Help a mechanic escape a obstacle-laden, robot-filled scrap yard in Mechanita.  It’s a 2D platform game where the levels are hardly bigger than one screen, and you must use the robots’ abilities to help you pass the levels.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on PS4 here.

Your mechanic can move left and right and jump.  If you hit spikes or other harmful objects, or touch certain robots, you’ll lose the level and must start over again.  Luckily the levels (60 in all) are short enough that it’s not too big of a penalty when that happens.  You’ll pass the level when you step on a flying sled thing at the other side of the stage.  Your mechanic also wields a gun that you can fire with the R1 button.  It fires a beam that deactivates the robots, and then you can jump on their heads.  Some robots just act as stepping stools, while others are like trampolines and some you can even ride on like floating platforms.

I had a few minor problems with this game.  Your jumps feel a bit too weighty and heavy for my tastes, and you really have to be precise with some of the leaps.  There are also a few blind jumps as well.  The rules are also not very consistent, as some robots will let you jump on their heads while others have to be deactivated first.  So there’s a bit of trial and error involved, but again, you’re not penalized too much if you lose.  The game is challenging, but still doable, so if you like 2D puzzle platformers, you might want to check this one out.

Kid Factor:

Mechanita is rated E for Everyone with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Fantasy Violence. You can shoot a gun that deactivates robots, but that’s it.  If you get hit, you just disappear in a cloud of smoke and start at the beginning of the stage.  Reading skill isn’t needed, but younger gamers may need help with the tougher levels.

Tags: Game Reviews