Signal Simulator

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Signal Simulator is a sandbox game that allows players to build and test their own radio communication systems. Use a variety of equipment and tools to design and troubleshoot complex networks in various environments. With realistic physics and a variety of scenarios, Signal Simulator offers a challenging and engaging experience for radio enthusiasts and electronics hobbyists.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 788 reviews

gameplay15 positive mentions

grinding21 negative mentions

The game offers a unique and immersive experience, simulating the role of a SETI operator searching for extraterrestrial signals.
The atmosphere is engaging and can be both relaxing and eerie, creating a sense of isolation and suspense.
The developer is responsive to community feedback and has made frequent updates, showing dedication to improving the game.

The game lacks a proper tutorial, making it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics and controls.
Many players find the gameplay repetitive and tedious, with long wait times for signals and slow antenna movements.
The game has been criticized for being abandoned by the developer, leading to concerns about its long-term viability and content updates.

gameplay
84 mentions
18 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a slow-paced, methodical approach that combines elements of job simulation with horror, creating a unique atmosphere. While some players appreciate the interesting mechanics and cooperative aspects, many criticize the repetitive nature and lack of variety, suggesting that the gameplay can become tedious and unengaging over time. Overall, the game has potential but requires improvements in mechanics and pacing to enhance player enjoyment.
- “The sheer brilliance of the gameplay mechanics, coupled with stunning graphics, has elevated this experience to unparalleled heights.”
- “The cooperative aspects of the gameplay provided us with a common ground, fostering communication and teamwork.”
- “The gameplay is fun, and the story/progression is great as well.”
- “There's little to no variety in the gameplay that would hold interest for long.”
- “In terms of gameplay, it's incredibly sluggish, and it takes forever to make progress.”
- “The gameplay is slow, as some simulator games are, and there is a lot of maintenance that will have to be done on the antennas and computer systems throughout the game.”
atmosphere
61 mentions
62 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of comfort and unease, effectively immersing players in a detailed and interactive environment that evokes feelings of isolation and suspense. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a genuinely spooky and engaging experience without relying on jumpscares, instead building tension through sound design and environmental storytelling. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and pacing, the overall consensus is that the atmospheric elements significantly enhance the gaming experience.
- “I really enjoyed the atmosphere created by the details within the base (posters, cork board, all of the visual output from the monitors everywhere) as well as the high degree of interactivity you have with the various systems.”
- “Simultaneously comfy and unsettling, this game is great at building a unique atmosphere while providing simple, mindless number-munching gameplay.”
- “The atmosphere is done amazingly.”
- “1) There's dumb memes and out of context jokes that ruin the atmosphere of the game.”
- “The dev absolutely nails creepy atmosphere unlike almost anything I've played, but unfortunately there's not much to do in it.”
- “Dead game with frustrating mechanics, but the atmosphere is worth every second.”
story
53 mentions
21 % positive mentions
72 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as both immersive and intricate, leaving a lasting impact on players, though opinions vary significantly on its execution. While some players appreciate the mystery and potential for engaging storytelling through "story signals," many express frustration over the slow progression and randomness of these signals, leading to feelings of disconnection and disappointment. Overall, the narrative experience is seen as a mixed bag, with potential for depth but hampered by pacing issues and a lack of clear direction.
- “The immersive world and intricate storyline have left an indelible mark on my gaming psyche.”
- “This game stands as a testament to the boundless potential of interactive storytelling, forever etching its place in the annals of my memories as the game that not only changed my gaming standards but also left an indelible mark on the tapestry of my life.”
- “For sticking with the game you get to see a really interesting, a bit worrying and uneasy storyline told from a few perspectives that's being constantly expanded and an insanely well made psychological horror, especially after you start encountering [spoiler][b][redacted][/b][/spoiler].”
- “You can go for hours with no story whatsoever.”
- “Currently I am 5 hours in and have not gotten any story signals or the event signals.”
- “There's some cute mechanics, but it absolutely fails in storyline progression.”
graphics
24 mentions
38 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising their brilliance and atmospheric quality, while others find them lacking or in need of improvement. Many players appreciate the unique charm and immersive details, particularly in relation to the game's theme, but there are also criticisms regarding performance issues and the need for graphical upgrades. Overall, the visuals are seen as decent to good, contributing positively to the gameplay experience, though not without their flaws.
- “The sheer brilliance of the gameplay mechanics, coupled with stunning graphics, has elevated this experience to unparalleled heights.”
- “The graphics might be simple, but the game oozes atmosphere and unique charm, mystery.”
- “Overall, Signal Simulator is a very unique game, with lovely graphics and increasingly deeper game mechanics.”
- “There are a couple of things I don't like about this game, but it's graphical; for one, the headlights on the golf cart don't light up the ground on max settings.”
- “The graphics are so-so on high settings, which I play at.”
- “It could seriously do with a bit of a graphical upgrade and the tutorial is a bit iffy, but otherwise it's a great light atmospheric horror job simulator game.”
