Based on real elements and chemicals, this hand held science lab simulator lets players earn money, boost a profile reputation and learn a little something about science. This task based simulation game only allows one profile and has some entertaining elements but has enough realistic elements to warrant the following warning: Never try to reproduce anything in this game without professional supervision!
An Einstein-like character called “Science Papa” (a possible counterpart to Cooking Mama?) and other researchers comprise the character team as players amass skills and progress through various tasks eventually entering competition and updating lab equipment.
The practice mode has experiments for gaining reputation points – just keep beating the previous best score. The overall time limit factors directly into your reputation score. The e-mail task list is basically an email box from community members that need items made; which include hair dye, weed eaters and even some edible concoctions. The top screen displays time left, overall progress bar and an updating text box which describes items and elements being used in the bottom screen. The top right of the bottom screen shows base tasks while elements/items used in the task appear on the lower right. This orientation and knowledge of each lab station’s layout can produce the quickest times.
Instant tutorials like the stars and animated arrow visuals provide assistance, but other related elements are not explained. For example, time continues on some tasks until you select the green check button on the right. In this instance, the same arrow motion visuals would be helpful on the top screen pointing at the timer.
Most tasks have a low challenge level and the absence of proper tutorials reduce the appeal. Progression stems from 30 different experiments and many, many variations on them. Tasks that require switching a button off and on are boring though they might provide a little break among the more challenging actions. Some field experiments that occur outside the lab might expand the appeal in any future series installments. These tasks allow enough choice to avoid a totally linear experience, but lack of direction reduces the fun and progress.
Lab tasks include emulsion (a nice learning element), lab equipment repair, liquid combinations and burner/mortar processes. When players use a burner to warm a chemical, the moving arrows reappear, but only after the chemical activated under the burner, which is another unpleasant trial-and-error experience where endless attempts eventually pay off. This one time inconvenience would not normally detract from the game, but, since tasks are often varied or repeated, players can get that same unpleasant feeling each time.
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