

TTFN- Ta Ta For Now!

Edit: Friggin loved the original and we couldn't agree more with Shades well informed and dynamic opinion.