MechanicMaster
© 2008 Midway Home Entertainment
Those familiar with "The Incredible Machine" will immediately recognize the drag-and-drop format of this Nintendo DS game. Your job is to solve 100 Rube Goldberg-style puzzles that start easy and get very challenging, by arranging items on the screen using the DS stylus. Once the weights or pulleys are positioned on the screen, children touch the "play" button to set the puzzle into motion. There's a wide selection of unusual items that introduce concepts of gravity, light and action, including gravity shifters (things can fall up), spray bottles, laser pistols and mirrors. A Drawing Mode lets you use the DS stylus to draw your own platforms, walls, and portals in puzzles that can be shared with other players via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. If you're looking for a strong exercise in higher order thinking, this is a good choice. Note that younger children may get frustrated, however. Available in five languages (English, French, Italian, German and Spanish). Created for Midway by HD Publishing.
$30, Nintendo DS
Teaches: science, mechanics, creativity, logic, problem solving
CTR Rating: 90%