The Magic Toy Chest Game Site

2 New Reviews

2009-04-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

Our Game has received 2 new reviews.

ThumbGods Raves: "Magic Toychest is a good kid-friendly game, without defaulting to the usual match-3 system of many indie all-ages games."

and Unigamesity gave it a 4 out of 5, GREAT! Rating saying:

"The Magic Toy Chest a really great title, one you can play 20 minutes per day, just to relax and keep your brain working or 6 hours straight to prove the entire family that you simply rock."

"No, The Magic Toy chest really works and, with the excuse of making you a better and cleaner person, it manages to entertain you across an endless number of levels – all both mind bending and entertaining, fun and smart."

The Magic Toy Chest is new, improved, and available!

2009-03-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Magic Toy Chest is finally available for Windows PC! After spending crazy cash money and time to update all the visuals, stamp out the bugs, and implement new features, the wacky physics sandbox puzzle game is here.

Check out the Free Demo!

The Full Version Features:
- Over 100 Puzzles across 8 Distinct Rooms of the House
- An Interactive Tutorial that explains the simple point and click controls
- Beautiful and Colorful 2D graphics
- Over 16 Different Toys and abilities to Experiment With
- Sandbox Physics Gameplay which allows for Multiple and Imaginative Puzzle Solutions
- A fully featured Level Editor allows players to create and share their own levels
- 15 Trophies / Achievements to Unlock- Over 10 Different Music Tracks

For additional information on the Magic Toy Chest (or for screenshots, evaluation copy or demo), please visit http://www.graduategames.com/toygame.php.

Level Download Site

2009-03-01T12:09:00.001-05:00

All Level Downloads have been moved to: http://www.graduategames.com/toylevels.php

You can upload and share your levels there!

First Hour Magic Toy Chest Review

2009-02-25T13:38:00.001-05:00

Very interesting review of the *new* Magic Toy Chest over on FirstHour.net. They only review the first hour and we followed World of Goo... but although the scores aren't that high (5 is seen as average) there was a ton of praise throughout the review, so take a look.

Reviews Wanted!

2009-02-19T13:44:00.002-05:00

We are actively looking to have the new version of the Magic Toy Chest reviewed on blogs, magazines, websites, etc. If you have a blog or magazine, please contact us so we can get you a free review/preview copy.

More announcements are forthcoming

Magic Toy Chest gets 7/10 olives

2009-02-18T13:32:00.003-05:00

The *new* Magic Toy Chest was reviewed over at Tech-Olive

here are some highlights from the review:

Despite MTC‘’s casual appearance, it actually takes quite a bit of thinking, planning and patience.

While MTC may be fairly complicated, the tutorial levels do a fantastic job of explaining to you how things work and what exactly your objectives are.

Gameplay: 8 With the physics and impressive level design, the game serves an experience that is not often found.

Lasting Appeal: 8 If you are a fan of this genre, then you know games like this offer massive replay value with the vast amount of solutions to any given problem.

It's coming soon so make sure you signup to get an email

New Magic Toy Chest Trailer

2009-02-05T15:29:00.001-05:00

Gameplay Video: Puzzle 20

2009-01-24T10:04:00.004-05:00

Don't watch the above video if you want to figure out level 20 on your own. It shows 1 possible solution to the final puzzle of the demo. Hope everyone notices the vast graphical improvements.

New Level Select Screen

2009-01-22T09:10:00.001-05:00

Gameplay from MTC v2.0 - Girl's Room

2009-01-21T08:57:00.002-05:00

MTC v2.0 Screen - Puzzle 1

2009-01-20T08:56:00.002-05:00

Updated: Parents' Bedroom

2009-01-15T13:54:00.001-05:00

Updated: Kitchen

2009-01-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

Updated: Bathroom

2009-01-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Updated: Nursery

2009-01-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

Updated: Staircase

2009-01-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Updated: Living Room

2009-01-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

Updated: Girl's Room

2009-01-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Updated Boy's Room

2009-01-08T13:44:00.001-05:00

Old Rooms are Gone

2009-01-08T13:42:00.000-05:00

All the old room backgrounds are gone from our new version. If you're interested in what they used to look like, check out below.

Toychest Update...Update

2008-12-09T10:41:00.003-05:00

We still don't have everything done for the update...but we're very close. Check out the new graphics above. Sorry for the lengthy time that this update has taken, but as we worked on it, more and more things were included. Here's what the update will feature:

Upgraded Visuals - Brand New backgrounds, Kid Avatars, and tweaked foregrounds
New Graphic effects - all foregrounds have a drop shadow to better distinguish themselves fromt he background
New Music - We've kept in the old music, but have added over 6 new tracks
Quick Reload - hit 'Q' to restart the level instantly - NO LOAD TIMES!
Trophies! - Visit your bedroom to check out what toy trophies you've earned. Work to unlock over 16 trophies by mastering all 80 puzzles and completing specific game achievements
Level Tweaks
Most importantly all your save files are 100% compatible with the update...so please enjoy and BUY our great game NOW and help us pay for all these great and FREE improvements!

