Manufactoria 2022
- April 9, 2021
- PleasingFungus
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Manufactoria 2022" is a puzzle game where players program robots on an assembly line to inspect and sort items according to specific rules. The game features a variety of levels with increasing complexity, challenging players to optimize their code for efficiency. With its unique blend of programming and logic, "Manufactoria 2022" offers a satisfying and engaging experience for players who enjoy problem-solving.
Mac OS
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Windows
Reviews
- Delightful engineering puzzles that inspire optimization and provide satisfying 'aha' moments.
- Excellent level design with a gradual increase in complexity, allowing players to build a toolkit of techniques.
- Well-polished interface with quality of life features like easy undo/redo and the ability to copy/paste sections of solutions.
- Instructions and level requirements are often unclear, leading to frustration.
- User interface and user experience need improvement, particularly in the visibility of selected options.
- Some players may find the path creation puzzles tedious, especially if they prefer more programming-oriented gameplay.
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game excels in optimization, offering a variety of engineering puzzles that challenge players to improve their performance through multiple solutions and metrics. It combines satisfying gameplay with a blend of zen-like simplicity and complex tinkering, making it a dream for puzzle enthusiasts and optimization fans alike. Overall, it provides a rewarding experience for both completionists and those looking to enhance their optimization skills.
“Delightful engineering puzzles that inspire optimization mania in the best zachlike manner.”
“A zachlike in which you are judged by different performance metrics, levels have many ways of being beaten, and you progress by gaining knowledge when solving progressively more difficult levels.”
“Its excessively satisfying to play, and much like coding, I find a few logical steps in the dark lead to unexpected (but unoptimized) success.”
“At times a simple zen puzzler, at times a tricky tinkerer for optimization fans, Manufactoria is a puzzle lover's dream.”
“- you're a completionist and aren't confident in your optimization abilities.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is described as quirky and somewhat kitschy, effectively commenting on the dangers and contradictions within modern tech and venture capital. While it offers insightful critiques, it primarily serves as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a deeply engaging narrative, with optional puzzles adding complexity to the experience. Overall, it balances humor and critique, inviting players to reflect on the absurdities of their actions within the game.
“I especially like the concept of the optional puzzles, which are often more difficult versions of puzzles in the main storyline.”
“The story does a really good job commenting on the dangers, contradictions, and evils happening in modern tech circles, venture capital, etc., but it doesn't do more than comment.”
“The story dressing is a little kitschy so far; I definitely liked the brutal simplicity of the malevolence engine, but the state machine gameplay absolutely holds up.”
“Edit: As I've played more, I really feel like I need to comment on the story, so minor spoilers: the story does a really good job commenting on the dangers, contradictions, and evils happening in modern tech circles, venture capital, etc., but it doesn't do more than comment.”
“It wants you to laugh at how silly, short-sighted, or evil the things you are doing are, but in the story, it all works.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simple mechanics that gradually increase in complexity, allowing players to engage in intricate problem-solving and algorithmic thinking. While the narrative elements may feel somewhat clichéd, the core mechanics effectively support a challenging and enjoyable puzzle experience, reminiscent of titles like Exapunks and Human Resource Machine. Overall, the game successfully combines straightforward gameplay with deeper strategic elements, creating a rewarding challenge.
“Lovely and challenging puzzle game with a cute art style featuring a unique gameplay approach somewhere between Zachtronics' Exapunks and Human Resource Machine.”
“The underlying mechanics are simple, and so are the early levels, but the game slowly ramps up the complexity until you're implementing complex recursive algorithms on the factory floor.”
“The story dressing is a little kitschy so far; I definitely liked the brutal simplicity of the malevolence engine, but the state machine gameplay absolutely holds up.”
“A small number of simple mechanics combine powerfully enough to let you do very complex things.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their cute art style and nostalgic appeal, with a fresh visual update that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the combination of engaging visuals and challenging gameplay, likening it to the aesthetics of other notable puzzle games.
“This is more of the same with great new music and visuals.”
“While I will say I enjoyed the original UI and graphics (nostalgia?), I'm hoping this new look brings a great puzzler more into the spotlight.”
“Lovely and challenging puzzle game with a cute art style featuring a unique gameplay approach somewhere between Zachtronics' Exapunks and Human Resource Machine.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a familiar yet refreshing blend of new tracks, complemented by stunning visuals. Players appreciate the chill and relaxing soundtrack, which is enjoyable enough to listen to for extended periods.
“This is more of the same with great new music and visuals.”
“Has a very chill, relaxing soundtrack that I could listen to for hours.”
