Physicus

Reviewed by Anise Hollingshead
Published by Tivola

Age Group: Age 8 and Up, Adults
Type: Puzzles/Memory, Thinking Games, Science
Price: $30

PC version requires:
Win 95/98, P133, 32MB RAM, 8 x CD-ROM, SVGA graphics card, sound card

Mac version requires:
Power PC 166MHz, 16 MB RAM, System 7.5, 8 x CD-ROM,

Description:

A meteorite has struck Earth, and caused it to stop rotating. Because of this, half the planet is in perpetual darkness, and the other half in never-ending sunlight. Your job is to finish the task started by the last people left on earth, which was building a machine to restart Earth rotating on her axis again. To do so, you must learn as much as you can about physical science to solve the puzzles and start up the machine.

Physicus is designed much like Myst, with the same type of graphics and movement. Directional arrows show you which direction you can travel, and the perspective is first-person. Scientific information is contained in written format conveniently left behind by the scientists, and must be read to solve the various problems.

Features:

  • Physical science principles (machines, electricity, sound, optics & heat)
  • Puzzles
  • Direct links to scientific data from the puzzles
  • Adventure type game similar to Myst

Technical Aspects:

The installation program asserts that by installing fully (650MB), players won't need to swap CDs (there are 2). This actually isn't the case, and whichever installation method you choose, you will need to begin play with CD 1, then swap to CD 2. This is just a minor annoyance, however.

The 3D graphics are very nice, with lots of detail. Hearing impaired users can play with ease, as no verbal directions are necessary.

Report and Conclusions:

This game is chockful of science facts, explained simply. The story is interesting, and will keep the kids' attention fairly well. However, the puzzles are difficult, and the gameplay involves a lot of wandering around at times, while players try to figure out what to do next. My 11-yr-old daughter was totally uninterested, even with help, but my 15-yr-old nephew was much more enthused. My 14-yr-old daughter didn't need any help, but was as disinterested as her sister. As this was pretty much the same reaction here along gender lines towards the game Droidworks, an excellent game that uses mechanical puzzles involving androids to learn physics, I wasn't greatly surprised.

While I obviously can't speak for all children, I do feel that this game is more attractive to boys than to girls. Although the stated age range is for young children, the scientific problems that have to be worked out are too hard for them. I recommend this game for kids ages 12-up who like tinkering with mechanical puzzles, and who aren't easily frustrated. Physicus can be great fun for players who like intriguing problems and have the ability to perservere.




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