Casual Review takes a look at the Magic Toy Chest

2008-11-19T14:06:00.002-05:00

Casual Review took a look at the Magic Toy Chest. You can read the full review here.
Highlights include:

"Here’s a game that might actually change children’s attitudes when it comes to cleaning up their room. "

"The game is definitely one worth experiencing if you have never tried anything from “The Incredible Machine” series before."

"There is no single way to solve the puzzles — you have the freedom to use the toys you’re provided as you like and make use of the pre-placed toys in the level to achieve your objective."

Hopefully, we'll address the major complaints (really bright graphics) with our title update.

Title Update still in the works

2008-10-21T12:01:00.002-04:00

The Title Update is moving along....

It should be done by the end of the year and will include some greatly enhanced graphics, a new trophy room, and more.

Toy Chest scores 4/5!

2008-09-22T13:17:00.002-04:00

"This game, which seems simple at first, is given a 4/5 rating, because it is very creative and unlike many puzzle games already out there. This trial version is fun for adults and children, so the full version is definitely worth purchasing. Just a warning for the physics lover: You may become addicted to this game!"

"Teenagers and adults will enjoy the challenge of applying their knowledge of physics to complete levels."

"Young children will enjoy watching older children or adults play, because the game uses fun graphics and tools made from toys, such as legos, bats, balls, blocks and teddy bears."

Read the whole review by Little A

A little more info

2008-09-17T12:31:00.002-04:00

Don't worry we're still working on some new things for the Magic Toy Chest. Some of the things we are workign on are:

A Major Title Update
Level Expansion Packs

...sorry that's all I can confirm for the time being.

More Coming Soon

2008-09-09T14:43:00.001-04:00

The posts have been slowing down, but we are very busy working on new things for the Magic Toy Chest. Keep a look out in the coming months!

Bytten Gives the Magic Toy Chest a 90%!

2008-08-30T10:44:00.002-04:00

"There aren't many downsides to TMTC"

"Graphics are high quality and quite cartoony"

"This is a welcome brain-stretching exercise for all TIM fans, and ideal for parents looking to stretch their children - no violence, bright and cheerful, encouraging logical thought... and it might inspire them to tidy their rooms, but I can't promise anything in that direction! Now I'm off to try setting up a domino rally... "

Graphics 90%
Sound 88%
Playability 92%
Longevity 90%
Overall Score 90%

- Andrew Williams, Bytten (Read the Full Review)

Casual Gamer Chick Review

2008-08-28T07:28:00.002-04:00

Another reviewer has recommended the Magic Toy Chest. Some highlights from the review:

"The skip feature is a great feature and eliminates the frustration factor. It is a big frustration to have one level stop the player from continuing on with the game"

"The Magic Toychest was a really fun game and had a good balance between challenging puzzles and easier puzzles. The physics in the game are great and the toys and balls roll like you would expect them to when they are hit. Any player that likes physics games and enjoys puzzles, should definitely check out The Magic Toychest. The game has a lot of game play and is worth the $19.95."

- Casual Gamer Chick (read the full review here)

Level: Blastoff

2008-08-21T11:56:00.002-04:00

Blastoff by crazyjohnjohn

Download Level

Magic Toy Chest Version 1.01 Released

2008-08-21T10:55:00.003-04:00

The New Demo version has been uploaded.

The full version patch can be downloaded here

Version 1.01 Changes:

Fixed Total Game Time glitch where statistic increased too quickly
Graphically changed the title screen to make it easier to navigate
New Buy Now Screen (for Demo)
Fixed a Bug where Testing a Level without saving it caused an inescapable loop
Demo game setup no longer leaves start menu folder empty
Setup files and download size reduced/compressed

Radical Rom Review Highlights

2008-08-14T08:17:00.002-04:00

"...Graduate Games has come up with something really special here, and I want to take the time to tell you about it so that hopefully some more retro gaming enthusiasts out there will check it out."

"The vibe in The Magic Toy Chest is deceptively cute, and while I'm sure that it would be a great game for the younger set, it also has a whole lot of meat in there for anyone to dig into."

"High score junkies are going to find a well balanced, challenging, and thoroughly engaging experience to dig into, and even those that usually aren't into going for high scores will find themselves saying "just one more try..." and getting addicted to perfection."

