Unmechanical: Extended Review

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore an underground world, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, as a little robot? Probably not, but if you have, or maybe you want to know, then look no further! After originally being released on Windows all the way back in 2012, the mute little robot returns, but this time to console in Unmechanical: Extended.

Unmechanical: Extended brings us back to the original game but this time they have included new levels. In a world where puzzle solving games seem to be a big hit with gaming fans, specially fans of the Indie genre, Unmechanical: Extended finds a way to separate itself from others.

With a stylish world made of metal, rock and flesh, you make your way through trying to discover where you are, why, and a way out. With simplistic controls, it makes moving around the levels a breeze, it’s the sheer number of puzzles you have to solve to continue the journey that make this game entertaining. These puzzles range from simple, to some that will test your wit. There is a hint bubble that you can make pop up if you need help, which I found very useful in certain areas due to the fact that the game doesn’t outright tell you what you have to do. Trail and error will get you past certain challenges if you’re still unclear of what exactly they’re asking of you through the hint bubble.

As I mentioned the controls are very simple, and by simple I mean, there are literally two buttons you need to push to make it through the game. The little robots only function is being able to use his tractor beam to help move objects to places they need to be. With basic controls but challenging puzzles, this opens up for a wide range of gamers to find Unmechanical: Extended enjoyable.

The story however I find is the only downfall for this neat little puzzle game. The story, for what there is of one, Is somewhat hard to follow and doesn’t really explain itself until the very end and even then, you might find yourself asking what the purpose was. That being said, the “Extended” part of the game’s story is easier to follow and the puzzles are unique compared to those in the main game. This doesn’t make the initial game bad though. This isn’t really one of those games you need to play for a story, it’s just nice that they did add more incentive to press forward. The visuals on the other hand, for a 2.5D puzzle game, they’re great to look at. They have this cartoonish feel to them, which makes playing as a little robot in an unknown world that much more enjoyable even with the lack of color to the world.

For something that started out as a student project before it won the hearts of gamers around the world, I feel Unmechanical: Extended is a game that any fan of puzzle solving games, and some what challenging situations should play. Whether you’re an older gamer or even younger, there is enough in this title to keep you entertained for a good portion of time, that is unless you’re a master of puzzles and can make it through the world very quickly.

While I do wish there would have been more of a story to add to the charm this game holds, it isn’t something that keeps this from being enjoyable. Do you think you have what it takes to venture into the unknown depths of a dark and mysterious world? Put your wits to the test with this adorable yet challenging puzzle game.

REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Sony Playstation 4 code was provided to Brash Games for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to editor@brashgames.co.uk.

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