Tears of the Machine Uncovers Your Past

We saw Tears of the Machine about one year ago and it brought a whole new offering to the defender game by meshing together a mystery set in a dream amidst a battle that you must forge through to find your identity.

Last year, the pieces of the saga were all separated. In the newly released extended edition, the creator has brought together the Prologue with Episodes 1 and 2. So, you as the player can consecutively work your way through each piece of the puzzle, fighting the fights that need to be won while discovering what the voices and images in your head mean.

If you remember, you, as the player, wake up from a dream, surrounded by rubble and destruction created single handedly by the ruling force of the Global Order Coalition.

The only thread of a memory you have to hold on to is of a young girl. You are not sure who she is, but there is familiarity in her face and it looms in your mind.

Your mission is to survive and defeat whatever forces the Coalition plants in your way, bringing you closer to your final destination to find out who you really are.

Now, to navigate through the app, you should start from the main screen, from which you will see the various episodes available, starting with the Prologue and continuing with Episode 1 and Episode 2, which are both currently available. Episodes 3 and 4 are listed, as well, but will not release for another year.

As impatient as I am, I am ok with waiting, because I know that with time, the app’s creator will reveal something even more entertaining.

Ok, now back to the app. When you first start playing, you have to start at the Prologue. Episode 1 and Episode 2 become available only after you have mastered and defeated all previous steps. That is, Episode 1 opens up after you successfully complete the Prologue. Episode 2 opens up after you successfully complete Episode 1.

In each episode, you will read about what has just happened in the world. Your mission will be handed to you, along with some weapons. You can choose both a primary and secondary weapon, and of course as in all games, as you grow more powerful and adept, you get better choices in weaponry.

You can also set different options in each episode. This includes the story difficulty, the music volume and the sound effects. I like this because sometimes when I was playing at night, I did not want to make too much noise.

I found the graphics and imagery to be quite extraordinary. I played the version from a year ago, and I could sense a difference. It made the playing experience more realistic.

Another cool thing about the game is that you can actively play or you can set it to story mode. In story mode you follow along and see how the saga unfolds. There is no pressure to stay alive or take anyone out.

If you prefer the more active version, then game mode is for you. Here you fight battles, collect points and you can even compete against others if you so choose, by posting to the leader board through Game Center.

The one thing that was left unimproved, and can stand for some change, is the smoothness of maneuverability. I found it sticky last year, and I find it is still the same.

I am sure that by Episode 3, the creator will have it all ironed out and I will be in the thick of it, finding out about where I come from in that machine that sheds a tear.

Rating: 9.5/ 10
Price: Free