| Microsoft Tinker | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Fuel Industries |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft |
| License | Microsoft Software License Terms |
| Platform(s) | Windows XP, Windows Vista and, Windows 7 |
| Genre(s) | Puzzle video game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: E |
| Input methods | Keyboard and Mouse, Trackpad, Xbox 360 Controller |
Microsoft Tinker is a puzzle video game in which the player controls a robot through various mazes and obstacle courses. It was originally released on September 23, 2008 as part of Windows Ultimate Extras, and contained 60 levels including a 20-level tutorial. A free Level Editor that allowed players to create custom levels was also released for Tinker.
On December 15, 2009, an expanded Live-enabled version of the game was released on the Games for Windows - Live client. The game is available for Windows XP and later, including users who do not have access to Windows Vista Ultimate Extras in other Windows Vista editions, and contains 160 levels including the tutorial. This version also has 15 Achievements worth 200G, similar to many Xbox Live Arcade games. Like every Games for Windows - Live game, it requires the user to sign in using a Gamertag assigned to a Windows Live ID.
Basic Gameplay
Tinker is a spatial/environmental puzzle game. Players must guide a robot to an end point by moving objects, activating switches, and traversing obstacles. The playing field is a square board divided into a checkerboard pattern. The robot is given a limited number of moves it can make before it runs out of energy so the player must guide it to the goal marker without expiring all their motions. Essentially any action the robot makes counts as a move (which include walking to a square, activating a switch, and even simply turning around; wasted actions such as pushing a block into a wall also count as motions) so players must carefully plan their actions through a stage so as not to waste moves. Players can replenish the robot's energy by collecting batteries and thus extend the possible number of moves they're allowed to make (this is often necessary to collect cogs in order to completely clear a level). Players can earn the star for a level by completing the course on or under par for time, energy, and collecting all the cog wheels (if any). The playing field is littered with obstacles and movable objects that can be used to either help or hurt the robot. In addition, there are switches that can either be activated by weight, flipped by hand, or activated when a specific kind of block is pushed over it. These switches trigger a variety of effects (such as turning a laser on or off, opening or closing doors, or activating a magnet to pull a metal block). Another kind of switch is a target that can be tripped by a laser coming in contact with it (and lasers can be bounced off mirrors to alter their course in order to push them into the path of a target). There are also teleportation pads that can move objects or the robot to different places on the map. The robot is vulnerable to being hit by a laser, falling from a height greater than two blocks, getting dropped on by a moveable block or running out of power. Scoring at the end of a level is based on meeting a par value in moves left over, collectibles, and time. Completing a level at or below par value in each category earns a star and to completely clear a stage (and be given a star for the stage), all par values must be met.
External links
- Microsoft Tinker - How to Play
- Microsoft Tinker - Play Your Game
- Tinker
- Level Editor for Tinker at Fuel Games
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