Crayon Physics quickly traveled around the interweb as a small physics sandbox game. Back then, there wasn’t too much ‘game’ to it; it was simply fun to play around with.
Then Crayon Physics Deluxe was announced – a sequel that sought to extend and perfect the game. News and screenshots have been flying around for a while, but earlier this month it was finally released in full glory.
Yes, the game is retail, normally selling at around 20 bucks a pop. But for the occasion, a special ‘birthday deal’ was announced. Counting on the good of your heart, you can pick your own price for the game. That is, until 15 January (closing in fast).
Crayon Physics Deluxe
The concept of the game is rather simple; collect the stars with a little red ball. You can’t control the ball itself, but you can manipulate the level environments. With a digital crayon in hand, you can set off to solve the puzzles. There’s nothing more entrancing than seeing your drawings come to life.
The interesting part of Crayon Physics Deluxe is that there are countless ways to solve each puzzle. There is no ‘right way’ to beat it, there are dozens! The only thing you need to complete this game is a vast and lively imagination.
In Crayon Physics Deluxe, there are over 70 ‘original’ levels. Add to that a level designer, so in a way, the fun never has to stop. Complete with relaxing music, Crayon Physics Deluxe is an instant classic for puzzlers and physics enthusiasts alike.
Pay What You Want (’till 15 January)
With the game’s launch fresh in memory, the developer has set up a special ‘birthday deal’. Normally costing around twenty bucks, you can now purchase the game for whatever amount you feel like paying. Look into your heart (and your wallet), and pick the price yourself!
Other developers have tried it in the past, including 2DBoy with the much famed World of Goo. Even a number of musicians managed to pull it off with success.
Do note that this limited deal is only applicable until the 15th of January. That puts quite the time pressure on you. So go to the site, and download the demo. Fiddle around a bit before you decide how much you want to spend.
Cool! So I can practically get it for free?
No. I mean, yes, you ‘can’, but you won’t. Here’s why.
When you buy a game from EA, Ubisoft, or another big game producer, a big part of the money is lost to the middleman. The part that actually reaches the developer(s) is often quite small. But there is no big firm behind Crayon Physics. Not even a team. The game is produced by one guy only; Petri Purho, a long-haired dude from Finland.
You see, Petri Purho worked two years to complete this game, and although the choice is yours, I’m sure you agree he deserves a little credit. Paying $1 (like many do) is not ‘smart’, it’s just disrespectful. I’m not saying you can’t profit from the sale, that’s the enticement of the whole deal! Just make your choice wisely.
Crayon Physics Deluxe runs on Windows only.
What do you personally think of the pay model? What about the game itself? You can spout all your enthusiasm in the comments section below!
Tagged: children • fun • geeky fun • kids • strategy games
