SpaceChem

Prince Toad · 09-27-2011, 02:49 AM

Okay everyone, let's just start with this: go download the SpaceChem demo. It's free on Steam.

So, what is SpaceChem? It's a design-based puzzle game that has you programming nuclear reactors to create molecular chemical compounds... in space. Well, technically on other planets, for the most part. Fortunately, chemistry works everywhere in the universe, so you don't have to deal with any wacky alternate gravity rules or anything.

I've never played a game quite like it. The basic mechanic is essentially designing algorithms that can run infinitely (or close enough to get through the level). No scientific knowledge is required, though a rudimentary (like, half-remembered basic high school level) familiarity with chemistry will make some things a bit more intuitive. Computer programming expertise is marginally more useful, but SpaceChem's puzzle system is self-contained enough that all you really need is intelligence and perseverance.

Let me emphasize that last part. SpaceChem is HARD. By beating the game, I joined the 2.1% (!) of all its players who have done so. Partly this is because many levels involve multiple reactors, and you are responsible for the high-level design that ensures the successful transformation of input to output. You need to plan the whole thing out well enough that each individual reactor has a task simple enough for you to program within its limited space, and every reactor must be coordinated properly so the whole system doesn't jam up. You may need to sit there for 10 minutes or more just thinking about how the hell you're going to get this damn thing to work before you start placing and programming reactors. And if your high-level design has a fundamental flaw, you may need a major redesign-- possibly from scratch.

The flip side of that is that there is a lot of freedom in SpaceChem. There are certainly optimal solutions, but you're not required to find them; as long as your design works eventually, you're golden. And when you get a particularly tricky reaction going, you feel like an untouchable floating genius. It's a feeling coders are familiar with, and in fact it's identical: you've created a successful program that does what you want it to. The sense of accomplishment you get from SpaceChem is virtually unparalleled in gaming.

(There is a comparison screen where your pathetic attempts at efficiency are compared with the astonishing geniuses who apparently populate the rest of the SpaceChem-playing world, but aside from personal pride there's no reason to compete against these faceless, brilliant bastards.)

The gameplay is really what shines in SpaceChem, but the presentation is solid as well. There's a story, which suffers from pacing issues but is suspenseful and well written. The graphics are smooth and clean, and the hideous monsters you'll eventually face have some cool designs. Notably, reactors have dark backgrounds, meaning you won't go blind staring at them for hours (as you will need to do on later levels). The music is pleasant enough, though I turned it off and put on my own after a while. My only complaint about the audio is that I grew to hate the "Your reaction just ****ed up" sound, which is bound to play a lot. But making that son of a bitch go away is one of the joys of SpaceChem.

So it might seem intimidating, and you might not be sure if it's your kind of game. It doesn't quite have the universal likability of a game with similar appeal issues, Minecraft, but if you're into puzzles and feeling like a goddamn superscientist, I cannot recommend SpaceChem any higher. That's why I suggested the demo (and, well, that's why demos exist): to convert the uncertain into believers. Grab it, try it out, and see if you don't get sucked in.

And when you have, let me know what you think. Discuss!

(You are also free to adulate me for beating this game. For no other reason than that, I deserve your utmost praise.)

(Also, there's some neat DLC. I didn't find it to be quite as hard as the final levels of the main game, but it was still fun as hell. That said, there is some highly intimidating player-made DLC which I haven't yet touched, but if I need to scratch my SpaceChem itch, there it is.)

**NintendoNut** · 09-28-2011, 07:10 AM

I got a press copy of this game in January. I'm not exagerrating when I say it's my current Game of the Year for 2011. Yes, above Portal 2, above Deus Ex, above Minecraft and most likely above Battlefield 3 and Skyrim.

Having said that, I've not actually beaten it. I think I got up to world 4 before I just stopped playing it for whatever reason.

(Shameless self-plug engaged) I actually reviewed the game when I got that press copy, here it is; SpaceChem - Review | PC Gaming | Gaming Daily

***Ace Mercury*** · 01-16-2012, 09:36 AM

I'm going to necro this thread because I bought SpaceChem over the Steam Winter sale and I'm just now getting into the game. Fun times! Setting up and optimizing reactors is absorbing. Watching your entire production chain going is mesmerizing.

I have two other friends who play it on Steam, and I'm competing with them on the scoreboards. One of them optimizes for speed, the other for fewer symbols, so as long as I beat one of them, it's cool.

