ComPressure
- May 3, 2021
- Charlie Brej
Get on Steam"ComPressure" is a challenging steam-based computation game where players revolutionize machine control using valves and steam. The game features an accompanying Discord community of steam engineers for assistance and innovation-sharing. Players optimize and tune previous designs with new knowledge, as each solved challenge yields useful components for future stages.
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Reviews
- The game features a unique and engaging mechanic based on pressure-based computing, allowing for complex problem-solving and creativity.
- The level design encourages players to revisit and improve previous solutions, creating a rewarding sense of progression and mastery.
- The community and developer support are strong, with a welcoming Discord server that provides assistance and fosters collaboration among players.
- The user interface is clunky and unintuitive, leading to confusion and frustration during gameplay.
- The game has a steep learning curve, with ambiguous instructions and inconsistent testing that can hinder progress.
- Many players find the game lacks polish, with issues such as unclear objectives and a scoring system that is difficult to understand.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around a well-implemented pressure-based computing mechanic that allows for complex problem-solving using a few basic building blocks, reminiscent of games like Factorio and The Witness. Players appreciate the balance of challenge and exploration, with a focus on mastering the steam mechanics in an electronics engineering sandbox environment. Overall, it offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy optimizing systems and tackling nontrivial challenges.
“I played through the entire campaign and really enjoyed exploring the concept of pressure-based computing and learning to master the mechanic.”
“Highly recommended for people who enjoy games in the vein of Factorio or automation, where the central mechanic is optimizing systems based on physics.”
“Despite this, the core mechanic of the game - the steam mechanics - are perfectly implemented and the challenges are, at least for me, someone with zero in-depth experience with electronics, nontrivial.”
“The gameplay itself is basically an electronics engineering sandbox, but presented with steam pipes instead of wires.”
“If the gameplay sounds like something you'd be interested in, those unfortunate quirks are very easy to get used to.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its fitting style and quality, enhancing the steampunk aesthetic and complementing the historical-fiction storyline. Reviewers note that the soundtrack stands out, with some tracks exceeding expectations for a puzzle game, creating an enjoyable and immersive atmosphere reminiscent of titles like Risk of Rain and Factorio.
“The music, style, story, and theme all fit very well.”
“With the dialogue from famous classical thinkers, the music, and the overall aesthetic design, it also comes together as an enjoyable (and genuine) industrial steampunk atmosphere, somewhat in the vein of Factorio.”
“The graphics and music work reasonably well with the steampunk aesthetic, though they sometimes feel retrocomputery.”
“With the dialogue from famous classical thinkers, the music, and the overall aesthetic design, it comes together as an enjoyable industrial steampunk atmosphere, somewhat in the vein of Factorio.”
“The story is kind of neat background, and some of the music is better than it should be for a puzzle game.”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its engaging historical-fiction elements, featuring rock star scientists and a backdrop that complements the game's retro pixel art. Players appreciate the neat integration of the narrative with the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience alongside a memorable soundtrack.
“The music, style, story, and theme all fit very well.”
“Nice touches: a fun historical-fiction storyline, and a great little soundtrack that reminds me of Risk of Rain.”
“The retro pixel art and story featuring historically accurate rock star scientists lends itself well to a fun and engaging game about building the world's first analog computer.”
“The story is kind of a neat background, but it feels underdeveloped and doesn't fully engage the player.”
“The retro pixel art and story featuring historically accurate rock star scientists is an interesting concept, but it ultimately falls flat in execution.”
“While the music and style are commendable, the story lacks depth and fails to captivate the audience.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as reminiscent of early Zachtronics games, with some users noting a lack of clarity in objectives and a retrocomputery feel. However, they effectively complement the steampunk aesthetic, contributing to an enjoyable industrial atmosphere that aligns well with the game's overall design.
“The graphics and music work reasonably well with the steampunk aesthetic, though also sometimes feel retrocomputery at times.”
“With the dialogue from famous classical thinkers, the music, and the overall aesthetic design; it also comes together as an enjoyable (and genuine) industrial steampunk atmosphere, somewhat in the vein of Factorio.”
“Like an early Zachtronics game, except the objectives aren't well defined, and the graphics are somehow even worse.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its clever dialogues, which effectively contribute to the overall experience. Players find amusement in the characters, who are portrayed as a steampunk reinterpretation of notable Victorian figures in science and engineering.
“The dialogue is funny enough to get the job done; that's another plus.”
“I find it hilarious that the game's characters are basically a steampunk version of the Victorian who's who of science and engineering.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that "Compressure" effectively maintains challenging levels while focusing optimization efforts in a clear direction, setting it apart from newer titles in the genre.
“Compared to newer Zachtronics titles (sorry for the constant comparison, but they are, in my humble opinion, the gold standard of this genre), Compressure manages to keep each level a challenge and directs optimization into a single direction.”
“The optimization mechanics feel clunky and unrefined, making it frustrating to achieve the desired results.”
“I found the optimization process to be overly complicated, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a genuine industrial steampunk aesthetic, enhanced by dialogue from classical thinkers and a fitting musical score, creating an enjoyable and immersive experience reminiscent of games like Factorio.
“The dialogue from famous classical thinkers, the music, and the overall aesthetic design come together to create an enjoyable and genuine industrial steampunk atmosphere, reminiscent of Factorio.”
“The immersive sound design and stunning visuals transport you to another world, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
“The combination of haunting melodies and intricate environmental details creates a captivating atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
