If you are having problems with short cut keys, please see this thread: http://www.sparkworkz.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=1112 or private message us. We'll get back to you, hopefully with a solution.
Just to clear some things up...if you played the first game at Kongregate, we increased the piece limit, added new tools, added all new level obstacles like moving platforms and other platforms. We've added more free levels, in game badges, etc. We made a big effort to give you more in every way. I think some people forget what the other game was like, or didn't actually play it before they post a comment.
@gforjesus: Sparkworkz is a division of inXile entertainment that handles all games that go directly to gamers. That includes flash games, iPhone games, iPad games, XBLA, and PSN.
@lilobama: I would like to point out that the first game was also a purchase for the level editor and additional levels. Fantasy Online, the number 1 mmo and rated 4.23, has in-game purchases through Kreds. Certainly game makers need to find a way to cover their expenses. Especially when they provide data storage like an mmo or UGC game like FC or PR3.
@Glasius: There was an object limit in FC1 as well. In fact, we expanded the level limit for the second game. Its just a reality of using a physics engine. The reason you are probably noticing it now and didn't notice it on FC1 is because of magnets and chains. Each link of a chain is an object. And spamming magnets is a lot of fun!
@atonement: we didn't want to ruin the simplicity of the first game with 20 new tools. In addition to magnets and chains, level editing got a severe make over, with moving platforms and contraptions of there own. With just a few additions it really opened up a lot more creative levels and solutions to those levels. Check out the level of the week to see a really cool example. In addition, we added social features like badges, challenges, level of week, etc.
@basicpaul: actually the system is more flexible than the original. In the original you could only see designs of free levels, unless you paid. In the new version you can still share and see free levels, but you can also see designs of other user levels in "view mode". I think what you are surprised by is that we no longer have the "Other Player's Designs" link. If you click on the "i" icon when playing the game you can see all the information for a level including player designs, challenges based on that level, your best time for that level, the best time overall and lots of other stuff.
@Spicy Crab: This is a sequel to the first game Fantastic Contraption. When developing the first game, Colin Northway was very much influenced by Rube Goldberg, who's work influenced not only Fantastic Contraption, but Incredible Machine and Armadillo Run. Both of those games are great and we are proud to be mentioned with them.
Glad you like it. We did alot of work under the hood, with the level editor and making the save data more versatile for...nevermind. :) We wanted to keep the basic game play the same but add more elements for designers to create awesome levels.
Once you get the hang of it, try clicking the "Level of the Week" and you can see some really creative stuff.
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 "Fantastic Contraption"){kind=icon}