"I give it my highest recommendation, and heavily suggest that everyone that reads this at least pick up the free demo. It's obvious that Graduate Games do what they do purely out of their love of videogaming, and their latest lovechild is a wonderful example of what a couple of creative minds can achieve when they're really passionate about what they do."

- Frankie Leet of Radical Rom Reviews

Other Praise from our Beta Tests

2008-08-13T15:58:00.001-04:00

"Might look childish but it's really cool" - Amynue

"Very very fun." - Whef

"Overall strangely fun." - Geel9 from Ohio

"I lol'd at the Power Puffins sign." - Ryu Hinote

Gamecyte Review Highlights

2008-08-13T15:34:00.004-04:00

".... the game is accessible, intuitive, and unimposing, presenting a colorful world full of amusing toys and an extremely basic premise and goal."

"Parents needn’t worry about their kids running this game, nor playing it — nothing even remotely objectionable can be found in The Magic Toy Chest, whose sole plot point is “The house is a mess. Clean it up.”"

"The new ingredients it does add to the formula, though, are all clever enough to interest experienced puzzle gamers."

"The Magic Toy Chest is a fun game, it’s true. It’s quick to learn and has a good amount of variety to its puzzles, and its cheerful motif will put a little smile on your face. Parents looking to amuse their young gamer progeny would do well to consider this title."

- Jesse Henning of GameCyte (Read the Whole Review)

Installation

2008-08-12T08:17:00.003-04:00

Step 1: Download the Demo or Full Version of the Game
Step 2: Double-Click or Run the Setup File (pictured above)
Step 3: Follow the instructions, agree to the license agreement and input your registration key (for full version only).
Step 4: When setup is completed you can read the online manual or launch the game.
Step 5: Launch the game from the setup program or start menu
Step 6: Enjoy!

The Magic Toy Chest is HERE!

2008-08-12T08:13:00.003-04:00

The Magic Toy Chest is available for PURCHASE and DEMO DOWNLOAD NOW!

Check it out and support us and our passion for gaming.

The Magic Toy Chest is coming August 12th!

2008-08-11T17:09:00.000-04:00

That's right, look for the Magic Toy Chest to be released August 12th and get ready for some crazy puzzle action inspired by games like "The Incredible Machine". The game will release for just under $20. If you want a reminder, tips & tricks, along with other updates about our upcoming games, please take a moment to sign-up for our newsletter.

Why not sign up for our FREE newsletter? Just enter your email address below:

Pausing/Unpausing Game Physics

2008-08-05T08:20:00.002-04:00

The video above demonstrates the superfluous technique of pausing the game's physics engine. You can pause/unpause physics by hitting spacebar, clicking the play/pause icon in the bottom right, or by clicking the center mouse button (mousewheel). This function is only required to solve 5 of the final puzzles in the game and can make some puzzles easier. It is primarily included because some people prefer to set everything up and then play it out; plus it is a pretty fun function to experiment with.

Actions

2008-08-04T08:32:00.002-04:00

Your actions are tallied as you play a puzzle. You want to try to solve each puzzle in as few actions as possible.

What counts as an action?
- Placing a Toy
- Picking up a Toy
- Activating Toy Abilities

In the example video above, there are 3 actions: placing the dart gun, firing a dart, and launching the rocket.

Puzzle Solving & Physics.

2008-08-01T08:27:00.004-04:00

In order to solve the puzzles in Red Faction you will have to take into account 2 thing:

- Toy Physics
- Toy Abilities

As you play through the Magic Toy Chest, you will learn more about each toy, it's abilities, weight, and shape. Each level can be solved by correctly building paths, using toys' abilities, or using physics to manipulate toys and objects. Take a look at the video below to get an idea of a puzzle solution.

The goal in the video is to get the alphabet blocks into the toy chest. Obviously, a Bowling Ball has a lot of weight to it and will roll. By rolling the bowling ball into the blocks, the blocks tumble into the chest, completing your goal.

The final tip I can give you about puzzle solving is to take note of the level description and hint. The Level Hints will usually help get you in the right direction and will highlight the toy that the solution usually revolves around. Make sure to play through all the Tutorial Levels too, since the later levels highlight each toy and how it works.

Level Failure

2008-07-31T09:15:00.002-04:00

There are only 2 ways that you can fail a level in the Magic Toy Chest:

1. By exceeding the level's time limit
2. By losing enough of the goal toys, making it impossible to reach your goal.

When the Level Failure prompt appears, press the 'R' Key to Restart the level.

In many cases, a Player will make mistakes and potentially get their goal toys stuck or use their available tools in an incorrect manner. Unfortunately, the game cannot detect this as Level Failure. If you get stuck for too long, make a mistake, etc. remember that you can press 'R' at any time to restart the Level.

