shapez
- June 7, 2020
- Tobias Springer
- 14h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Shapez" is a factory automation game where you produce and transform shapes to solve increasingly complex puzzles. Create production lines using various tools, machines, and conveyor belts while managing resources and optimizing for efficiency. The game features a calming low-poly art style and a soothing soundtrack, providing a relaxing environment to plan and build your factories.
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Reviews
- Engaging and addictive gameplay that keeps players hooked for hours.
- Relaxing experience with no time limits or resource constraints, allowing for creative factory building.
- Challenging puzzles that gradually increase in complexity, providing a satisfying sense of progression.
- Can become repetitive and tedious after a while, especially in the late game.
- Copy/paste functionality is locked behind a level, making early optimization cumbersome.
- Performance issues may arise with larger factories, leading to lag and crashes.
- gameplay336 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Shapez is characterized by its intuitive mechanics and minimalist design, making it accessible yet challenging for players. While it offers a satisfying progression through factory building and puzzle-solving, some mechanics can feel tedious or poorly explained, particularly in the late game. Overall, it provides a relaxing and engaging experience, appealing to both casual gamers and those seeking deeper strategic gameplay.
“The game stands out for its clean, minimalist design and intuitive mechanics, making it easy to pick up yet challenging to master.”
“Shapez's calming music and satisfying gameplay loops make it a perfect choice for both casual gamers and those seeking a deeper strategic experience.”
“The core of shapez lies in its ability to captivate players with its ingenious puzzle-solving mechanics.”
“Gets really stupid when you reach the endgame, the 'shrinking' mechanic isn't properly explained, works in glitchy ways that don't look like intended design and you'll probably have to google because the info the game provides you doesn't make sense.”
“The only goals of the game are to produce a specific amount of a shape; you unlock all the mechanics pretty quickly, so it becomes a matter of designing your factory to build your shape and then waiting, or making the factory bigger (by hand probably, because again, it's costly to copy/paste).”
“Unfortunately, the shallow and repetitive gameplay is matched with an insane amount of shapes you have to create - if you like monotony, this is for you as you always have to recreate the same factory patterns at different parts of the map (without blueprints) - everything is manual and boring after 1-2 hours.”
- music285 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in Shapez is widely praised for its chill and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many players find the soundtrack to be catchy and enjoyable, often describing it as a perfect backdrop for the game's factory-building mechanics. However, some users note that the limited selection can become repetitive over extended play sessions, leading them to prefer listening to their own music instead.
“Shapez's calming music and satisfying gameplay loops make it a perfect choice for both casual gamers and those seeking a deeper strategic experience.”
“The soundtrack amplifies the chill atmosphere of the game and is a treat to listen to.”
“The music is lovely and relaxing.”
“The music is the same song on a loop, which can get under your skin after a while.”
“The soundtrack, while catchy at first, is better turned off before its looping eats your brain.”
“Would be nice to have a few more songs, but apart from that, it's really a good game, worth every cent of its price.”
- graphics175 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of Shapez2 are characterized by a minimalist and clean aesthetic that enhances gameplay without overwhelming the player. While not as graphically intensive as other factory-building games like Factorio, the simple visuals are praised for their clarity and charm, making the game accessible even on lower-end hardware. Overall, the art style contributes to a relaxing atmosphere, allowing players to focus on the logistics and mechanics of factory building.
“The art style is very charming with its simple graphics and layout.”
“Simple yet elegant and keeps you returning for more - don't let the simplicity in the graphics deceive you, this game packs so much logistical entertainment into an adorable package and the visuals and audio are so very pleasing.”
“The graphics are pleasing to the eye with easy to understand principles of mechanics.”
“Factorio without the aesthetic.”
“The aesthetic is extremely minimalist, the visuals are clean and functional, but that's it.”
“It's like Factorio stripped down to its bare bones; there are no resources, it's all infinite, no enemies, no terrains, and the graphics are quite minimal.”
- optimization172 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its potential for creative factory design and optimization challenges. However, performance issues become significant as factories grow larger, leading to lag and decreased playability, particularly on lower-end systems. While some updates have improved performance, many users still find it lacking compared to similar titles like Factorio, making it a point of contention for those who prioritize smooth gameplay alongside optimization.
“The sense of satisfaction that accompanies each optimization is incredibly rewarding and serves as a testament to the game's brilliant design.”
“An addictive puzzle/factory game that scratches the itch for optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving with complex production chains.”
“If optimization is your thing, you will probably enjoy this game; if not, then look elsewhere.”
“The performance was horrible for such a simple game.”
“I really really want to love this game so much, but right off the bat there is very little in terms of performance optimizations.”
“The performance is degraded to the point where the game is nearly unplayable, even on an optimized make-anything-machine.”
- grinding95 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 85 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious, especially in the later levels where repetitive tasks and manual building become prevalent. While some appreciate the satisfaction of watching their factories operate, others feel that the lack of quality-of-life features, such as easier blueprint management, exacerbates the grind. Overall, the game is described as enjoyable but can become overly grindy, particularly for those familiar with similar factory-building games.
