Hardware Engineers
- April 22, 2019
- Green127
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"Hardware Engineers" is a simulation game where you manage an IT business in a competitive technology world. Build and optimize computers with realistic components, diagnose and repair systems, and expand your company, with customization options and native 4K support. The game offers two difficulty modes, easy for technology beginners and medium for those with some experience .
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a good concept and offers a fun simulation of running a computer repair shop.
- The developer is very active, frequently updating the game and responding to community feedback.
- The gameplay can be enjoyable for those who have an interest in computers and IT, providing a sense of realism in troubleshooting and repairs.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, making it frustrating to play.
- The user interface is clunky and not intuitive, leading to confusion during gameplay.
- Gameplay can become repetitive quickly, with limited variety in missions and tasks.
- graphics30 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally considered dated and not the primary draw for players, with many noting a simplistic and somewhat cartoonish art style. While not technically impressive, the visuals are described as charming and functional, allowing for good performance even on lower-end hardware. Overall, the graphics do not detract from the gameplay experience, which is often praised for its depth and enjoyment.
“The game’s art style has some cartoony elements mixed with realistic textures.”
“To sum it all up, the developer has encased the game in simple, but charming graphics.”
“I especially enjoy the simple graphics while at the same time the amount of detail; you did a great job and I'm looking forward to the complete product.”
“Graphics feel dated.”
“The graphics are not the reason to play this game.”
“I played this game quite a bit, and although it can be quite fun, it is a bit clunky and the graphics aren't the greatest.”
- gameplay28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its simplicity and unique mechanics, offering a fun and charming experience, though it can become repetitive once players establish their businesses. While the game has a solid foundation and potential for growth, some users note issues with clunky mechanics and limited content, particularly in its early access state. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable but may require further polish and depth to maintain long-term engagement.
“The depth of the game mechanics is the main draw.”
“Great concept, sweet graphics, perfect gameplay.”
“The gameplay is fun and unique.”
“Gameplay can become repetitive once you have an established business.”
“The game's mechanics are ridiculously raw and clunky.”
“Unfortunately, user gameplay is very limited even within early access with a very cumbersome interface.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional story mode, instead offering a series of repetitive missions centered around running a computer hardware store. Players engage with a steady stream of customers who issue varied tasks, but many find the missions to be similar and occasionally frustrating due to unclear objectives or potential bugs. Overall, while the gameplay fits the format, the narrative depth is minimal.
“You get a steady stream of customers entering your computer/hardware store issuing varied missions, which you can either accept or decline free of penalty initially or for a fee later on.”
“No kidding, this is a real mission in the game.”
“Then I also got a mission to build a PC for someone, assembled it with high-end parts, matching the criteria they gave, but still under budget. I installed the OS and the drivers, but dragging the completed unit to them does nothing; they do not accept it but do not give a reason why it is not good enough.”
“There is no traditional story mode, but it fits the gameplay just fine.”
“But the missions are all the same.”
- stability9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its significant stability issues, including frequent crashes and glitches that disrupt gameplay. While players appreciate the realistic troubleshooting mechanics and engaging management aspects, many report that the game is still in an early access state, leading to a buggy and clunky experience. However, the developers are actively addressing these issues with patches, and there is optimism about the game's potential as it evolves.
“Way too buggy; keeps crashing and glitching so you can't click on anything while playing.”
“Almost like it freezes up, sort of.”
“Hell... this could be a great one someday, but be sure about the EA tag... it's buggy and clunky, and lots of stuff is missing, but it supports a great idea... I really hope the devs can deliver.”
- humor5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as delightfully quirky, with clever brand name parodies and subtle jokes that enhance the overall experience. Players find the comedic elements, such as stealing parts and engaging in pun-filled interactions, to be both entertaining and a source of unexpected enjoyment, making the gameplay feel fun and relaxing.
“Even the cheeky humor with major brand name changes like MZI and Entil adds charm to the game.”
“The humor is subtle but works, and it will eat time you didn't know you were wasting.”
“Gameplay is fun and relaxing; stealing parts from people is funny, and just building computers is entertaining.”
“So bad, it's actually funny.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The in-game music has received mixed feedback, with some players finding it decent and soothing, while others suggest it could benefit from more variety in the future. Overall, it is generally considered enjoyable, though some players prefer to listen to their own music instead.
“The music in the game is good to listen to.”
“Music is actually soothing and good.”
“The in-game music is decent, but I believe they are a new addition, so more could be added later.”
“Turn off that crappy music and put your techno on; this is going to be a long night!”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unengaging, with some expressing that it detracts from the overall enjoyment. If the grinding feels hard and monotonous, it may indicate that the game isn't suited for those looking for a more dynamic experience.
“But, if you find the demo hard and tedious, this probably isn't the game for you.”
“Yeah, okay, it's kind of grindy.”
“I tried grinding my way through PC Building Simulator hoping it would stop boring me.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game lacks optimization as it is not built on a pre-existing engine, leading to performance issues that may require users to overclock their hardware for improved gameplay.
“This game is not built on a pre-existing game engine and is not well optimized.”
“You can even overclock processors and video cards to get better performance.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that incorporating competing businesses, manufacturer sponsorships, and advertising options could enhance the game's monetization strategy, potentially attracting more customers as players build their reputation.
“It would be interesting to have competing businesses, manufacturer sponsorships, or other advertisement options.”
“Needs advertising as a means of bringing in more customers; this may not be such a problem as you build your reputation.”
