The difficulty of the puzzles fluctuates wildly. Some are easily solved by inputting an obvious code or by fiddling with the mechanisms for a minute or two. Others are so difficult that you'll likely want to have a walkthrough handy just to keep from getting too frustrated when you've spent an hour on a brain bender to no avail. The game is obviously more fun when you solve the puzzles on your own. It's extremely rewarding when you get them right without resorting to desperate measures, yet there's no harm in having a helping hand available when needed.

Visually, Safecracker has a smooth style with a nice level of detail that's on par with the PC version. It's not stunning by any means, but it's a clean presentation that matches the straightforwardness of the gameplay. Without characters to interact with, most of what you'll be staring at consists of finely decorated rooms and intricate puzzle mechanisms. It's about as stimulating as you'd expect roaming around an empty mansion to be. The only real issue that detracts from the game is a significant lag that arises when transitioning to the map screen and somewhat lengthy load times between certain rooms. As a result, it often takes a lot longer to move from one end of the building to the other than it should.

10 Lies Gamers Tell

Is Nintendo Abandoning The Console Business?

Hype Is Killing Game Expectations

Why Do We Care About "Fake Girl Gamers?"

Microsoft’s Next Console Is Called Infinity?

10 Characters That Need To Die

Wolfenstein: The New Order Is Already Ruined?

The PS4 Does PC Gaming A Big Favor

10 Current-Gen Games We Won’t Miss

CCC Original - Games of May

Call Of Duty: Ghosts In A Nutshell

GTA V To Have The Best Characters In The Series

More Special Features...

Hardcore puzzle fans who also like to dig into adventure titles now and then will find Safecracker to be quite a refreshing and enjoyable challenge - one that can be gruelingly difficult at times. The variety found in most puzzles is enough to keep players from getting bored in that area, though folks used to more excitement and stimulation may find the game lacking. Players with only a passing interest in tough puzzles with a mild adventure flavor should steer clear. Otherwise, it's a good title that fits a very specific niche.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Staff Contributor