Fantastic Contraption (2016)

Fantastic Contraption is a surreal building game designed specifically for virtual reality. In this game, players have the freedom to create life-sized machines that can reach as high as they can physically reach. These machines can be sent off into the sky to complete puzzles set in a floating island world. The primary goal in the game is simple: get a squishy purple ball to its designated goal, whether that’s far off in the distance, above you, or across a gap. However, the challenge lies in the creative use of tools at your disposal. The game offers a minimalist toolkit: spinning wheels and stretchable rods, but the solutions to each puzzle are virtually limitless. There are no wrong or right ways to approach the puzzles, which encourages creativity and experimentation.

Designed from the ground up for room-scale VR, Fantastic Contraption immerses players in a surreal skybound archipelago where they can interact with their environment in a truly unique way. As you build your contraptions, you will encounter Neko, a photosynthesizing cat who will accompany you on your journey. With your hands as your primary tool, you’ll create machines that are as big as you, using simple materials but with the potential to design complex and inventive solutions.

The game’s physics engine plays a crucial role in how players can approach puzzles. The game allows for the creation of working vehicles, tanks, catapults, conveyor belts, walking creatures, or even minimalist designs that rely solely on gravity to reach the goal. Whether you prefer designing for elegant simplicity or assembling a haphazard pile of parts that just barely gets the job done, the freedom to build in this world is endless. The physicality of the gameplay is also a standout feature—moving pieces feels incredibly natural and intuitive, as if you were working with life-sized children's building blocks. The act of building becomes an immersive experience where you forget you’re holding controllers, and instead, you feel completely connected to the world you’re creating.

One of the key features of Fantastic Contraption is its challenging puzzle structure. The game offers 50 official levels, each with its own unique challenge. The puzzles range from easy to incredibly difficult, with some seeming nearly impossible. Yet, each puzzle can be solved with enough creativity and effort, often using solutions that defy conventional logic. There are no limitations in how players can approach these challenges, which means every puzzle can be tackled in numerous ways.

Fantastic Contraption is the evolution of Colin Northway’s 2008 2D browser game, which was widely played by millions. While the core idea remains, the new VR version of the game offers an entirely different experience—complete with a full 3D environment and interactive elements. Players can also engage with the world of sound. Instead of traditional music, the game features instruments that players must build themselves. It’s a unique concept that gives the game an additional layer of interaction and creativity, allowing you to compose your own soundscape as you play.

The surreal world of Fantastic Contraption is a beautiful and calming place. You can take a break from solving puzzles and simply relax, lying in the grass and listening to the ambient sounds of the world around you. The sky whales sing as you wander through this otherworldly environment, offering a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life. This sense of relaxation contrasts with the challenging nature of the puzzles, creating a balanced and engaging experience.

Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by Neko, a quirky and colorful creature that serves as your toolbox. Neko is an inflatable green cat-like being powered by pink gas. While this character might seem strange, he is an essential part of your experience in the game, and his form can be altered as you interact with him. You can even pull off one of his tails or yank a pin out of his head, and Neko will regenerate these parts in no time, adding a playful touch to the otherwise focused gameplay.

One of the standout features of Fantastic Contraption is the ability to share creations with other players. The game allows you to share your contraptions with friends or random players, creating a sense of community. You can explore the creations made by others, marvel at their ingenuity, and challenge yourself to outdo their designs. If you’re feeling particularly creative, the game also features a level editor that lets you design your own puzzles. These user-created challenges can be shared with the community, giving the game virtually endless replayability.

In summary, Fantastic Contraption is a unique and immersive VR building game that encourages creativity and experimentation. With challenging puzzles, a beautiful and surreal environment, and endless possibilities for building and sharing, the game offers a one-of-a-kind experience that continues to evolve with the player community. Whether you're looking to solve intricate puzzles, design complex machines, or just relax in a beautiful virtual world, Fantastic Contraption provides a truly engaging and innovative experience.

If you're a fan of puzzles and love experimenting with creative, hands-on gameplay, Fantastic Contraption is a must-try. This VR building game lets you create massive, life-sized machines to solve challenging puzzles in a surreal floating world. The minimalist tools and endless solutions make every puzzle feel fresh and exciting. The physics-based gameplay is intuitive, and you'll quickly lose track of time while building contraptions or just exploring the strange, beautiful environment. It's not just a game, it's an experience.

However, if you're not into VR or don't enjoy physics-based problem solving, this game might not be for you. The lack of traditional music might also be a turn-off for some, as it leans heavily into environmental sounds and quirky in-game audio. But for those who appreciate the freedom of building and solving puzzles, Fantastic Contraption offers a truly unique and engaging experience.