09-27-2011, 02:49 AM	#1
Prince Toad Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rookery Gender: Posts: 11,720 Thanks: 50 Thanked 65 Times in 56 Posts	SpaceChem Okay everyone, let's just start with this: go download the SpaceChem demo. It's free on Steam. So, what is SpaceChem? It's a design-based puzzle game that has you programming nuclear reactors to create molecular chemical compounds... in space. Well, technically on other planets, for the most part. Fortunately, chemistry works everywhere in the universe, so you don't have to deal with any wacky alternate gravity rules or anything. I've never played a game quite like it. The basic mechanic is essentially designing algorithms that can run infinitely (or close enough to get through the level). No scientific knowledge is required, though a rudimentary (like, half-remembered basic high school level) familiarity with chemistry will make some things a bit more intuitive. Computer programming expertise is marginally more useful, but SpaceChem's puzzle system is self-contained enough that all you really need is intelligence and perseverance. Let me emphasize that last part. SpaceChem is HARD. By beating the game, I joined the 2.1% (!) of all its players who have done so. Partly this is because many levels involve multiple reactors, and you are responsible for the high-level design that ensures the successful transformation of input to output. You need to plan the whole thing out well enough that each individual reactor has a task simple enough for you to program within its limited space, and every reactor must be coordinated properly so the whole system doesn't jam up. You may need to sit there for 10 minutes or more just thinking about how the hell you're going to get this damn thing to work before you start placing and programming reactors. And if your high-level design has a fundamental flaw, you may need a major redesign-- possibly from scratch. The flip side of that is that there is a lot of freedom in SpaceChem. There are certainly optimal solutions, but you're not required to find them; as long as your design works eventually, you're golden. And when you get a particularly tricky reaction going, you feel like an untouchable floating genius. It's a feeling coders are familiar with, and in fact it's identical: you've created a successful program that does what you want it to. The sense of accomplishment you get from SpaceChem is virtually unparalleled in gaming. (There is a comparison screen where your pathetic attempts at efficiency are compared with the astonishing geniuses who apparently populate the rest of the SpaceChem-playing world, but aside from personal pride there's no reason to compete against these faceless, brilliant bastards.) The gameplay is really what shines in SpaceChem, but the presentation is solid as well. There's a story, which suffers from pacing issues but is suspenseful and well written. The graphics are smooth and clean, and the hideous monsters you'll eventually face have some cool designs. Notably, reactors have dark backgrounds, meaning you won't go blind staring at them for hours (as you will need to do on later levels). The music is pleasant enough, though I turned it off and put on my own after a while. My only complaint about the audio is that I grew to hate the "Your reaction just ****ed up" sound, which is bound to play a lot. But making that son of a bitch go away is one of the joys of SpaceChem. So it might seem intimidating, and you might not be sure if it's your kind of game. It doesn't quite have the universal likability of a game with similar appeal issues, Minecraft, but if you're into puzzles and feeling like a goddamn superscientist, I cannot recommend SpaceChem any higher. That's why I suggested the demo (and, well, that's why demos exist): to convert the uncertain into believers. Grab it, try it out, and see if you don't get sucked in. And when you have, let me know what you think. Discuss! (You are also free to adulate me for beating this game. For no other reason than that, I deserve your utmost praise.) (Also, there's some neat DLC. I didn't find it to be quite as hard as the final levels of the main game, but it was still fun as hell. That said, there is some highly intimidating player-made DLC which I haven't yet touched, but if I need to scratch my SpaceChem itch, there it is.)

09-28-2011, 07:10 AM	#2
NintendoNut PC Games and Tech Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hold on, I know this..... Gender: Posts: 8,655 Thanks: 108 Thanked 85 Times in 56 Posts	I got a press copy of this game in January. I'm not exagerrating when I say it's my current Game of the Year for 2011. Yes, above Portal 2, above Deus Ex, above Minecraft and most likely above Battlefield 3 and Skyrim. Having said that, I've not actually beaten it. I think I got up to world 4 before I just stopped playing it for whatever reason. (Shameless self-plug engaged) I actually reviewed the game when I got that press copy, here it is; SpaceChem - Review \| PC Gaming \| Gaming Daily

01-16-2012, 09:36 AM	#3
*Ace Mercury* Marshmallow Knight ☆ Supermod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Southern Ontario Gender: Posts: 23,274 Thanks: 568 Thanked 3,297 Times in 1,582 Posts Blog Entries: 1	I'm going to necro this thread because I bought SpaceChem over the Steam Winter sale and I'm just now getting into the game. Fun times! Setting up and optimizing reactors is absorbing. Watching your entire production chain going is mesmerizing. I have two other friends who play it on Steam, and I'm competing with them on the scoreboards. One of them optimizes for speed, the other for fewer symbols, so as long as I beat one of them, it's cool.