“No tedious activities in this game.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Once you learn how to do everything and develop a few blueprints, the problem of building a new shape becomes pretty easy to solve, and the process of actually building the new machine becomes tedious.”
“I just found myself tediously hand copying my own work over and over again until blueprints are unlocked, and then copy-pasting over and over again.”
“Overall, the game is just very tedious; you do the same thing over and over, with increasing complexity, but not much variety.”
- story69 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game lacks any narrative or story elements, focusing solely on factory design and production mechanics. Players engage in tasks that revolve around building and optimizing machines without any overarching plot or character development, leading to a gameplay experience that some find monotonous after the initial novelty wears off. Overall, it is described as a pure sandbox experience with no story to drive player engagement.
“Amazing storyline”
“Epic story”
“I absolutely recommend this game if you like to critically think and decide what is the best way to accomplish your mission.”
“Bottom line: this is a pure factory and design game without any story or clutter to distract you.”
“Because there is no context, no setting, no story, no character, and no danger, there is also no incentive for the player.”
“There's no framework, no story here -- you are building purely and simply because you can.”
- humor36 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding the funny shapes and colors amusing and entertaining. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to provide a lighthearted experience, making it both relaxing and engaging, despite some frustrations with performance issues. Overall, the comedic elements contribute significantly to the game's appeal, often drawing players in through popular YouTubers who showcase its quirky charm.
“A funny and interesting puzzle game for all that love automatic-logic and factory games.”
“It is relaxing and funny.”
“Very engaging and funny, with a nice learning curve and challenges to keep you playing.”
- replayability34 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its endless expansion and various play styles that enhance replay value, while others criticize the lack of a sandbox mode and repetitive maps that limit long-term engagement. Many users highlight the potential for creativity and efficiency in factory design, especially after unlocking "free play" mode, but some feel that replayability diminishes after reaching certain milestones. Overall, while there are strong elements of replayability for automation enthusiasts, opinions vary significantly on its longevity.
“The game offers endless expansion and high replayability, making it appealing to both casual and hardcore puzzle enthusiasts.”
“With its intuitive design, extensive tutorial system, and endless replayability, it is a must-play for anyone looking to hone their production management skills.”
“Great value & nearly infinite replayability as you investigate new factory designs.”
“What makes it not replayable for me is there's no 'sandbox' mode.”
“The game, however, doesn't have that much replayability as the maps are the same kind of random noise.”
“The game is quite polished, but there's very little replay value, and very little interest after the first few hours.”
- stability15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- -13 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent glitches, control issues, and crashes, particularly in the mobile version. While some players experience minimal bugs and enjoy smooth performance, others face significant frustrations, such as freezing when the game is not the active window and losing progress due to corruption. Overall, the game's stability appears to vary widely among users, with some finding it enjoyable despite its flaws, while others are deterred by the technical issues.
“Overall, a great game with no glitches or bugs; simplistic yet complex in its own ways.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, providing a stable experience throughout.”
“I appreciate the consistent performance; it never lags or freezes, making for an enjoyable gameplay experience.”
“The mobile version can be a pain with glitches and control issues, but at least give the demo a try.”
“Built multiple universal factories creating any shape at will, all very satisfactory until the game now starts to freeze and become unresponsive if I don't keep it as the active window. As soon as I leave it in the background to generate shapes, it freezes, which is very disappointing (and no, it's not my computer specs being too low or old).”
“This game glitches out every time I play it. It is a really addicting game, but the game isn't built well.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by minimalist visuals and a relaxing, no-pressure environment, enhanced by a soothing soundtrack. While some players feel this chill vibe may not align with the expectations of modern factory builders, it is appreciated for its unique appeal in the economic game genre.
“It features minimalist visuals, intuitive controls, and a relaxing atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack amplifies the chill atmosphere of the game and is a treat to listen to.”
“What I like about this game the most is the relaxing, no-pressure atmosphere it has.”
“That's not great for a game of this time, though the chill atmosphere is just something for a different time than the other factory builders.”
“The very chill atmosphere, never grinding for materials.”
“I just like economic games like these ones with a specific 'atmosphere'.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, with some experiencing profound moments that led to tears, particularly during key milestones. However, there are critiques regarding the pacing, as the game continues beyond its emotional climax, which can detract from the overall experience. The wholesome music also contributes positively to the emotional atmosphere.
“The first game to make me emotionally break down in tears.”
“At that point, I was ready to quit, but there was no distinct ending, and the game went on for a few hours past the emotional climax of completing the make-anything machine.”
“- Music is surprisingly wholesome.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of ads and microtransactions, providing a pure gaming experience without predatory monetization tactics. While there is a web version with ads, the main game offers deep strategy gameplay that many find addictive and enjoyable.
“The best part is there's no ads.”
“A real game, no ads, no nonsense, just a great strategy game with far more depth than I expected from the preview.”
“The big issue is this game, while not actively predatory (e.g. no microtransactions), it is addictive.”
“The in-game purchases are excessive and feel like a cash grab.”
“The monetization strategy ruins the overall experience, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
“It's frustrating that you can't progress without being pushed towards buying items.”
