Machine Yearning Review (Android/Mobile)
Machine Yearning Review, Machine Yearning works through linking words to shapes (defining) and then remembering the link later (verifying), thereby creating your own language. Initially, simple tasks grow more challenging as the number of words grow and even more so when colors are added. Make no mistake, robot jobs are serious business.
Machine Yearning Review Pros:
- Delightful pixel art graphics.
- 135MB Download size.
- Full touchscreen controls.
- How to play section.
- Memory and cognitive gameplay.
- The goal of the game is to create your own language by associating shapes and colors to specific words, you then have to remember those associations as you progress.
- Every interaction is time-based.
- Timed and endless modes have three difficulties – Easy, Medium, and hard.
- The campaign mode is a world map level select type deal.
- You can replay levels.
- Timed mode lets you choose the time limit – 2,3 or 5 minutes.
- Along with a score you earn a trophy.
- You take on a lot of interactions on one level.
- I love the end-of-level breakdown with any unlocks popping up on screen usually displayed on floppy disks.
- Unlock and equip new hats for your character and background.
- Three game modes – Campaign, Timed, and Endless mode.
- It is a game that once it clicks serves as a fantastic bit of brain food.
- Every game is different.
- It’s very satisfying when you nail interaction after interaction.
- The game is played in portrait mode.
- Free to play with a one-off chargeable add-on to unlock the hats.
- How you play is up to you, you can go by the name or you can go by your own memory of the shapes and colours but man that gets tough.
- Even when I get lost in it all and mess up, I still find myself smiling like a Cheshire cat.
- All the UI and menus look fantastic.
- Unlimited replayability.
- Powerups can be earned and unlocked which help a lot like slowing down time or lives etc.
- Three hearts means you can make three mistakes before a game is over.
- Your best score and score to beat are shown in each game mode.
- Excellent soundtrack.
- Anyone watching over your shoulder will think this is some deeply technical battle of wits but it is surprisingly accessible and quick to learn.
Machine Yearning Review Cons:
- Can take a little time to get it all nailed down.
- Hats are locked behind a paywall, it is a cheap game nonetheless and this serves as an FYI.
- No Google Play achievements.
- Doesnt have any multiplayer.
- At times I thought it would have been cool to see a sort of script of my language.
- The tutorial is just a how-to-play text file, a playable or video sequence would have done a much better job.
- Doesnt have any Google integration like leaderboards etc.
- Can only be played in portrait mode.
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Machine Yearning:
Developer: Tiny Little Keys
Publisher: Tiny Little Keys
Store Links –
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8/10
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7/10
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7/10
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8/10
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8/10
Summary
Machine Yearning impresses with its delightful pixel art graphics and a manageable download size of 135MB. The game features full touchscreen controls and a “How to Play” section, making it accessible for new players. The core gameplay revolves around memory and cognitive skills, where players create their own language by associating shapes and colors with specific words, and then recalling these associations as they progress. Each interaction is time-based, adding a layer of challenge. The game offers three modes: Campaign, Timed, and Endless, each with three difficulty levels—Easy, Medium, and Hard. The Campaign mode features a world map level selection, and players can replay levels to improve their scores. In Timed mode, players can choose a time limit of 2, 3, or 5 minutes, and earn trophies based on their performance.
However, the game has its drawbacks. Hats, which can be unlocked for characters and backgrounds, are locked behind a paywall, although the game itself is inexpensive. There are no Google Play achievements or multiplayer options, which might disappoint some players. The tutorial is a simple text file, and a more interactive or video-based tutorial could have been more effective. Additionally, the game lacks Google integration features like leaderboards and can only be played in portrait mode. Some players might find the numerous interactions per level overwhelming, and the absence of a script for the created language could be a missed opportunity for deeper engagement.
Despite these issues, Machine Yearning has many redeeming qualities. The end-of-level breakdowns with unlocks displayed on floppy disks are a charming touch. The game is free to play, with a one-off chargeable add-on to unlock hats. Players can choose their play style, either by name or by memory of shapes and colors, though the latter can be quite challenging. The UI and menus are well-designed, and the game offers unlimited replayability. Power-ups, such as slowing down time or extra lives, can be earned and unlocked, adding strategic depth. Players have three hearts, allowing for three mistakes before the game ends, and each game mode displays the best score and the score to beat. The excellent soundtrack enhances the overall experience, making it enjoyable even for spectators who might perceive it as a complex battle of wits, though it is surprisingly accessible and quick to learn.
In summary, Machine Yearning is a visually appealing and mentally stimulating game with a few minor flaws. Its unique gameplay mechanics and various modes offer a satisfying challenge, while its accessibility and replayability make it a worthwhile addition to any mobile game collection. Despite some areas for improvement, the game provides a delightful and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.