Tech Olive

At a glance, from many factors, one could easily assume that The Magic Toy Chest is a casual kid’s game, something simple for anyone to enjoy. In actuality, it is a complex physics-based puzzle game. Much like The Incredible Machine, for those that remember those games, you are given an arsenal of tools, or box of toys, if you will. With these devices you construct complex solutions to seemingly simple problems.

Despite MTC‘’s casual appearance, it actually takes quite a bit of thinking, planning and patience. It takes traits that not many average gamers possess and that’s too bad, because this game offers a great selection of levels and challenging situations which more often then not, seems almost impossible at first glance. Sure, it can get repetitive, but this is not exactly the kind of game you intend to play for long marathons. Chances are you’ll take a break every few levels. To most people this would sound like the game fits into the lame “casual” category. I don’t think it does, but I’m sure some people will disagree with me.

While MTC may be fairly complicated, the tutorial levels do a fantastic job of explaining to you how things work and what exactly your objectives are. You complete each level with one to three stars. You get one star for completing the level within the time limit, another for meeting a par time, and the third (gold) star is awarded if you complete the level within a certain number of actions. Tasked with completing chores throughout the house, your skills are tested on increasingly harder levels through a host of different locations all over the house.

This game is not under the illusion that everyone will like it. This game is tailored for a certain type of gamer. Sure, just about anyone will be able to stumble their way through the tutorial levels with an understanding of how things work, but not everyone will stay to the end.

Scores

- Graphics: 6
It’s hard to rate an indie game on graphics without being unfair. So although it got a low score compared to retail games, it is right on par with other indie games.

- Storyline: 5
While a game like this doesn’t exactly need a storyline, MTC does include a storyline and its nothing special, but it fills the need.

- Gameplay: 8
With the physics and impressive level design, the game serves an experience that is not often found.

- Presentation: 7
Although the game doesn’t offer anything special, the menus are solid and they even offer a limited range of options for overall menu aesthetic.

- Lasting Appeal: 8
If you are a fan of this genre, then you know games like this offer massive replay value with the vast amount of solutions to any given problem.

Overall: 7 Olives