Scrap Mechanic

In the last decade of gaming, there has been an influx of titles that offer cute, simplistic shells. Yet, once of dig deeper, you find that these games focus on complex topics and carry out the physics and finer details of these concepts with great success. Take a game like Kerbal Space Program for example. That game offers a fun and silly shell to lure players in, yet also teaches physics lessons and introduces players to the basics of quantum mechanics. I’d love to say it’s not rocket science but in fact, that’s exactly what it is. Well, Scrap Mechanic is another game of this ilk.

This game plays rather like the aforementioned Kerbal Space Program as well as titles such as Mechjeb, Raft, Trailmakers, Brick Rigs and Space Engineers. This is a game that focuses on the art of building but also offers unique aspects that give the game it’s own personality and feel. However, is this game a beautiful creation or is it as good as scrap? We find out in our review of Scrap Mechanic.

A World of Imagination

The best part about games like these are the endless possibilities at your fingertips. Well, with Scrap Mechanic, this is certainly the case. When placed into the world, you have a vast landscape stretching out before you and you have one goal. To create whatever you want with the stuff you encounter. In creative mode, it is as simple as that, you find and build whatever you like with your imagination being the only limiting factor to what you can come up with. You can create a variety of vehicles, robotic companions and other trusty gadgets that will help you traverse the world. However, you don’t get the full effect of these concepts until you play challenge and survival mode.

Challenge mode sees the player given limited resources and told to build a specific type of structure or gadget. Meaning you’ll have to have a firm grasp of all the mechanics and skills involved in the building process. Then you have survival, that combines the above modes with a survival mode aspect. You’ll have to fight off evil robots, keep yourself watered and fed and of course, create a base to defend yourself from the elements and the robots.

Hard To Master

While the possibilities are endless and the complexity of the mechanics involved will intimidate a few. It has to be said that the way they are presented in this title is superb. The game offers ample tutorials to show the player how to work the various systems that are in place. Plus, the player is also able to work with each aspect at their own pace. The game never forces you to perform intricate tasks beyond your means to succeed. Instead, you play to your strengths and grow as the game progresses.

However, if you want to create incredible structures that seem unfathomable. We are happy to report that the game offers this. Much like Minecraft accomplishes through its Redstone mechanics. We will admit that the game does look a little disappointing in terms of the visual display, but overall, it’s a joy to play and that’s all that really matters.

The Verdict

Overall, Scrap Mechanic is a building sim with a difference. The way you can use the environment to your will, survive amongst an alien robot invasion and create infinitely impressive structures and gadgets are all amazing to behold. Sure the game isn’t visually stunning but you can tell the developers traded aesthetic for mechanical bliss and in our opinion, it’s a great trade. There is an argument that the survival mode is a little bit tacked on.

Pros:

• A plethora of building options
• Several game modes provide hours of fun

Cons:

• Unless you master the building mechanics, this game will become limited in scope
• Survival mode is a stretch
• Graphically, this game is bang average

Scrap Mechanic is a sandbox creation video game where the player can create buildings, vehicles, and other machines. Similar to other sandbox games, Scrap Mechanic features a creative mode with all of the parts unlocked. With a multitude of parts to work with, building your favorite creations and vehicles are just a few clicks away. With great reviews on Steam, Scrap Mechanic has received praise ever since it’s released. With a million sales on the day of release, the game is loved by its fanbase.

Gameplay

In survival mode, players must explore an open world environment with enemies, robots, and treasure you can acquire. In the online mode, you can play with other friends to join up to create large bases and contraptions. Sky’s the limit when it comes to the items that you can build. Scrap Mechanic also features a challenge mode where a multitude of challenges that require wit, and building skill. Challenges can also be made by other players to be shared and conquered. As stated before, the original creative mode puts a sandbox aspect into the game. With over 400+ parts at your disposal, the bounds of creativity are limitless. Creations can also be shared and downloaded by other players using Scrap Mechanic mod support.

Graphics

For a sandbox video game, the graphics are unique. It consists of a cartoonish yet elegant style that features a lot of eye candy. These graphics are unique and satisfying in the sense that they give an experimenter, engineering style. The graphics give the game a certain feel that fuels creativity. Scrap Mechanic is clean and elegant in its own right.

Game Comparisons

Scrap Mechanic is highly similar to the widely popular Minecraft, in the sandbox building aspect. With many different blocks and parts to use, both games are filled with endless options at the player's disposal. Similarly, the survival aspect of both Minecraft and Scrap Mechanic is very similar where the player has to run from Robots/Monsters and survive in an open world eventually building a home/base and even cities. Furthermore, the online aspect of sharing other creations is highly similar to the features of world sharing and mods in Minecraft. This enables a communicative aspect of the game as each respective community can come together to create something significant. With Minecraft's mods and the increasing amount of updates Scrap Mechanic is getting, there is no doubt that each game will continue to increase its inventory of parts and blocks available to the player.

Conclusion

Scrap Mechanic is a great sandbox video game for casual players and creative players alike. With a massive amount of materials and utilities at the player's disposal, Scrap Mechanic can keep you busy for hours on end. Also, the survival mode and continuous updates give more flare to the game only adding to the fun. Survival mode is a new breath of life for those who want some challenge in their gameplay. Those brimming with creativity can express themselves in Scrap Mechanic.