Super Solvers: Gizmos & Gadgets

In the early 1990s, educational software was booming, and Super Solvers: Gizmos & Gadgets! stood out as one of the most memorable. Released in 1993 by The Learning Company, it mixed puzzle-solving, exploration, and competitive racing into a single package designed to teach kids about mechanics, electronics, energy, and simple machines.

For many who grew up with it, the sight of Morty Maxwell’s smirk and the thrill of building the perfect race car, plane, or alternative-energy vehicle are burned into memory.

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Super Solvers: Gizmos & Gadgets! is a 1993 educational science game by The Learning Company. Players explore warehouses, solve STEM puzzles on topics like simple machines and electronics, collect vehicle parts, and race antagonist Morty Maxwell in three categories—automotive, alternative energy, and aircraft—to win all 15 races.

• Released in 1993 as part of The Learning Company’s Super Solvers series
   
• Teaches science topics through puzzles about mechanics, energy, and electronics
   
• Players collect vehicle parts in mazes and race Morty Maxwell
   
• Win five races in each of three categories to beat the game
   
• Still playable today via browser-based DOS emulators
   

Background and Development

The Learning Company had already made a name for itself with the Super Solvers brand—titles that blended educational content with game-like progression. Gizmos & Gadgets! pushed that formula into science and engineering, introducing a hands-on way for children aged 7–12 to experiment with real-world physics concepts while still having fun.

Morty Maxwell, the recurring antagonist, returned to sabotage the player’s efforts at the fictional Shady Glen Technology Center, making the educational challenges feel like a competitive mission.

Gameplay Overview

Warehouses and Exploration

Each of the three race categories—automotive, alternative energy, and aircraft—has its own warehouse maze. Players use arrow keys to move and explore, locating crates containing vehicle parts. Doors within the warehouse are locked, requiring puzzle-solving to open.

Puzzles and Science Challenges

Puzzles cover:

• Gears and pulleys – Building working systems
   
• Circuits – Completing electrical connections
   
• Magnetism – Arranging magnets to achieve specific effects
   
• Energy types – Matching tools and machines to power sources
   

Each puzzle has multiple variations, so no two runs are identical.

Building and Racing Vehicles

Once enough parts are collected, the game shifts to the garage. Players choose from good, better, or best parts to build their vehicle. Higher-quality components improve performance in the race. After assembly, the vehicle is tested in a head-to-head race against Morty Maxwell.
 

Comparison Table: Gizmos & Gadgets! vs Modern STEM Games

Modern Ways to Play

• Browser emulation – Play through DOSBox-powered websites without installing software.
   
• Abandonware archives – Download legacy copies for offline play.
   
• Learning Company bundles – Some re-releases in early 2000s educational game packs.
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing puzzle solutions – Skipping careful placement can lead to repeated failures.
   
• Collecting low-quality parts – Always aim for the “best” rating to improve race odds.
   
• Ignoring cyber chimps – They can set back progress significantly if not avoided.
   

Super Solvers: Gizmos & Gadgets! remains a high point in 90s educational gaming—engaging, replayable, and genuinely effective at teaching core science concepts. Its combination of warehouse exploration, interactive puzzles, and competitive racing made learning mechanical and electrical principles feel like a game, not a lesson. For retro gamers and educators alike, it’s worth revisiting.