Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

PC/Steam

Google Play

App Store

Screenwise Verdict

Amazing Alex is a perfectly competent physics puzzler that had the misfortune of being Rovio's follow-up to Angry Birds. They bought the rights to Casey's Contraptions, slapped a new character on it, and then... basically forgot about it when it didn't immediately print money.

The core gameplay is solid—Rube Goldberg machines are inherently satisfying, and the level editor adds real creative value. No ads, no IAP, no dark patterns. From a WISE perspective, it checks all the boxes for a wholesome, brain-building puzzle game.

But here's the reality: it's 2025, and this game is a 13-year-old relic that may not even run on your current device. The graphics look ancient, the UI feels clunky, and there are dozens of better physics puzzlers available now. If you happen to have it installed from years ago, sure, it's fine. But I can't recommend hunting it down when games like The Incredible Machine remake or even newer titles do this concept better.

It's the game equivalent of that toy you find in the back of the closet—nothing wrong with it, but everyone's moved on.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12 who enjoy logic puzzles and aren't bothered by dated graphics. Older kids will find it too simplistic and visually outdated compared to modern puzzle games.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

A cheerful, non-violent puzzle game centered on a kid using creativity to solve everyday problems. No inappropriate content, no stress-inducing mechanics, just pleasant brain-teasing with a positive tone. The Rube Goldberg machine theme celebrates ingenuity without any negative messaging.

Imaginative

78

Physics-based contraption building rewards creative problem-solving and experimentation. Players can design their own levels and share them, which adds a genuine creative dimension beyond just solving pre-made puzzles. The Rube Goldberg machine concept inherently encourages thinking about cause-and-effect chains in inventive ways.

Safe

88

No in-app purchases, no online chat, no loot boxes. User interaction is limited to level sharing, which is low-risk. No ads or manipulative monetization. Clean, straightforward puzzle gameplay without compulsive loops or dark patterns. Some graphical glitches reported on certain devices but nothing concerning from a safety perspective.

Enriching

72

Develops spatial reasoning, planning, and logical thinking through physics-based challenges. The cause-and-effect nature of Rube Goldberg machines teaches basic principles of mechanics and sequencing. However, it's ultimately a straightforward puzzle game without deep narrative or emotional growth opportunities—brain exercise more than life lessons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Physics-based contraption building that actually teaches cause-and-effect thinking
Level editor lets kids create and share their own puzzles, adding genuine creative value
Zero monetization nonsense—no ads, no IAP, just a one-time purchase (if you can still find it)
Cheerful, non-stressful gameplay that rewards experimentation over perfect execution

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What to Watch For

It's from 2012 and feels like it—dated graphics and UI that modern kids will find clunky
Rovio basically abandoned this after launch to focus on Angry Birds sequels, so no updates or support
May not even be available on current app stores or compatible with newer devices
Some users reported graphical glitches even back in 2012

Conversation Starters

"Can you design a contraption that uses three different types of objects to get the ball in the basket?"
"What happens if you change the angle of that ramp? Can you predict where the ball will go?"
"Which level was the hardest for you to solve? What made you finally figure it out?"

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