grinding
22 mentions
5 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is characterized by tedious and repetitive tasks that can become monotonous over time, often requiring players to engage in mindless activities while multitasking with other media. While some players find the grinding relaxing and atmospheric, many express frustration with the lack of engaging content and the slow pace of progress, likening it to a micromanagement simulator that may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant part of the experience, but it can lead to a sense of tedium and dissatisfaction, especially in the absence of new content.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Unfortunately, it gets tedious after a while.”
- “The game keeps you busy with lots of tedious stuff, while not promoting a comprehension for the necessity of the errands you have to run.”
- “This is a tedious simulator, not some mindless 'shoot-the-aliens-to-death' type of game.”
music
10 mentions
30 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is often praised for its atmospheric qualities, with a chill and immersive soundtrack that enhances the narrative experience. While some players enjoy the relaxing synthwave vibes and the unique internet radio feature, others note the repetitive music loops and lack of variety. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's ambiance, making it a memorable part of the experience.
- “The soundtrack, a symphony that encapsulates the essence of the narrative, has become the anthem of this transformative odyssey.”
- “Atmosphere: 10/10 vibe checking aliens with a radar dish listening to synthwave music.”
- “Relaxing soundtrack and quietly fun to play.”
- “Music loops, visuals never change and I have to exit the game from Steam; I can't do it remotely.”
- “There is no music in the game, but there is a radio which can play internet radio broadcasts.”
- “Whether you're hearing a NASA podcast/press conference or just music, it makes you feel like a SETI agent.”
humor
9 mentions
89 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of wacky and quirky elements that can be both amusing and unsettling, with players enjoying the funny interactions and surprises that arise during gameplay. While some find the humor hit-or-miss, many appreciate the game's ability to evoke laughter through its absurd scenarios and engaging community. Overall, it offers a lighthearted experience that can be both entertaining and addictive.
- “You can easily lose yourself in this game, finding yourself losing hours of a day to the funny alien game.”
- “Nice and addicting indie game - once you figured out how to deal with the antennae it's easy to work with but those little 'extras' you may find or encounter in a signal or else make this game very funny and enjoyable.”
- “Always receiving updates and has a very funny and active community on Discord and Steam.”
- “Not funny, please remove.”
emotional
5 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players have praised the game for its profound emotional depth and character development, creating a lasting impact on their perspectives. The experience is described as an emotional rollercoaster, evoking a wide range of feelings such as joy, sorrow, and excitement, leading to a deep emotional investment in the game's narrative. Despite some criticisms, the emotional engagement remains a standout feature that resonates strongly with fans.
- “The emotional depth and character development have resonated with me on a profound level, leaving an enduring impact on my overall outlook.”
- “The emotional rollercoaster this game took me on is unparalleled; joy, sorrow, excitement, and fear became palpable companions throughout the adventure.”
- “I've become emotionally invested in the virtual realm in a way I never thought possible.”
optimization
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its poor optimization, with performance issues persisting even when some nodes are down. Users suggest that clearer explanations regarding system efficiency and battery charge would enhance understanding and overall experience. Despite these concerns, the game remains engaging and captivating.
- “There are a few things that took me a while to understand (notably the percentage for 'system efficiency' is actually the percentage of 'charge the batteries have', therefore affecting your system performance. It'd be great if this was more clarified because for a while I didn't understand why efficiency was permanently so bad.) but otherwise I could probably play this for hours and be completely captivated in it all.”
- “It's poorly optimized.”
- “I'd recommend some work on the performance.”
- “Even if some nodes are down, the whole system is still operating, with lesser performance.”
stability
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed; while it runs well on Linux (Ubuntu 19.10), players report significant bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly when trying to find signals, often requiring a game restart. Despite these issues, some players find the experience rewarding when they successfully navigate the game's mechanics.
- “Runs great on Linux (Ubuntu 19.10)”
- “The game maintains a steady frame rate, even during intense action sequences.”
- “I haven't experienced any crashes or bugs, which makes for a smooth gaming experience.”
- “Nice enough idea for a game, but it seems like a buggy mess.”
- “The game is kind of buggy in that it can be really hard and annoying to find a signal (you have to restart the game if that happens) but it is worth it when you actually find a signal.”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its emotional depth, significantly impacting players and enhancing their overall experience.
- “The emotional depth and character development have resonated with me on a profound level, leaving an enduring impact on my overall outlook.”
- “The way the characters evolve throughout the story is incredibly engaging, making me feel invested in their journeys.”
- “Each character's growth feels authentic and relatable, adding layers to the narrative that keep me coming back for more.”
replayability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, with users indicating that significant changes are necessary to enhance the overall experience and encourage players to return.
- “Replayability: 0 (major changes needed to make this game good)”
- “The game lacks any meaningful choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to return.”