Contraptions 2 - Switch Review

Contraptions 2 is written in blue and red. It is on a grey rectangular metal box. Surrounding it are several of the games items used to complete the puzzles

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Contraptions 2 is a 2D puzzle game by devs Moragami Co., Ltd and published by Funbox Media & GS2 Games Inc. Available from 27th April, it is the follow-up to the first iteration that was released back in 2019. Available on PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, the concept is to find the physics-based solution in order to eliminate the monsters on the screen. Having not played a game like this since Jeff Tunnell’s The Incredible Machine back in 1992 I could not wait to get started!

Contraptions 2 – Testing That Brain!

Once in a while, a game comes along and it just drains away time. Contraptions 2 is one of them! I have been lucky enough to play it on the Nintendo Switch and I do not know where my evenings have gone.

screenshot showing a puzzle level. a candy style castle is in the backdrop in pink and yellow, surrounded by green, yellow and blue trees. In the forefront are various ropes, scissors, and balls. An alien in a balloon is waiting to be destroyed. — Sometimes the puzzles can be easier than you think!

Gameplay

Although relatively easy to grasp, Contraptions 2 relies on you to arrange items that are on the screen in order to cause a chain reaction, akin to cartoonist Rube Goldberg’s inventions, and take out the monster.

With over 200 levels to play across 5 different worlds, you will be pleased to know that this is a casual game with no timers, lives or other happenings to make you rush. Simply work out using physics how to power up, move, bounce, and ignite objects. All at your own speed. Motion control can be used, however personally I preferred using a stylus.

Back to School

At the start of each level, all objects are static and gravity has not taken effect. I found it best to press “play” to see what was going to happen with how everything was set up. Once established you can then begin to drag the highlighted moveable items around the screen as you piece together the solution.

Some items such as conveyors require belts to be connected in order to operate and also provide momentum to other belt-driven items. Other objects such as helium balloons and rockets can be tethered to ropes that in turn can trigger other devices like laser guns. Burning the monster, knocking them off a ledge, it is all good fun.

The beauty of Contraptions 2 is that there is flexibility to a degree in how you complete a level. While the outcome needs to be the same, later levels allow for a range of solutions to be implemented via various chain reactions. I thoroughly enjoyed handing over the stylus to my littlun, who then took over and played with a different mentality from me. Contraptions 2 does have the facility to create your own puzzles for friends and family to then have a go at. This does unlock some further creativity to divulge in!

Graphics & Audio

The cartoon sprites in Contraptions 2 are colourful, fun and easily recognisable as to what they are. I like that the moveable objects are all highlighted, giving you no doubt as to what you can change and flip around. the animations are smooth and seamless.

The only bugbear that I had with the game was that I did have the odd level whereby the menu button in the bottom right corner of the screen covered over an object, making it hard to then grab or connect to. This thankfully is not prevalent for a majority of the levels that I played through.

The music is an upbeat, electronic spacey ensemble. At times it sounds akin to on-hold music but there are electro-dance vibes that push through and act to keep you motivated. There are no options to adjust the music volume, therefore it is all or nothing. Sound effects are minimal, serving to tell you when an object has been highlighted as well as partnering with animations such as explosions.

Longevity

With 200 game levels to play through as well as an area to be creative with your own musings, Contraptions 2 has great longevity that extends beyond the pre-made levels. It is also the perfect game to play in short stints if that is the only time you have available to you.

Final Thoughts

Contraptions 2 is a fantastic little game for £5.99 that gets the old grey matter working. Once you have the basic physics understood then solutions to puzzles can be as easy or as difficult as you make them. For fans both young and old, Contraptions 2 is a brilliant addition to your library and receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!