JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 112 reviews
  • graphics
  • stability
  • gameplay
JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator Game Cover
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JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator is a 3D programming puzzle game that allows players to automate and control robots, drones, and other machinery using Python code. Players can solve coding challenges, progress to unlock new features, and improve their programming skills. This game is not for the casual player and requires a basic understanding of programming.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 112 reviews
optimization3 positive mentions
graphics3 negative mentions
  • The game provides a fun and engaging way to practice and improve Python programming skills, especially for those with some prior knowledge.
  • It features a variety of unique challenges that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, making it a great tool for learning programming concepts.
  • The developer is actively updating the game and has created helpful video tutorials, enhancing the overall learning experience.
  • The game has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for complete beginners to grasp programming concepts without prior knowledge.
  • There are numerous bugs and performance issues that can hinder gameplay, leading to frustration and confusion during challenges.
  • The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making it challenging to navigate and write code effectively.
  • graphics7 mentions

    The game's graphics are noted for their realistic art style, though some users feel the lack of a dedicated graphic design team is evident. While the visuals provide a satisfying experience in a sandbox environment, there are calls for more graphics settings and customization options, particularly for players with lower-end hardware. Additionally, the rough aesthetic may not appeal to all audiences, suggesting a need for a more diverse design approach.

    • “The art style and setup embraces and pushes a feel of realism.”
    • “It's like grinding leetcode, but with visuals which leaves you satisfied when you see everything automated in a sandbox environment.”
    • “As for the graphics of the game, it doesn't have a team of graphic designers behind it.”
    • “I really want more graphics settings and the option to set a custom resolution.”
    • “But the graphics and letter types are quite manly and rough, so as an ordinary man I have no complaints, but I guess a more cute design could be helpful to draw girls to play this game.”
  • stability6 mentions

    The game's stability has been criticized for being buggy and unintuitive, leading to frustrating challenges that can hinder gameplay. While some players appreciate the programming aspects, many report frequent issues that disrupt the overall experience.

    • “That being said, there were some terribly frustrating challenges early on that were buggy to the point that they were impossible to complete as designed---involving the rangefinders.”
    • “Unfortunately, the UI gets in its own way a lot, and the game is pretty buggy and awkward at times.”
    • “This game is just way too buggy and hard.”
  • gameplay6 mentions

    The gameplay features unique mechanics that may take time to master, subtly teaching players programming concepts like binary search algorithms. While some players may not favor these mechanics, they still find the game enjoyable and manageable, with quirky elements enhancing the exploration experience. Overall, early impressions indicate a positive reception of the gameplay.

    • “And this is actually teaching you, without you necessarily realizing it, the mechanics of how to program a binary search algorithm, a valuable skill for a budding programmer to know.”
    • “I'm still pretty early in at the time of this writing but I am already loving the mechanics so far!”
    • “Takes some time to get used to its mechanics.”
    • “I'm not really a fan of that mechanic; however, so far I've been able to unlock whatever I need to beat the current level.”
    • “Oddly enough, these tight doorways haven't affected gameplay significantly, only adding a quirky touch when exploring the house.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect to be tedious and boring, likening it to the repetitive nature of solving coding problems, but appreciate the visual satisfaction of seeing their efforts culminate in an automated sandbox environment.

    • “This was boring and tedious.”
    • “It's like grinding LeetCode, but with visuals, which leaves you satisfied when you see everything automated in a sandbox environment.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with a strong emphasis on minimizing code for leaderboard performance. However, players have reported intermittent bugs, such as optional challenges failing and unreachable easter eggs, alongside performance issues in certain levels attributed to unnecessary stock assets.

    • “The leaderboard is completely focused on optimizations, encouraging players to refine their code to its most efficient form.”
    • “I love how the game challenges you to optimize your strategies, making every decision count.”
    • “The optimization mechanics add a layer of depth that keeps me engaged and constantly improving my approach.”
    • “The bad news is the leaderboard is completely focused on 'optimizations', or whittling your code down to the barest of bones.”
    • “Out of the downsides, there are some intermittent bugs, like optional challenges randomly failing without any triggers sometimes (fixable by restarting the level), easter eggs not being reachable sometimes, as well as poor performance on some levels (seriously, you gotta remove all of those stock assets hiding in the shooting range, they are just useless geometry and draw calls).”
  • story1 mentions

    Users express frustration with the story, noting that it lacks depth and primarily revolves around the repetitive experience of restarting the game within the game itself.

    • “The only point of storytelling seems to be that every time I have to start the game inside the game again.”
    • “The plot is convoluted and fails to engage, leaving me confused rather than intrigued.”
    • “Character development is shallow, making it hard to care about their journeys or outcomes.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Players highlight the exceptional replayability of the game, citing features like leaderboards, weekly challenges, and a workshop for custom levels that contribute to an almost limitless gaming experience.

    • “With leaderboards, weekly challenges, and a workshop for custom levels, the replayability is practically infinite.”
    • “The variety of game modes and the ability to create custom scenarios keep me coming back for more.”
    • “Each playthrough feels unique thanks to the dynamic events and choices that change the outcome.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as interactive and engaging, contributing to an overall amusing and interesting experience for players.

    • “The humor in this game is incredibly interactive and keeps you engaged throughout.”
    • “I found the jokes and comedic elements to be both clever and entertaining.”
    • “The witty dialogue and funny scenarios had me laughing out loud!”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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