Creative Contraptions

Creative Contraptions is a puzzle game released in the United States in 1985. The game is available in DOS, Commodore 64, and Apple II platforms. Creative Contraptions is a primitive version of ‘The Incredible Machine’ with much simpler gameplay and a lot less diversity in terms of graphic elements and colors. The game features contraptions or devices that are strange or unnecessarily complicated. There are different parts available to choose from and the player must mix and match the parts to get something done, like turning the light on or getting a mechanical dog to run. These parts can range from simple everyday objects such as pulleys, screws, and ramps to seemingly inane ones like elephants, cannons, and boxing gloves. There are many levels in the game with each level comprising of one or two puzzles.
There are three modes available, each with different levels of difficulty. The first mode is fairly simple where the player only has to create basic contraptions. The second mode has slightly wackier objects that are more difficult to match. The third mode is the most challenging one where there is a sequence of puzzles that need to be solved, all within the stipulated time frame. The player can also create their own puzzle and save them. A tutorial on mechanism operation is provided at the start of the game where simple mechanisms to be used in the game are displayed. The player can move the left and right arrow keys to move the mechanisms to the pointer and Enter to choose. ESC key can be used to return to the main menu.

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