Opening the Toy Chest

2008-07-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

Before you can put away any of your toys, the Magic Toy Chest must be opened. Find and click on all the toy chest keys. When there are no more keys, click on the toy chest to open it. If you have missed a key, clicking on the toy chest will do nothing.

The top of the toy chest can be manipulated by physics, so be wary that the Gravity Robot, Balloons, and or the Dart Gun can remove the toy chest lid. In many cases, this lid can interfere with the chore at hand.

Level Objective

2008-07-30T09:11:00.002-04:00

The Goal of each level is to put away a specified amount of a certain toy within the Level's time limit. This goal toy is displayed in the upper right corner. The level is completed when the adequate number of goal toys have been returned to the toy chest. When the goal toys fall into the chest, they will automatically disappear and the goal amount will decrease. When this goal amount reaches Zero, the Chore is complete!

Saving, Loading & Testing

2008-07-29T08:16:00.002-04:00

Load Button - Opens a browser window to find and load your level file

Save Button - Saves your current level

Save As Button - Opens a browser window where you can select where to save and what to name your level file.

Test Button - click to save your level and load it/play it in another window. Test your level and close the window when you are finished to return to the level editor

New Button - erases, clears and resets the level

Exit Button - Returns you to the Title Page

Level Properties

2008-07-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

(click the above image to see full screen)

The Level Properties are almost all located at the bottom of the Editor Menu. Each Level for the Magic Toy Chest has a Title, Description, Time Lmit, Goal Toy, Goal Amount, Par Time, and Par Action.

Setting the Goal - You can adjust the level's goal toy and the goal amount by clicking the +/- buttons at the top of the right menu. It is important to include an adequate number of the goal toy so that the Level can be completed.

Level Title- Simply click in the space and type in your Level Title

Level Description - click and type in this area to describe your level, give a hint, or include an author credit.

Setting Level Time Limit - left click and hold on either the +/- Buttons to increase and decrease the Level Time Limit. You can right click to incrementally increase/decrease.

Setting the Par Time - left click and hold on either the +/- Buttons to increase and decrease the Level Par Time. You can right click to incrementally increase/decrease.

Setting the Par Actions- Left click on either the +/- Buttons to increase and decrease the Level Par Time. You can right click and hold to drastically increase/decrease the level's actions.

Level Editing

2008-07-25T09:15:00.002-04:00

(click on image above for full screen)

Selecting your Toy/Tool - Your cursor will display the current toy/tool that you have selected. You can left click on any of the tools in the Editor Menu to instantly select them. You can also use the up/down arrow keys to change your current tool.

Placing Background Tiles - First select a background tile (the black tiles above the toy chest). Next use the +/- buttons in the right bar to set the tile's texture. Left click on the grid to place your selected tile. You can left click a tile to change the texture. Right clicking a tile will remove it. You can press and hold the Left Mouse Button to draw tiles across the grid.

Placing Toys/Toy Chest/Keys - Select a Toy from the Editor Menu and left click to place it in the level exactly where your cursor is displayed. You can change many toys directions by double clicking with the left mouse button on them. To remove a toy, right click on the toy or use the eraser.

Erasing - Pressing and holding the right mouse button for a few seconds will change your cursor into an eraser. Touching any object with the eraser will remove it from the field. Releasing the right mouse button will return your cursor to your last used toy/tool.

Closing/Opening/Moving the Editor Menu- If the Editor menu is in your way, you can click and drag the window or close it by clicking the x or the close button. To open the Editor menu press Spacebar. It is often helpful to select your tool, close the menu, edit your level and then reopen the menu when you need to change tools or edit lvl properties.

Changing the Backdrop - Left/Right click the Change Backdrop button to cycle through the available rooms/backgrounds for your level.

Changing the Music - Left/Right click the Change Music button to cycle through the available music for your level.

Level Editor Controls

2008-07-25T08:59:00.002-04:00

Left Mouse Click -

Select Toy/Tool from Editor Menu
Place selected Toy/Tile in Level
On a Background Tile to change Texture
Double Click on a Toy to Rotate it
On Toy Inventory Buttons to increase starting toy amounts
On Change Backdrop/Music to advance selection
On +/- buttons to advance/decrease amounts
On Load/Save/Test/Etc Buttons to Activate Button

Right Mouse Click -

Remove Toy from Level
Click & Hold to access Eraser to remove objects from level
On Toy Inventory Buttons to decrease starting toy amounts
On Change Backdrop/Music to decrease selection

Mouse Wheel- up/down increases/decreases traincars when placing toy trains

Up/Down Arrow - advance/decrease tool selection

Spacebar - Open Editor Menu (if closed)

'T' Key - Advance/Change all tile textures

Gameplay Expained: Menus/Toy Toolbox etc.

