Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

thinkSMART: Crazy Machines – Wacky Problem Solving! adopts the classic Rube Goldberg–style puzzle design, challenging players to piece together a chain reaction of animated parts to achieve a simple goal: get the ball to its target. In Classic mode, you’re given a selection of devices—ramps, pulleys, fans and more—and must place them meticulously, then manually trigger the sequence to test your contraption. The tactile sensation of dragging pieces with the stylus and adjusting their angles gives a tangible, hands-on feel that closely mirrors the trial-and-error spirit of tabletop tinkering.

Arcade mode flips the script by presenting you with prebuilt, partially functional machines already set in motion. Your task is to intervene at critical moments—blow into the microphone to power a fan, tap switches to flip levers or nudge the ball along its path. This dynamic interactivity keeps your senses engaged: you’re not just observing your design in action, you’re actively part of the experiment, reacting in real time to keep the sequence moving.

Upon conquering a variety of puzzles, you unlock new components that populate the Construction Kit. Here, there are no constraints of time, gravity or screen real estate—just you and an endless sandbox of gears, balloons, pulleys and more. Whether you’re building a simple perpetual-motion racer or a labyrinth of bouncing balls, the creative freedom in this mode dramatically extends the game’s lifespan and invites you to push the boundaries of your own engineering imagination.

Graphics

The visuals in thinkSMART: Crazy Machines embrace a colorful, cartoonish aesthetic that perfectly complements its playful premise. Every component—from tiny springs to massive pistons—is rendered with crisp outlines and smooth animations, ensuring you can clearly identify each part’s function as it unfolds. The slightly exaggerated physics effects, such as springs stretching beyond their limits or wheels spinning with cartoon flair, add a lighthearted touch without compromising readability.

On the Nintendo DS’s dual screens, the game makes clever use of space: the top screen often displays your overall machine in action, while the bottom touch screen is home to your toolbox and editing canvas. This separation keeps the workspace uncluttered and allows you to focus on precise placements with the stylus. The transition animations between modes are fluid, and load times remain minimal even when dealing with elaborate contraptions in the Construction Kit.

Background art and interface elements also deserve praise for their charming detail. Lab benches, chalkboard schematics and whimsical hazard signs set a thematic stage, immersing you in a cartoon laboratory environment. While not pushing cutting-edge 3D, the consistent 2D artwork and bright color palette reinforce the game’s identity as a fun, accessible brain-teaser rather than a high-octane action title.

Story

thinkSMART: Crazy Machines doesn’t revolve around a traditional narrative, but it does present a clear thematic context: you’re the apprentice inventor in a zany laboratory, guided by quirky on-screen hints and visual cues. Rather than deliver an epic storyline, the game keeps you focused on puzzle progression, rewarding each successful contraption with a playful animation—perhaps a celebratory balloon pop or a triumphant fanfare.

This minimalistic approach to story works in the game’s favor, as it prevents distraction from the core mechanical challenges. Characters and voiceovers are limited to brief, humorous prompts—“Let those gears spin!” or “Watch out for that explosive crate!”—which inject personality without overstaying their welcome. The result is an ambient sense of being in a mad scientist’s workshop, where every new level feels like stepping into the next wacky experiment.

For players seeking a deep plot or character development, thinkSMART may feel light on narrative ambition. However, its episodic level progression and variety of puzzle designs provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment that replaces traditional storytelling. Each stage feels like a self-contained experiment, offering its own mini-arc from setup to triumphant resolution.

Overall Experience

thinkSMART: Crazy Machines is a delightful blend of puzzle-solving rigour and creative playground fun. Its three distinct modes—Classic, Arcade and Construction Kit—cater to different play styles, whether you prefer methodical planning, reactive tinkering or free-form invention. The clever use of the DS’s touch screen and microphone adds a layer of interactivity that breathes life into each mechanical challenge.

The game’s learning curve is gentle yet rewarding: initial stages guide you through basic component functions, while later levels introduce more complex elements like timers, electric circuits and pneumatic pistons. This steady increase in difficulty ensures you never feel overwhelmed, even as you’re encouraged to experiment with newfound parts and puzzle mechanics.

With wireless connectivity that allows you to trade your custom experiments with friends, thinkSMART extends its reach beyond solo play, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. Whether you’re a veteran of The Incredible Machine or new to Rube Goldberg puzzles, this title offers hours of brain-teasing entertainment and imaginative problem solving—making it an excellent addition for any puzzle enthusiast’s library.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10