Mechanicus was originally given away HERE August 19th 2017 where it received a positive 79% thumbs up with 23 comments.

Mechanicus

In Brief

A physics based puzzle game.

Introduction:

Welcome to Mechanicus. Star Confrontation! In this game you play the role of the Earth's newest space warrior and liberator. Our planet has been treacherously attacked by enemy forces from another solar system. The aliens are significantly stronger technologically; however, if you rely on your intelligence and cunning you'll have a chance to win. At the beginning of each level a window appears and gives you a description of what you are about to do. At the end of the message there's a task in Mechanicus. Star Confrontation. Throughout the game levels you are to deal with different elements such as logs, crates, platforms and others. The game physics are simple: for example to move a log you need to click on the panel to your left and drag it onto the stage. When you deal with some object for the first time you are given a short intro how to use it: for example, a platform is a helpful tool for moving any object, it can hang motionlessly in space and support any weight. Once you've placed an object on the desirable spot you'll see a pad with tools which allow you to rotate, flip, switch, connect the object, turn it on or off or even delete. Every object can undergo a number of unique actions. Holding a cursor over a tool icon you get a message about its functions. Every accomplished level brings you closer to the victory. Use your logical thinking as well as knowledge of physics to accomplish each and every task. All the basic physical laws have been preserved here, despite the fact that the game takes place in the outer space. Enjoy Mechanicus. Star Confrontation! Free the Earth from invaders!

Edited reference accessed HERE. 18th Aug 2017 and reposted 3rd July 2020

The Game:

Mechanicus is an excellent physics based puzzle game that uses a variety of tools such as platforms, blocks of wood, anti-personal mines, transporters that move objects from one place to another instantaneously, anti gravity platforms that completely counteract the effects of gravity around it, enabling you to move objects around the game arena easily, ballista that allow you to throw objects over various obstacles (to do this you will need to place heavy weights on the ballista’s free arm. The loads trajectory depends on where and with what velocity the weight drops, so this will probably mean a few attempts to get the hang of what a weight does when dropped onto the ballista). There doesn’t appear to be any negative impact on taking multiple tries at each level, however, once a level has been completed and you progress to the next level, you cannot go back. There are also mirrors that reflect laser light and fans that alter the trajectory of an objects movement; all used to either destroy objects such as cargo boxes and even the lasers themselves using lasers (in conjunction with mirrors usually) or dynamite, or to move these and other objects introduced into the game to various positions on the game arena. The further you progress, the more tools are provided to complete the task; however, not all the tools are required. You can score extra pints by using the least number of tools and other objects to complete the task in hand.

Your accumulated score will enable you to be promoted from the lowest ranks such as Corporal and Sergeant to lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel, General Earth Defender and the highest rank Humanities Hope. Once you attain 50 000 points you will be promoted to Sergeant, 200 000 to Lieutenant, to attain Humanities Hope you need 30 million points.

There are five stages, each comprising 16 levels, making a total of 80 levels. The levels start off easy but get harder as you progress. New elements are introduced frequently to keep the game fresh. Most of the puzzles are common sense. For example, understanding the principles of Newtons and Reflective laws I.e. that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force (e.g. gravity or other force such as wind) and the law of reflection i.e the angle of reflection (the light reflected from the mirror) is equal to the angle of incidence (the light approaching the mirror) most of these puzzles should be easily be resolved though it may take several attempts, especially when dealing with the positioning of several mirrors when reflecting the ray from a laser beam.

I did have an issue with the mouse when dragging tools from the left hand control pane. The mouse pointer dragged slowly when moving these objects into position every time I tried to place them it was very slow, otherwise there were no other issues.

Posted by Whiterabbit-uk 18th Aug 2017 and again 3rd July 2020.

Other Reviews and Videos of Mechanicus:

You can see Big Fish community reviews of Mechanicus HERE, and you can see some videos of game play via the same link HERE. There's a slideshow of over 100 images HERE. Some will contain spoilers for certain levels (with respect to placement of mirrors etc.

Conclusion:

Mechanicus is a decent physics based puzzle game that should keep the most ardent of fans of this type of game satisfied for several hours. There’s enough variety to keep the game interesting and apart from the minor issue with the mouse dragging when moving tools, the game was great. The graphics are a little dated, but that does not take away the actual game play element to this game. I'd score Mechanicus a 7 out of 10 for game play. Pity there isn't a level editor included.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank MyPlayCity for giving away Mechanicus and also to the game giveaway team, as always, for securing other ways to get free games.

If you miss today's game giveaway you can always get the game via MyPlayCity 24/7 HERE; or If you prefer to purchase the game you can get it HERE via Big Fish Games.

Useful Information not related to today's game giveaway

Don't forget to check out the giveaway forums. Delenn has usually posted the latest freebies. This weeks Epic Game giveaway is Hue. We were supposed to be getting Conan Exiles, but it seems Epic games doesn't have it themselves yet. They have instead added an extra game to next weeks offerings which will be the excellent cooperative zombie shooter Killing Floor 2, Lifeless Planet Premier Edition and The escapist 2. This weeks free game is Hue an award-winning puzzle-adventure, where you alter the world by changing its background color; full colorblind support is also included). Just pop over to the game discussion threads HERE and HERE for links to most of the free games.

There's also a couple of new additions to the Indie Gala developers freebies HERE and HERE (Snow White Solitaire Charmed Kingdom, Adam Wolfe (Complete Edition) and Spirit of Xanadu, plus a couple I've previously missed in the showcase section called Temper Tantrum and Last Man Standing).

Finally, the legendary Steam Summer Sale started on the 25th June and runs until the 9th July. .

Please Stay Safe everyone