CodeSpells
- September 18, 2015
- ThoughtSTEM, LLC
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"CodeSpells" is a simulation game that offers a variety of play modes, including single-player, local multi-player for up to 2 players, and player-versus-player. The game's development and community are still active, with a new focus on building an open-source platform for the creation of various games and experiences. There was a delay in updates between September 2017 and August 2020 due to the team seeking additional funding and taking care of personal needs.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a unique concept that allows players to create their own spells using programming logic, which can be rewarding and fun for those interested in coding.
- The sandbox environment is visually appealing and offers a lot of potential for creativity, allowing players to manipulate the world around them.
- The community around the game is supportive, with many players sharing spells and providing help, making it a good learning tool for those new to programming.
- The game has been abandoned by the developers, with no updates or communication for several years, leading to frustration among players who feel misled.
- Many features promised during the game's early access have not been delivered, leaving the game feeling incomplete and lacking in content.
- The requirement for account creation to play and various bugs, including crashes and performance issues, have made the game unplayable for many users.
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are generally praised for their beauty and charming art style, with impressive landscapes generated through random map creation. However, performance issues on lower-end machines can lead to significant frame rate drops, and some minor graphical glitches appear at reduced settings. Overall, while the graphics are appealing, they may require optimization for smoother gameplay on less powerful systems.
“The graphics are beautiful and the random map generation makes for some amazing landscapes.”
“So I was pretty excited to see that the game was getting a complete revamp that looked pretty promising; it also looked like it had a pretty slick art style.”
“The art style and music are very charming and draw you into the world from the start.”
“Constant 10 fps or lower on the lowest resolution... I know my graphics card isn't the best, but it should be very capable of handling at least 50 fps or even 60 at the lowest resolution.”
“There are a few relatively minor graphical glitches in the game on lower quality settings.”
“On low graphics settings, the spell-making menu has the controls graphic all pixelated. When checking the code for a specific spell, the menu at the bottom is pixelated as well.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay in these titles is heavily focused on programming mechanics, appealing primarily to players who enjoy engineering and problem-solving. However, many users express frustration with the lack of fully developed core mechanics and the absence of a structured campaign, suggesting that the experience is currently limited to simple challenges and sandbox modes. Players are advised to approach these games with an understanding of their early access status and a willingness to learn complex systems.
“If you like programming and want to try programming in a game, TIS-100, Exapunks, or Shenzhen I/O are good games that explore programming as a game mechanic.”
“Be aware that at the moment this will only be fun to you if you like to engineer your own spells, since there isn't much gameplay yet.”
“Don't get it if you are looking for a campaign or any kind of gameplay above a few simple challenges and a sandbox mode (yet) or if you aren't willing or able to learn a few complicated mechanics.”
“Hold off if you're not a fan of early sandbox gameplay but keep an eye out for this one.”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's lack of a compelling story or clear objectives has left many players feeling unengaged and bored, as there is no real purpose to keep them invested. While some appreciate the opportunity to relax and use their imagination, the absence of missions or a plot has led to a desire for more structured gameplay. Overall, players express that the addition of a meaningful story could significantly enhance their experience.
“Some people need action, story, and things to do; however, this game just lets me relax with my imagination.”
“Once story is put into the game, then I will be hooked for life.”
“Do you want some sort of story or greater meaning to what you are doing?”
“But it gets boring quickly as there's no real purpose or story in the game.”
“There is no mission, story, plot, survival, etc., so there's no reason to keep playing.”
“There is no story; there is not much in the way of brilliant sound or music, the graphics are tolerable, and yet the game still stands.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users reporting severe performance issues even on high-end PCs, and significant slowdowns on older machines. Many feel that the execution is poorly done, lacking clear objectives and interaction, leading to an overall disappointing experience. There is hope for future improvements, but current performance woes detract significantly from gameplay.
“Performance on older machines may require you to turn the graphics settings down a bit, but it's okay.”
“Unfortunately, it runs extremely slowly on older computers. Hopefully, it will be optimized as more updates come out, though.”
“Great concept; badly optimized, confusing, and an ugly disappointment in execution.”
“Performance is horrible, including on high-end PCs, and what little was implemented before the project was dropped is not in any way enjoyable.”
“Unfortunately, it runs extremely slowly on older computers. Hopefully, it will be optimized as more updates come out.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from severe stability issues, with numerous game-breaking bugs and glitches rendering it nearly unplayable. Many spells fail to function, and overall, the game appears unfinished and has been abandoned by developers, leading to a frustrating experience for players. While some minor graphical glitches exist, they pale in comparison to the major stability problems reported.
“The game is extremely buggy, and many of the spells just straight up didn't work.”
“Perfect - unplayable and non-refundable since I spent my entire time owning/playing this game on troubleshooting.”
“This game has been abandoned, and the little that is there is nowhere near finished and very buggy.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users expressing frustration over early access titles that seem to prioritize profit over quality. Many reviewers recommend avoiding the game due to its perceived exploitative practices.
“Maybe all early access games should be removed from Steam as they seem like a cash grab.”
“Sad to say it was a cash grab.”
“Stay away from this cash grab!”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the humor in the game is perceived as lacking depth, with some users finding it amusingly inadequate, particularly in relation to its price. Overall, the humor seems to be viewed as superficial or gimmicky, failing to resonate with players.
“Otherwise, don't bother, and especially don't pay the full price of $20, which is honestly hilarious.”
“But all we see in present-day games is just hilarious hocus-pocus.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as charming and engaging, effectively drawing players into its world, despite the overall lack of a compelling story or standout sound design.
“The art style and music are very charming and draw you into the world from the start.”