2008-07-24T09:16:00.002-04:00

(click on the above picture to view full screen)

The image above briefly explains many of the menu and game objects in The Magic Toy Chest.

Menu Button (top left corner) - Click this button (or press ESC) to access the Pause Menu

Explanations of Menu Bar (right hand side)from Top to Bottom:

Time Left - This counter displays how much time left you have before you exceed the level's time limit and fail the level.

Goal Toy - This displays the goal toy that you need to get into the Toy Chest

Goal Toy Remaining- the number below indicates how many more of the goal toys you need to get to the Magic Toy Chest to complete the level

Current Toy Selected - This displays the current toy/tool that you have selected. your cursor will also change to the toy you have selected.

Selected Toy Inventory - This number reflects how many of the selected toy you have remaining to use. If the action tool is selected, this number reflects the number of actions you have taken in the level so far.

Action Tool Button - click this button to select the action tool

Rotate Toy Button - click this button to rotate the selected toy

Available Toy Button - if you have a certain toy in your inventory the button will become active. Click an available toy's button to select that toy.

Unavailable Toy Button - if you have no inventory of a certain toy, that toy's button will become inactive and unavailable.

Physics Pause/Play Indicator - this indicator shows you whether or not you have the game's physics playing or not. You can Toggle the world's physics to play/pause by pressing spacebar or clicking the middle mouse button. This indicator displays the current state.

Level Completed!

2008-07-23T13:34:00.002-04:00

After putting away all of the specified toys, the "Chore Completed" Menu (pictured below) will open and inform you about your level statistics.

You can earn 1-3 stars. You will get 1 star for successfully beating the level and you can earn additional stars for beating the level's par time and/or staying below the maximum allotted actions.The Menu above displays the current Level's Par Time, Your Time, Par Actions, Your Actions, and Extra Toys. If you successfully perform under the level's par time and max par actions, you will earn an additional star that will be displayed next to your stat. If your actions and/or par time are better than your previous time/actions, you will set a new record. Only your best times and actions are saved in your profile.

When you are ready, you can click either the "Restart" or "Next" Buttons. The "Restart" button will reload the level so you can easily go for those 3 stars and that 100% completion rating. The "Next" Button will load the next level or tutorial. If you are playing the final level of a room, the Next button will return you to the level select screen.

Playing the Main Puzzles: Selecting a House Region & a Chore

2008-07-22T09:57:00.003-04:00

In many cases, you can simply use the "Next" and "Prev" Buttons to select the level/chore you would like to play. These buttons increase and decrease the selected level. However, in many cases you will want to select a specific room and chore in the house. The first step is to left click on an unlocked room of the house (locked rooms are blacked out).

Clicking on a room will tack up your mother's chore list (as pictured below)

This note will identify the room and will list the 10 chores (or levels). The stars indicate the chores completion. 1 star indicates that you beat the level, 2 stars indicate that you beat the level and were either beat par time or were under the par actions, 3 stars indicate that you have beaten the level 100% and have beaten the par time and par actions.

To select a specific chore, click the "chore #" text or line on the notepad.

The selected level's title, level number, goal toy, par time, time limit, level hint, etc. will be displayed in the window to the left of the house (displayed above). If you have already played the level, it will display your best time and lowest total actions.

You can adjust the selected level by clicking the next/prev buttons. When you are ready to play the level. Click the "Play Button"

How to Play User Created or Downloaded Levels

2008-07-21T15:15:00.003-04:00

Click the "More Levels" Button to open the user created level browser. This will open the custom level menu seen in the screenshot above. This menu will list all of the level files that you have created or downloaded (must be in the \Levels\ folder). To play a downloaded or user-created level, simply left click on the desired filename. The level information will be displayed in the level information menu on the left hand side of the screen. With a level selected left click the "Play" button to load and enjoy the level.

If you would like to submit your created level to this website. Select the filename and then click the email level button. This will submit your created level to us for posting on this site.

You can click the x box at the top of the custom levels menu to close the menu at any time.

The Load Screen

2008-07-18T08:44:00.003-04:00

The Load Screen reiterates the level title, par time, par actions, hints, etc. while the game loads the level. You can opt to click the "map" button to return to the Level Select Screen or click the "skip" button to move onto the next chore. When the level is loaded, the Play button will be enabled and the text will read "Load Done" at the bottom. Click the "Play" Button to begin the level.

Playing the Tutorial Training Levels

2008-07-17T10:50:00.002-04:00

If it is your first time playing, it is highly recommended that you take some time to play the tutorials.

