Machinarium
By Chris Morris,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Challenging robot adventure surprises with touching story.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Machinarium
Community Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=machinarium+
Report this review
Brain tester
Report this review
What’s It About?
Using only clever animation and in-game sound effects, kids will have to determine exactly what the problem is and how best to solve it as they work their way through the adventure/puzzle adventure Machinarium. For players who get particularly stuck, the game offers one hint per level. In one early level, for instance, players will have to get past a guard by using scattered trash to create a fake uniform.
Is It Any Good?
MACHINARIUM is unlike anything you've played in the app store. Its minimalist interface and hand-drawn graphics might catch your eye, but its clever story and sly humor make it unforgettable. It's a point-and-click adventure/puzzle game -- and those puzzles can be real brain stumpers -- but it's one with heart and emotion that's communicated through subtle, understated means, a rarity in this over-the-top gaming world. The game, originally released on PC, won several awards from respected industry sites -- and it makes a wonderfully smooth transition to iOS devices.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
When kids are stuck, offer suggestions on different ways to think about the problem.
Let kids know that the kind of creative thinking they're using in the game is helpful in real life, too. Remind them that when a problem seems insurmountable, there may be a creative solution.
App Details
- Device: iPad
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, hypothesis-testing, problem solving, Emotional Development: empathy, persevering, Creativity: developing novel solutions, imagination
- Release date: September 8, 2011
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Publisher: Amanita Design
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated: August 22, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Top Puzzle Apps
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate