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ZACH-LIKE

100%Game Brain Score
story
gameplay, graphics
100% User Score Based on 107 reviews

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PCPCWindowsWindows
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About

Zach-Like is a book of behind-the-scenes design documents from Zachtronics. The digital version of Zach-Like contains the full contents of the book, a bunch of terrible games that Zach made before SpaceChem, and some prototypes and early builds of Zachtronics games, both released and... not.

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ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot
ZACH-LIKE screenshot

100%
Audience ScoreBased on 107 reviews
story1 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The collection is free and includes a wealth of unreleased games and prototypes, making it an incredible value for fans of Zachtronics.
  • It offers a fascinating insight into the design process of Zach Barth and his games, inspiring both players and aspiring game developers.
  • The included games, particularly KOHCTPYKTOP, are engaging and provide a fun challenge, showcasing the evolution of Zachtronics' game design.
  • Some of the prototypes and older games included may feel rudimentary or unfinished, which could disappoint players expecting polished experiences.
  • The book's content may not appeal to those unfamiliar with Zachtronics or puzzle games, limiting its audience.
  • While the insights are valuable, the overall length and depth of the book may not satisfy those looking for a more comprehensive exploration of game design.
  • gameplay
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is described as a departure from traditional Zachtronics mechanics, presenting an intriguing experiment influenced by previous titles. It highlights the concept of "cargo cult design," where new developers mimic successful game mechanics without fully grasping their underlying interactions.

    • “Not the usual Zachtronics gameplay, but it's an interesting experiment to play. You can see the heavy inspiration from all previous Zachtronics games.”
    • “For example, I learned about something Zach calls the 'cargo cult design' (amateur game designers copying game mechanics of games they like without understanding the underlying design or how mechanics interact), and I can definitely see it being a common thing in new developers.”
  • story
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story offers a captivating exploration of the narrative behind Zachtronics, engaging players with its intriguing themes and depth.

    • “Super interesting look into the story behind Zachtronics.”
  • graphics
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the vibrant art style and detailed environments, while others criticize the character models and occasional performance issues. Overall, the visual presentation is seen as a strong point, though it may not meet the highest standards set by contemporary titles.

  • grinding
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or additional lives to progress effectively.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
    • “I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I made no progress.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is positively received, as it features no microtransactions, which contributes to a favorable impression among users.

    • “Considering there are no microtransactions that I know of, it doesn't have to offer much to get positive reviews.”
    • “The game offers a fair monetization model that respects players' time and investment.”
    • “I appreciate that the developers have chosen to focus on gameplay rather than pushing for in-game purchases.”
    • “The monetization model feels exploitative, pushing players to spend more than they should just to enjoy the game.”
    • “I was disappointed to find that the game heavily encourages in-game purchases, making it hard to progress without spending money.”
    • “While the game is fun, the constant prompts to buy additional content really detract from the overall experience.”

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