Little Wheel

This Is An extremely charming point-and-click adventure, where you play the only robot left online in a large mechanical city. A problem with the main generator has led to the entire metropolis grinding to a halt, with only yourself able to save the day by manipulating objects and becoming the little wheel that keeps the rest of the gears turning efficiently.

Little Wheel's gameplay unfurls very simply - usable objects and items are circled, a simple left-click performs any and all actions. As you travel through the world, you need to get various machines and mechanisms working again in order to clear a path to the main generator. A train needs to be refuelled, a lift needs a bit of encouragement to descend all the way to the bottom of its shaft, that sort of thing. It's very simple and effective, and at no point will you ever get stuck.

The only problem one might have with it is that it's too short, but that's only because it was such a pleasure to play that we just wanted more, more, more. We can only hope that more is to come from Fast Games and our robotic hero, though we won't hold our breath.

Visually, things are superb. There's so much character and invention in the graphics, simple silhouette-based artwork that's efficient and beautiful in its own way. I don't want to get carried away with overly effusive and flowery language, but it evokes adventures of yesteryear with its unique and charming style. Your character is also part of this: a cute little thing on a spindly leg who trundles about and gets into various scrapes, our hero also has an arm that lets him interact with the world, slotting into orifices or manoeuvring pipes and things like that.

We were completely charmed by the little robot fellow's adventure and wholeheartedly recommend it to all. It won't last long, but that's not the point. Charming, cute, funny and visually splendid, Little Wheel is a great game to while away 10 minutes or so. a must-play for adventure fans.

We'd like to see Fast Games take the idea and art style and create a full-on adventure, so if you're reading this, Mr Fast Game's person, please do so!