You can open the Tutorial Select Screen by clicking the "Training" button in the bottom-right corner of the Level Select Screen. This will open the select screen pictured above.

Select a Tutorial by left clicking the corresponding question mark button. This will load the level information into the level description box (on the left hand side of the screen). Feel free to read about each tutorial. When you are ready and have the correct training level selected, click the "Play" button. Double-clicking a question mark will select and load that tutorial level.

The Level Select Screen

2008-07-17T10:39:00.007-04:00

The Level Select Screen or House Map is the main hub where you select which level you want to play. You can click the EXIT button in the top left to return to the title screen at any time. Please click one of the following topics to learn more:

PLAY TRAINING LEVELS
PLAY MAIN PUZZLES/CHORES
PLAY USER-CREATED LEVELS

The Options Menu

2008-07-16T09:09:00.004-04:00

The Options Menu can be accessed during Gameplay to change your current play settings. Use the drop down menus to change the music that is playing, change the background/room, change the background filter, or change your language.

When you are finished adjusting these options, click the OK button to go back to the gameplay.

The Pause Menu

2008-07-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

Pressing ESC or clicking the 'Menu' Button during a level will open the Pause Menu.

Options - click this to bring up the Options Menu

Map - click this button to return to the map/level select screen

Website - click this to visit the Graduate Games website

Restart - reloads the current puzzle

Skip - skips the current puzzle

Play - resumes the game/level

Exit - exits to the title screen

Toy: Water Balloon

2008-07-15T14:39:00.002-04:00

Water Balloons are the Magic Toy Chest's Grenades. With the Water Balloon Toy selected, simply aim and click where you want to throw a water balloon. The balloon will burst open and send any toys or objects in the splash zone flying.

Toy: Gravity Robot

2008-07-14T10:02:00.002-04:00

The Gravity Robot is one of the wackiest toys in the game. You can place the robot in any direction. Clicking on a Robot will activate its crazy sci-fi gravity powers. Gravity will change in the direction of the Robot's arms and arrow on its chest. Clicking a robot again will put its arms down and restore gravity to normal.

Toy Chest Beta 2 is Available for Download!

2008-07-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

Graduate Games is happy to announce that you can download our second (and probably final) beta starting today (7/7/08-7/14/08). The game has changed quite a bit since the last beta and hopefully everyone who has played the game before will notice the improvements.

You can download the Beta here.

What has changed since last time? Well there's now 20 Tutorial Levels that will teach you how to play and how all 16 toys work. There's also background filters for everyone that found the backgrounds too "loud." There's also a number of tweaks that make the easier tonavigate, etc and nicer on the eyes. Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback and helped us make these changes. Keep the changes and levels coming and you'll receive $5 off the final game...just make sure we have your email address.

Remember to sign-up for our newsletter so you'll know when the game is released.

Watch the Game in Action

Toy: Train

2008-07-06T11:43:00.002-04:00

The toy train is a dynamic toy that can be lengthened to create long lines of traincars. You can also pick up individual traincars and break apart the long chain of traincars.

With the Train Tool selected, moving the mouse wheel up will add train cars and moving the wheel down will subtract cars. Left clicking will place your entire train into the playfield.

The Rooms of the House

2008-07-03T08:30:00.001-04:00

Toy: Helicopter

2008-07-02T14:11:00.002-04:00

The Helicopter is a very sophisticated Toy and is great for transporting other toys to higher heights. Clicking it with the action tool will cause it to hover skywards and then travel forwards in the direction it is facing. You can also attach any toy to the helicopter by Left Clicking the copter (with any tool selected other than the action tool) holding the left button and dragging it over another toy in the playfield and releasing the left button.... so left click on the copter and drag to another toy.

The Nursery

2008-07-01T08:52:00.001-04:00

Toy: Dump Truck

2008-06-30T08:47:00.004-04:00

The Toy Truck is a large toy that rolls methodically down inclines. It is very sensitive to gaps and other bumps along the way. By clicking the toy truck, you will engage its front wheel drive and it will move in the direction it is facing for a few seconds.

Toy: Jack-in-the-Box

2008-06-27T09:38:00.003-04:00

The Jack-in-the-Box acts as a spring. Any toy that collides with it will be launched skywards. The Jack in Box also does not have gravity associated (so it will stay exactly where you place it) and cannot be picked up.

Girl's Room

2008-06-26T08:11:00.002-04:00

Toy: Bowling Ball

2008-06-24T08:15:00.004-04:00

The bowling ball is the heaviest object in the game. When you want to knock something around, this rolling behemoth is the toy to use.

