JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
- January 30, 2024
- Prof. Scherer
Get on SteamJOY 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
Reviews
- The game provides a unique and engaging way to practice Python programming, with challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- It runs smoothly and allows players to unlock upgrades in a non-linear fashion, enhancing the overall experience.
- The developer is actively improving the game, and it has great potential for community-driven content through level editors and workshops.
- The game is riddled with bugs and performance issues, which can lead to frustrating experiences and hinder progress.
- It does not effectively teach Python or programming concepts, making it unsuitable for absolute beginners without prior knowledge.
- The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult to navigate and write code efficiently.
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative 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 innovative 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.”
“I like the concept very much, but the game is either very buggy or just too unintuitive and hard to control.”
“Unfortunately, the UI gets in its own way a lot, and the game is pretty buggy and awkward at times.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are described as lacking professional design, resulting in a rough and "manly" aesthetic that may not appeal to all players. Users express a desire for more graphics settings and customization options, particularly for those with lower-end hardware. Overall, while the visuals provide a satisfying experience in a sandbox environment, there is room for improvement in design appeal.
“Its 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 font types are quite rough, so as an ordinary player, I have no complaints, but I guess a more appealing design could help attract more players.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a learning curve as players adapt to its mechanics, which subtly teach programming concepts like binary sorting. While some may not favor certain mechanics, most find them manageable for progressing through levels. Additionally, quirky design elements, such as tight doorways, enhance exploration without detracting from the overall experience.
“And this is actually teaching you, without you necessarily realizing it, the mechanics of how to program a binary sort 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.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with players noting that the leaderboard emphasizes code efficiency but also highlighting issues such as intermittent bugs, unreachable easter eggs, and performance problems in certain levels due to unnecessary assets. Overall, while the focus on optimization is clear, it is marred by technical shortcomings that detract from the experience.
“The leaderboard is completely focused on optimizations, encouraging players to refine their code to its most efficient form.”
“Optimizing your code not only improves performance but also enhances the overall gaming experience.”
“The emphasis on optimization challenges players to think critically and creatively about their coding strategies.”
“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).”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect reminiscent of practicing coding challenges, like LeetCode, but enhanced with visual elements that provide a satisfying sense of automation within a sandbox environment.
“It's like grinding LeetCode, but with visuals, which leaves you satisfied when you see everything automated in a sandbox environment.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, but it felt more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight that the inclusion of leaderboards, weekly challenges, and a workshop for custom levels significantly enhances the game's replayability, making it feel nearly limitless.
“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 fresh thanks to the dynamic events and choices that change the outcome.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative 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 funny moments to be both interesting and entertaining.”
“The game has a unique sense of humor that really adds to the overall experience.”
