14 DAY TRIAL // It became clear early in the development process of Windows 7 that the latest iteration of the Windows client would be killing off Windows Vista’s Ultimate Extras components. Early adopters that upgraded Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate Beta Build 7000 witnessed firsthand the Ultimate Extras on their computers disappear without a trace, and Microsoft felt a backlash, albeit rather small. However, the Redmond company revealed that it would correct this issue, and embarked on a project designed to port the Vista Ultimate Extras to Windows 7, or at least some of the items delivered as part of the enhancements for the high end edition of Windows XP’s successor. The Tinker game, a remnant of the Ultimate Extras, has been revived, and is currently available for download for Windows 7 RTM, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2 and SP3.
“He's little, he's metal, and he's lost,” reads the description of the game. “Being a small robot isn’t always easy. Being a small robot marooned in a surreal world of clockwork, inventive mechanisms and challenging puzzles, even less so. In Tinker, a free puzzle game that pushes the boundaries of robot deduction, you’ll guide your robot through switches, contraptions to reach the exit. He’ll only do what you command. He’ll only go where you tell him to. It’s up to you to get him home.”
In order to play the game users will need a computer capable of running Windows 7, with an Intel 3 GHz or AMD equivalent processor, 1 GB system memory (RAM), at least 9GB of Hard Drive, and a video card with support for Shader Model 3, namely NVidia 6600 or ATI 1300 or higher.
In the first half of November 2009, Microsoft made it clear that it planned to start delivering Ultimate Extras games in the immediate future for Windows 7 RTM users. In this regard, the best thing about Windows 7 killing Vista's Ultimate Extras, on top of some of them being brought back, is the fact that the move actually democratized the components. Tinker is no longer limited to running on the Ultimate SKU of the Windows client, or on any other edition for that matter.
“Featuring captivating visuals, an original music score, and 60 levels that range from the facile to the extremely challenging. Tinker is an isometric two-dimensional puzzle available for free. Tinker features a tutorial level to get you started. What are you waiting for? Get Tinker for free when you download Games for Windows - LIVE. Start Tinkering. Guide your small robot through 60 different levels of inventive mechanisms, switches, lasers, teleporters, and more! Earn Tinker Achievements only available through LIVE. Enjoy 3D graphics that enhance the majestic clockwork world,” Microsoft added.
Tinker (formerly from Ultimate Extras) for Windows 7, Vista and XP is available for download here.