Magic Toy Chest Game Trailer

2008-06-23T07:57:00.002-04:00

Download the Beta- Get $5 Off

2008-06-20T09:07:00.002-04:00

Download and play the beta version of the Magic Toy Chest. Submit custom made levels or send in feedback and you'll receive a $5 off coupon when the game is finally released. Submitting your level will also make your level eligible to be selected for inclusion in the final full version of the game.

What are you Waiting for?

Download the Beta Now!

Toy: Backflipping Dog

2008-06-18T14:01:00.002-04:00

The Backflipping Toy Dog is a small but heavy toy. The Dog's ability is pretty self expanatory in that it backflips when activated (left clicked w/ the action tool selected). The dog can backflip as many times as you want, but really only works if it is on its feet.

Parents Room

2008-06-16T09:05:00.000-04:00

Downloads

2008-06-13T14:27:00.003-04:00

This is where you will find Game Downloads and Level Downloads

Loading a Saved Game Profile

2008-06-13T12:58:00.004-04:00

Click the "Load" Button from the title screen to open the Load game menu (pictured above).

The Magic Toy Chest automatically loads the last profile used to play the game. You will only need to load a profile if you need to switch to a profile other than the last one played.

The list will populate itself with all of the saved profiles on your machine. Click a profile to select it and view the saved profile data. With a profile selected, you can rename it, delete it or load it - just click the corresponding buttons.

Advanced
If you have a save file that you have downloaded, emailed, or copied over from another computer, you will have to use the "import" function. Place the save file in the toy chest directory and make a note of the filename. Correctly typing the filename into the field and clicking the import button will add that savefile to the list of saved profiles.

Level Editor Screenshot

2008-06-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

Toy: Whiflle Bat

2008-06-11T15:25:00.001-04:00

The Whiffle Bat is a long and relatively light toy. It is create for building bridges, ramps and other tall structures.

Screenshot: Alpha Build 0.7

2008-06-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

The Kitchen

2008-06-10T08:36:00.001-04:00

Creating a New Game Profile

2008-06-09T16:31:00.003-04:00

Creating a New Game File is very simple. When the game starts for the first time, it will open the New Game Window. Your game profile contains all of your saved game information along with your name, language, age, gender, email address, and the desired background filter.

Clicking a Flag will change the game's language. By default, English is selected, but the game features: Spanish, French, German and Italian Languages.

Simply click each box and type in your information or select it from a dropdown menu. Your gender (click symbol to change) whether your kid character is male/female and will determine which room you start in.

Your email address is optional and not required to play the game. If you include your email address, you will be able to submit your created levels to Graduate Games within the game. If you leave your enter text that is not a valid email address, level submissions will fail.

Background filter is an optional feature that will help users differentiate the background from the foreground. You can select to Blur the background, simplify it (reduce brightness and detail), or make it look like an antique photo. By default the backgrounds are left alone.

When you have finished inputting all your information, click Ok to save and create your profile. The Magic Toy Chest has an autosave feature so all of your completed levels, statistics, and progress will be automatically saved.

*Remember that creating a new profile with the exact same name as one already on your computer may overwrite it. i.e. If there is a profile named John...creating a new profile named John may erase or merge the data.

Toy: Ring Toss

2008-06-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

The Ring Toss is a triangular shaped toy. It is great for serving as the fulcrum of a lever or as a reversal point for a rolling baseball. It can also be used as a ramp and incline.

Toy: Rocket Ship

2008-06-06T08:27:00.000-04:00

The Rocket Ship blasts off with the click of a button. Left Click the Rocket with the action tool selected and watch it lift off in the direction the nose is facing. Use it to get to new heights or knock other things over!

Bathroom

2008-06-05T15:14:00.000-04:00

Toy: Dart Gun

2008-06-04T09:40:00.000-04:00

The Dart Gun is the first toy you'll come across that has an action associated with it. The Dart Gun is static, so you can place it exactly where you want it to stay and not worry about gravity pulling it down. Darts are affected by gravity and will drift low, so aim high! To fire a dart, select the action button (the fat button above all the toy buttons) and left click the gun.

Staircase

2008-06-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

Screenshot: Alpha Build Gameplay

2008-06-02T20:28:00.001-04:00

Navigating the Title Screen

2008-06-02T11:00:00.002-04:00

New - Click this to create a new profile and save file
Load - Click to load a save profile, import a profile, or delete a profile
Play - When a profile is selected or autoloaded the Play button will be enabled. Click the Play Button to proceed to the level select screen.
Editor - This loads the level editor which allows you to create custom levels/puzzles of your own.
Help - Opens a browser window and loads up this very manual you're reading.
Exit - Pretty self explanatory - click this to close down and exit the game.

