Software:Automatoys

From HandWiki
Short description: 2019 video game
Automatoys
Automatoys Game Cover.jpg
Developer(s)Idle Friday
Designer(s)Steffan Glynn
Programmer(s)Steffan Glynn
Composer(s)Jake Gaule
EngineUnity
Platform(s)Android, iOS
ReleaseAndroid, iOS
  • WW: 18 August 2022
Genre(s)Puzzle

Automatoys is a 2022 mobile video game developed by Idle Friday. Described as a "unique, mechanical obstacle course", the game is a puzzle game in which the player guides a ball through a series of complex three-dimensional machines. The game was the first independent release of lead developer Steffan Glynn, a former member of State of Play Games.[1] Upon release, Automatoys received average reviews, with praise directed to the level design and gameplay, and criticism for the short length of the game.

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot

The player guides a ball through a series of machines named Automatoys to reach the end of the course. The player activates, moves and tilts various items of machinery, including ramps and catapults, using a one-touch control method, with some mechanisms varied in intensity by pressing and holding.[2] The course features several obstacles that cause the ball to fall off, requiring the player to start again from the beginning. Completion of the levels provides players with a star ranking out of three depending on how quickly the players completed the level.[3] The game features twelve levels, with the first three levels being free to play, and the remaining nine available upon purchase of the game.[4]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
Pocket Gamer3.5/5 stars[4]
148Apps3.5/5 stars[2]

Critics of Automatoys praised the game's design. Eurogamer commended the game's "complex" and "briskly mechanical" design and the introduction of "new gimmicks" and "new ideas" throughout the gameplay.[5] Touch Arcade described the game as "intricate and well-designed", noting its levels increased in complexity and challenge.[3] Pocket Gamer described the design of the Automatoys as "stunning", highlighting the "tactile" and "meticulous" nature of the levels and the "variety of mechanisms to figure out and experiment with".[4] Similarly, 148Apps described the game as a "tactile experience" and found the game to be well adapted to mobile controls, describing the game's controls to be satisfying and have "remarkable accuracy".[2]

However, several critics noted the game's short length. Pocket Gamer noted the "relatively few" levels in the game.[4] Touch Arcade assessed the game to be "on the shorter side", although noted it had "good replay value".[3] 148Apps described the game as "somewhat skin deep" and found the game to not be a "terribly long or challenging experience".[2]

Accolades

Automatoys was a finalist of the 'Interaction' category for iOS games at the 2023 Apple Design Awards.[6]

References

External links