Crayon Physics Deluxe Review

I wasn't sure what to think about Crayon Physics as I started my first session. It seemed so... odd. But then, I looked up to see how long I'd been playing, and realized that I'd been going for a solid two and a half hours. Crayon Physics just happens to be one of those games you can play obsessively for WAY too long. But hey, it's worth the time.

The premise of Crayon Physics is nice and simple: get the little red ball to the star by whatever means you deem adequate. Those means happen to be created by the player: you draw boxes, planks, levers, hammers, and deformed scribbles (in my case) to propel the little red ball.

Everything in the game is completely physics based, which means that whatever you draw is affected by gravity, momentum, and so on. You'll soon discover that the slightest miscalculation will end in disaster for the poor little red orb, just as soon as you'll realize that scribbling wildly and "hoping for the best" will not work (I learned this from experience... it never worked once).

Thankfully, Crayon Physics is merciful on those of us who are fond of trial-and-error. The ability to erase your bizarre drawings is a blessing, especially when the results of your failure start to work together: unintentionally creating even more new ways to send the circular hero down a bottomless pit, or get it stuck in a mass of sloppily-drawn polygons, or any other sad fate. Basically, the eraser acts as chaos control.

But if you're worried that you need a bachelor's degree in physics to play this game, I'm here to ease your mind. It involves thinking, to be sure, but it's nothing that will frustrate anyone or require much calculation of any kind. The game encourages experimentation and doesn't take itself seriously.

Presentation-wise, Crayon Physics is a wonderful little package of soothing sounds and visuals. The graphics are simple, which is absolutely fitting: everything's drawn in crayon. No fancy 3D graphics, no special effects, just the basics. The music is quiet and calming, almost to the point of being hypnotic. It adds to the experience, but it's on the brink of being a little too weird, in my opinion. To me it sounds kind of like it came from one of those "sounds to sleep to" music compilations or something.

All in all, there are plenty of things to love about Crayon Physics. Plus, the game has enough replay value to keep you playing, hours upon hours after you've cleared all the levels the first time. It's simply a game that's designed to just be fun, and make you think while you play. Not a bad way to spend an hour or two. Or twelve...

Graphics:
Basic and to the point, the graphics are fitting to the style of the game. The fact that everything's drawn with crayon is an artistic touch that goes a long way.

Sound/Music:
The music plays a good part in adding to the "relaxed" atmosphere of the game. It just gets a little repetitive; since the same couple of songs are stuck on repeat the whole time.

Gameplay:
Crayon Physics gives you full reign over how you progress through the game, and it's executed perfectly. The physics are spot-on: I never once said to myself "that shouldn't have happened!" because of some glitch. The game encourages experimentation, creativity, and thinking (which you will do).

Concept:
Unique and refreshing, the concept is wonderfully crafted to revolve around a single hook: your drawings coming to life. Not only is it explored to the fullest, but it stays fresh and entertaining throughout the game.

Value:
Tons of levels, and each of the levels has tons of replay value. Plus, there's a level editor, which is always fun to play around with.

Fun:
You will play it for hours without realizing it, and you'll feel withdrawal symptoms when you're away. It's infectious. That can only be a good thing.

Overall:
Crayon Physics is a game that stands out in the crowd for its simple goal: to be a blast to play. It's refreshing conceptually, and you'll be hard-pressed to find something like it, which seals the deal.