How do great games get made?  Honestly, I don’t exactly know the answer.  But if I was going to ask someone it would be Petri Puhro of Kloonigames.com, the developer of Crayon Physics Deluxe.  Why?  Well, quite simply because Crayon Physics Deluxe IS great! 

What would happen if you were handed a piece of paper and some crayons and were asked to use your imagination and draw something…  well you’d probably look like a fool if you’re anywhere near the same age as I am.  But what if you could draw things and make them almost seem like they’ve come to life?   Crayon Physics Deluxe is the answer to that question and in it is a game that offers almost unlimited play value

The basic premise is that of a physics based puzzle game.  Get object and move it from point A to point B to complete a level.  In this case the real objective of the game and each of its 70+ levels is to get a little red ball to touch a little yellow star in order to move on to the next level.  That sounds simple and in actuality it is simple, but it is also extremely complex.  Let me explain.  Every level can be solved and completed in hundreds, if not thousands, of different ways.  The possibilities are almost limitless and give true meaning to “open-ended” gameplay.

Each and every object and obstacle in every game level, or stage, is drawn in crayon (virtual crayon on virtual paper – no mess!  :-)).  Likewise, the solution must be drawn in crayon which is done by using the mouse pointer, or tablet if you’re fortunate enough to own one, as your tool for creating the solutions in order to complete these levels.

The game is extremely accessible and forgiving.  No two people will play this game the same way and even then, one person could go through every level multiple times while creating as many simple or as many complex solutions each time and for as long as their imagination can think them up.

To top off what would already be an excellent game, Crayon Physics Deluxe includes a Level Editor (or more appropriately, a Level Creator!).  If I had thought there were no bounds in the actual game and it’s numerous levels, there is even more freedom for your imagination in the Level Editor.  Players can whip up simple but entertaining levels in a matter of minutes, or they can spend hours, even days working on wily and complex level design.  All of that is great but the real bonus to having this intuitive tool and feature is that everyone who has purchased the game can share their levels and designs with the rest of the Crayon Physics Deluxe community.  A feature like this in a game like Crayon Physics Deluxe just increases the gameplay value ten fold and opens the game up to even more possibilities creating a never ending expansion for countless hours of gameplay.

The graphics in Crayon Physics Deluxe are a perfect fit for the game.  The levels, which are nothing more than drawings, are done in crayon doodle.  Looking at a screenshot just doesn’t do this game justice because you really must see it in action to get an idea of how amazing and creative this game can be.  Thankfully there are a number of trailers and numerous YouTube videos up showcasing this great game in action.  You can also check a gameplay trailer of the game at the official website by clicking here.

There is little in the way of sound effects.  Truth be told, I’d still enjoy this game if the only in-game sound was comprised of belching and flatulence, but the music is actually beautiful and creates a warm, light-hearted, and relaxing atmosphere.  There are only 3 tracks to be heard in the game right now.  Such a small selection of music tracks might become annoying in any other game, these tracks however, are extremely easy on the ears and only enhance the game experience.

There’s not much more I can say about Crayon Physics Deluxe except that it’s now one of my favorite games of all time.  In my opinion this is a rare gem of a game and that every gamer should at the very least give it a shot!   I’d be willing to bet that even gamers who aren’t into games that involve puzzle solving would find something enjoyable and entertaining in Crayon Physics Deluxe.