Written Android App Review
I have always enjoyed Physics games, but the newest Android app, Apparatus, really takes the cake. This Android app not only has 3-Dimensional graphics, but it induces multiple dimensions of the thought process in order to play. In addition, there is also a social dimension which makes Apparatus stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Gameplay
I’m not going to lie, after this Android app review and the first few levels, this game started to cook my noodle and I started getting stumped at level 8. This is certainly a mental workout!
For those who have never played a Physics game, I will provide a brief explanation. Imagine a game which follows real scientific rules in which a ball must get from point A to point B. Early editions of Physics games simply required quickly drawing a line, circle, or other such shape to guide the ball. Later, shapes could be primitively combined to create items which could move (such as a “car” which could push the ball to the goal).
Apparatus
Now imagine that you need to get this ball from point A to point B but you’re in a wood shop with various tools, electronics, and different sized scraps of wood at your disposal. So you decide you can bridge a gap with three scraps of wood, but you need a way to make them stay together. Cue the tools! A handy hammer will appear when pieces overlapping, allowing the player to connect these pieces with a small dowel rod. A piece of string with two wooden ends can create a trapeze-like swing. a cylindrical scrap can create a slingshot effect.
The best part about Apparatus Android app?
The possibilities are literally limitless.
Apparatus (the full version) not only provides new developer created levels weekly, but you can also download levels other players have made as well! Naturally, this means you can create your own levels and upload them as well. Playing in the sandbox let’s you freestyle build, which is also where players create their own levels. The full game also includes mini-games, controllable vehicles and robots.
My only complaint is that it can be difficult to get pieces to line up and/or connect properly, so for this Apparatus loses half a star. Otherwise, this game should get ten stars for incredible intuition and a unique intellectually stimulating game.
Graphics
Hands down, the graphics for Apparatus are amazing! The depth and clarity of the images is outstanding and the shadow effect helps add dimension. Moving around the screen can almost be dizzying at times because of the 3D top-down view which shifts as the screen moves. Pinch to zoom helps remedy this issue somewhat and also allows the player to get a better view of the puzzle. However, I don’t enjoy being dizzy, so the game loses half a star for this unnecessary feature.
Value
The full version costs a mere $1.77 which is great for a game of this caliber. The lite version, however, is free. Naturally, it would be wise to download the Lite version first, but if you are a fan of Physics game, you might just go straight to the paid version. I guarantee you won’t be sorry. I award five stars for value for providing both free and paid options for such a stimulating game.
Android Apps Review Details: Apparatus Lite Android app is free. This app requires Android 1.6 and up. You may download Apparatus lite from the Android Marketplace.
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