The graphics in SafeCracker are beautiful. It's fun to just look around and admire the details in each room. However, the game is simplistic in that you're not really in a 3-D environment.
While you can look up and down and around the room, the graphics are actually just composed of a series of 2-D images pasted together to create the sense of space. If you move the mouse too quickly, it can be dizzying to look around the room. At the same time, since you can't manipulate any of the other objects in the rooms (e.g., you can't open drawers or sit on chairs), I suppose it's not necessary. Furthermore, since the game is a very affordable $20 and can run on Windows 98, one shouldn't complain.
There were two things I didn't quite like about SafeCracker. One was that at times, outside knowledge is required in solving a puzzle. I don't think it's fair to have to say, know the rules of dominoes in order to open a safe. The other is that, although you get different endings depending on what path you choose (I suggest saving right before opening the last safe), all are very unsatisfying. Although I wasn't quite expecting a majestic, five-minute cinematic ending, I wished that there were more to it than just text.
In spite of its weaknesses, SafeCracker is a fun and challenging game for puzzle lovers or for those who just want to take a break from more conventional PC games.
SafeCracker is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.







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