The Incredible Machine was one of the best physics based games around when I was younger. Players were given a set of tools, and they were suppose to lead an object from one end of the game screen to another, avoiding any obstacles in the way. To many players, this is where sandbox games truly began, because it was up to players imaginations to solve various puzzles anyway they could. It was pure trial and error, and it was a blast to do. Lately the iPhone has received many physics based games that have proven to be in the same vein as The Incredible Machine. The latest game is entitled Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets and it is a game that is not to be missed.

The idea behind the game is very simple. Players have to get a specific object from one area of the game to another. Many times this is easier said than done due to the amount of obstacles in the player's way. The brilliance of this game is that it allows players to come up with a variety of solutions to accomplish their goal. Players will have an assorted array of tools they can use, and they can build catapults, speed racers, battering rams, and more just to get to the finish line.

Many times players will load a level and have to sit back and think how they are able to accomplish their goal. For instance, in one level the ending spot is very high, with no real way to reach it. Since gravity is constantly in effect, players have to construct a device that will allow the ball to reach the height of the ending platform. There are several ways to accomplish this goal (which I will not spoil for you), and that is the beauty of this game. There are numerous ways to accomplish any given level, but players are given the freedom of trial and error to find the solution.

Another great thing about MG&G is that it is extremely addictive. When players first download the game they will be taken to a set of tutorial missions that gradually increase in difficulty. At this point the game hooks players in and will not let them go. This is made even better with the game's ease of play and levels that can end pretty quickly, with gamers chanting to themselves "just one more level".

The only problem is that there are only 44 levels to complete, and players will beg for more once they beat them all. The only thing that helps prevent any repetition once the game is beat is that players can revisit any level and come up with different ways in order to beat it. Players will love the share feature that will allow them to share their favorite Gizmos to their friends and brag about how they used it to beat a certain level.

The graphics are fairly simple but work really well. This is made even better since each level has a variety of objects, which can include powerful fans, cannons, conveyors, and much more that prevent players from reaching their goals. All these objects also help decorate the landscape for each level to make it always look new and interesting. The sound effects and music are also very well done. It really inspires players to keep playing and trying to beat whatever puzzle they may be stuck on.

Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets can be purchased on the iTunes App store for $4.99

Gameplay: 9.2
Some of the puzzles offer quite a bit of challenge that will keep players scratching their heads for a while, but that is what a game like this is suppose to do. Players will love coming up with a variety of solutions for any given problem and seeing it workout in real-time.

Graphics: 9.1
The graphics for this game are really good and fit the overall tone the game has.

Sound: 8.9
The music really hooks players into the game. While it will not win any Grammy's, it does provide players with the music that seems to help the focus on finding the solution for any given problem

Difficulty: Medium
This is not the most challenging puzzle game, but it will provide some decent brain benders.

Concept: 8.5
This game really stands out above the crowd. Players will love sharing their unique creations with other gamers.

Overall: 9.0
Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets is a great game and definitely worth the $4.99 charge. The only bad thing is that it is only 44 levels long and it will leave players wanting more.