Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Indie, Puzzle, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Zachtronics Industries
- Publishers: Zachtronics Industries
SpaceChem: A Cerebral Puzzle Game That Will Challenge Your Mind and Creativity
Released in 2011, SpaceChem is a puzzle game that tasks players with designing and building factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products. Set in a futuristic space colony, players take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies.
The game features over 100 levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. Players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design factories that are efficient, compact, and safe. Factories are constructed using a variety of components, including pipes, reactors, conveyors, and sorters. Players must carefully arrange these components in order to create a factory that can produce the desired chemical products while meeting production quotas and safety regulations.
SpaceChem is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The sense of satisfaction that comes from solving a particularly difficult puzzle is immense. The game also features a robust level editor, which allows players to create and share their own puzzles with the community.
Gameplay
The goal of SpaceChem is to design and build factories that can transform raw materials into valuable chemical products. Players must use a variety of components, including pipes, reactors, conveyors, and sorters, to create factories that are efficient, compact, and safe.
Factories are constructed on a grid-based map. Players can place components anywhere on the map, but they must be careful to avoid creating any loops or dead ends. Pipes are used to transport raw materials and chemical products between different parts of the factory. Reactors are used to transform raw materials into chemical products. Conveyors are used to move items around the factory. Sorters are used to filter items based on their type or properties.
Once a factory is constructed, players can start the production process. Raw materials will enter the factory from the left side of the map, and chemical products will exit the factory from the right side of the map. Players must carefully monitor the production process to ensure that the factory is operating efficiently and safely.
Puzzles
SpaceChem features over 100 levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The puzzles start off simple, but they quickly become more complex. Players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design factories that can meet the production quotas and safety regulations for each level.
Some of the puzzles in SpaceChem are extremely challenging. However, the game also features a robust hint system that can help players get unstuck. The hint system provides players with tips on how to solve the puzzle, but it does not give away the solution.
Level Editor
SpaceChem features a robust level editor that allows players to create and share their own puzzles with the community. The level editor is easy to use, and it provides players with a wide range of tools and components to create their own puzzles.
Players can share their puzzles with the community by uploading them to the SpaceChem website. Other players can then download and play the puzzles. The SpaceChem community has created a wide variety of puzzles, ranging from simple to extremely challenging.
Reception
SpaceChem received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and robust level editor. SpaceChem was nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Design.
SpaceChem has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Conclusion
SpaceChem is a brilliant puzzle game that will challenge your mind and creativity. The game features over 100 levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. Players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design factories that are efficient, compact, and safe. SpaceChem also features a robust level editor that allows players to create and share their own puzzles with the community.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle game, then SpaceChem is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10