Analysis of Machinarium

Machinarium is a unique little browser intergrated, puzzle/adventure game. The game's mechanics, dark yet comical atmosphere and sound design were all well put together. The soundtrack in particular fits the game well, it's simplistic but conveys a sense of isolation and wonder, as you navigate your unfortunate robot through the barren landscape. From the 3 levels I played, it seems like there is a different score for each stage; most are very ambient and electronic with small rustlings and clangings of metal to accent the quirky melodies.The music in the third stage in particular was my favorite. It had a more upbeat tempo, and arabian undertones with the melodies and percussion.

In addition to having enjoyable music, the game is full of small sound effects, from a robot mouse scurrying around, to oil dripping from a leaky pipe. The sound design is as rich as the hand drawn backgrounds. In addition, clicking on things produces sound, which can help you solve the puzzles. If an object is usable or clickable it will usually make a noise; like flipping a lever, or uncovering an important piece under some loose scrap metal. Your character also makes a buzzing noise and shakes his head when you do something incorrect, or try to combine two incompatible objects. 

The sound effects fit the game well too, seeing as it appears to be a future world run by robots, everything you can click is creaky and rusty. The wheels on the little supply tram rattle as they whistle by, your robot clanks along as he walks, etc. All in all I enjoyed the game, and found the puzzles engaging. If I wasn't broke I'd probably play through the whole thing.