Signal Simulator

About

Signal Simulator is a single player simulation game with a mystery theme. It was developed by Blagovest Penev and was released on April 29, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

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

+13

Skip User Reviews

79%

Audience ScoreBased on 870 reviews

gameplay18 positive mentions

grinding24 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 eerie, creating a sense of isolation and suspense that enhances the gameplay.
Players can enjoy customizing their experience by listening to real radio stations and watching their own videos while playing.

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 antennas to move and signals to download.
The game has been criticized for being abandoned by the developer, leading to concerns about its future updates and content.

gameplay
93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
77%
4%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a simple yet engaging loop that can be both relaxing and tedious, depending on player preferences. While some players appreciate the unique mechanics and atmospheric elements, many criticize the lack of clear tutorials, repetitive tasks, and insufficient story progression, which can lead to a sense of stagnation. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy methodical, simulator-style gameplay but may deter others seeking more dynamic or varied experiences.
- “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.”
- “I found the gameplay loop fun and fascinating enough to keep going even though one of those foul beasts showed up in a place that made me shriek like a real-life murderer was coming for me.”
- “It drops you straight into gameplay with no tutorial or explanation of how anything works.”
- “The gameplay loop is boring; outside of signal hunting, chores, and the occasional cheesy jumpscare, you won't find much else to do other than the bland story.”
- “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
65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
68%
27%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively creating a sense of isolation and suspense that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the detailed environments and sound design, which contribute to a unique blend of comfort and creepiness, making it a standout in atmospheric gaming. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and bugs, the game's ability to evoke strong emotional responses through its atmosphere remains a highlight for many reviewers.
- “The effects of being alone at a radio telescope array, the lack of atmospheric sound/music, the creepy and chilling audio from the signals you analyze, as well as dozens of other calculated and random events, all culminate into an often terrifying psychological horror game.”
- “Simultaneously comfy and unsettling, this game is great at building a unique atmosphere while providing simple, mindless number-munching gameplay.”
- “The atmosphere is great and I feel like an actual radio astronomer.”
- “Dead game with frustrating mechanics, but the atmosphere is worth every second.”
- “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.”
story
65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
74%
8%
The game's story is often described as sparse and frustrating, with players noting that significant narrative elements are hidden behind a low probability of discovery, leading to a sense of disillusionment. While some players appreciate the intriguing bits of lore and the immersive atmosphere, many express disappointment over the slow progression and randomness of story signals, which can result in long stretches of gameplay without meaningful narrative development. Overall, the story feels unfinished and lacks the depth that players hoped for, overshadowed by gameplay mechanics that prioritize signal hunting over coherent storytelling.
- “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.”
- “While you will find many random signals (and even more useless radio reflections from Earth), the more interesting ones are the story signals, which tell some bits of story, building a sense of mystery as you learn more about the universe.”
- “A cozy game about the mysteries of space, with few story elements that ultimately go nowhere.”
- “The only way to figure out what's going on is to receive story-related signals, which only generate with a 10% chance.”
- “It's rather lacking in scope with a 'story' that seems largely unfinished.”
grinding
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely described as tedious and slow, often requiring repetitive tasks that can feel monotonous, akin to other simulation games like farming or trucking simulators. While some players find a certain zen-like enjoyment in the grind, particularly when multitasking with other media, many express frustration with the lack of engaging content and the overall tediousness of tasks such as calibrating equipment and tracking signals. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate meticulous simulation but may deter players seeking more dynamic gameplay.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Very tedious, move mouse back and forth, press E to increase, press button, back and forth.”
- “Tracking signals after you get the hang of it is extremely tedious and overall unfun, the atmosphere is great and the greater expanse of what can happen is great.”
- “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.”
graphics
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
49%
13%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising their charm and atmosphere while others find them lacking or in need of improvement. Many users note that while the visuals can be decent or even stunning in certain aspects, they may not be the standout feature of the game, with some describing them as simple or average for a Unity title. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's immersive experience, but there is a consensus that enhancements could elevate the visual quality further.
- “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.”
- “It may not have the best graphics and does get boring at times.”
- “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.”
music
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
The music in the game is a significant aspect, with a soundtrack that enhances the narrative and creates a transformative atmosphere, often described as chill yet occasionally unsettling. While some players appreciate the relaxing and immersive qualities of the music, others note the lack of variety and the repetitive nature of the audio, which can detract from the experience. The incorporation of ambient sounds and internet radio broadcasts adds a unique layer, contributing to the game's psychological horror elements and overall vibe.
- “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.”
- “The effects of being alone at a radio telescope array, the lack of atmospheric sound/music, the creepy and chilling audio from the signals you analyze, as well as dozens of other calculated and random events (i.e., being forced to repair some of the radio dishes at night), all culminate into an often terrifying psychological horror game.”
humor
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
89%
11%
The humor in the game is described as a mix of wacky and charming elements, with players finding enjoyment in its quirky scenarios and unexpected encounters. While some feel the humor can be hit or miss, many appreciate the game's ability to evoke laughter through its unique content and amusing situations. Overall, it offers a lighthearted experience that can be both funny and engaging, despite some criticisms of its pacing and realism.
- “You can easily lose yourself in this game, finding yourself losing hours of a day to the funny alien game.”
- “This game has made me laugh with some of the little bits put in, but has also got me pretty spooked with all of the quietness.”
- “Nice and addicting indie game - once you figure 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 make this game very funny and enjoyable.”
- “Not funny, please remove.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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, excitement, and fear, leading to a deep emotional investment in the 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.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
The game's stability is inconsistent, with users reporting significant bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as difficulties in finding signals that may require a restart. However, it runs smoothly on Linux (Ubuntu 19.10), suggesting that performance may vary by platform. Overall, while the concept is appealing, the execution suffers from stability issues.
- “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).”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game's optimization is criticized for being poor, with performance issues persisting even when some nodes are down. Users have noted a lack of clarity regarding system efficiency metrics, which can lead to confusion about performance levels. Despite these issues, the gameplay 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.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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 enhance the overall experience.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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 repeated play.
- “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.”