TV / Living Room

2008-05-29T13:41:00.001-04:00

Toy: Alphabet Block

2008-05-29T10:14:00.000-04:00

The Alphabet Block is the standard building block of the Magic Toy Chest. These square shaped blocks are great for stacking or getting a ball rolling. Not really that exciting though...just a toy block.

Toy: Teddy Bear

2008-05-28T14:11:00.002-04:00

The Teddy Bear is a fairly heavy object. It has rag doll physics and is very fun to play with visually. It is a rather hard object to get into the toy chest because of its shape, size, and weight. It is one of the best objects to use to knock over things (such as a rocket or block tower) and is also useful as a lighter substitute to the bowling ball.

Opening the Toy Chest

2008-05-23T10:54:00.001-04:00

In many cases, the first step in every level should be to open the magic toy chest. The toy chest can only be opened by collecting all the keys in the level or using the physics and gameplay mechanics to move the toy chest's lid. To collect a key, simply left click it. When there are no more keys left in the level, you will be able to open the toy chest by left clicking on it as well. In later levels, there are sometimes a ton of keys to collect. Remember that the toy lid can easily be shot off with a dart gun, or altered with gravity instead.

Toy: Domino

2008-05-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

The domino is a basic rectangular shaped toy. The domino is the lightest and smallest toy as well, thus making it the building block of many of the levels. The domino can be rotated using the arrow keys and can be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Toy: Baseball

2008-05-19T14:39:00.000-04:00

The Baseball is one of the more simplistic toys in the Magic Toy Chest. It is circular / spherical in shape and is very easily rolled. It has a decent weight, but it's shape prevents anything from being stacked effectively on top of it. The baseball is a very popular "goal" in the game. The best way to get it to start rolling is by dropping a block on one of its sides (the higher the better).

Young Boy's Room

2008-05-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

Gameplay Controls:

2008-05-16T11:00:00.002-04:00

Mouse Movement - controls/moves your pointer

Left Mouse Button:

Left click on an available toy in your toolbox to select that toy
Left click on the rotate button to rotate your selected toy
Left click in the game playfield to drop/create your selected toy
Left click on keys to collect them
Left click on the magic toy chest to open it (when all keys collected)
Left click on a toy (with action button selected) to activate a toy

Right Mouse Button - Right click on an unlocked toy to return it to your toolbox (also selects picked up toy)

Mouse Wheel: - move the wheel up/down to add/subtract cars to the toy train before you place it

Arrow Keys - press an arrow key to adjust the orientation of your selected toy before you place it

'R' - Key - Reloads/Restarts a Level

'S' - Key - Skips to Next Level

ESC - Opens Pause Menu

Spacebar/ 'P' - Key / Middle Mouse Button Click - Toggles Pause/Play - Freezes/Unfreezes Physics

Enter - Quick Selects the Action Tool

Magic Toy Chest Gameplay Video - Pre-Alpha

2008-05-15T08:38:00.000-04:00

This is a quick video showing off the physics / gameplay engine for the Magic Toy Chest. The basic premise is to get certain toys into the toy chest using the toys in your toolbar. It makes more sense if you just watch it.

Game Manual

2008-05-13T16:55:00.024-04:00

List All Game Manual Posts

Installation

Navigating the Title Screen
- Creating a New Game Profile
- Loading a Saved Game Profile

The Level Select Screen
- Playing Tutorial Training Levels
- Selecting a House Region and Chore
- Play User Created, Downloaded, or Bonus Levels

The Load Screen

Gameplay
-Controls
-Gameplay Explained: Menus/Toolbox Etc.
-Level Objective
-Opening the Toy Chest
-Puzzle Solving & Physics
-Toys
-Actions
-Pausing/Unpausing Game Physics
-Level Completed!
-Level Failure :(

The Pause Menu

The Options Menu

The Level Editor
-Controls
-Level Editing
-Level Properties
-Saving, Loading, & Testing

Greetings & Welcome

2008-05-13T13:54:00.001-04:00

Hello there! You have stumbled upon the information site, devlog, and overall home of all things Magic Toy Chest related. What is the Magic Toy chest? Well, it's a physics puzzle game made by Graduate Games. In the game, you are tasked with putting a specific type of toy into the magic toy chest. How do you do this? Well, you pretty much play around with physics and have a good ole time knocking over blocks, launching rockets, rolling balls, etc. to clean up and put your toys away. It's a kid friendly casual game perfect for the whole family. The controls are all very simple and the game is easy to pick up and play. The game is currently under development and approaching release. Stay tuned here to learn more about all the toys, features, etc. of the Magic Toy Chest. This is only the beginning.