Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Dec 22, 2015
    90
    The developers of Little Inferno reappear with the new Human Resource Machine: a great puzzle game that engage the player between mathematical logic and disquieting irony.
  2. Nov 14, 2015
    85
    Human Resource Machine has a nice concept that combines puzzles with assembly programming. The lack of a tutorial or a hint system will incommode non-programmers and this is game's only real problem. The game isn't exactly some kind of educational stuff but it can be an inspiration for further occupation with informatics.
  3. Oct 21, 2015
    85
    Human Resource Machine is a clever puzzle game that allows you to design your own algorithms to improve your work efficiency. It's a very special title, but is not for everyone.
  4. Oct 14, 2015
    85
    Human Resource Machine is an original and very clever game. It's not for everyone, but definitely a game you should try if you're looking for something different to put your brain to work.
  5. Oct 20, 2015
    83
    Human Resource Machine is another great puzzle game by Little Inferno and World of Goo creators.
  6. Dec 11, 2015
    82
    A clever puzzler that sort of plays like the swinging counterpart to TIS-100.
  7. Oct 28, 2015
    80
    Human Resource Machine is a challenging and cutesy puzzle game about humans and programming humans. And the good thing is, you do not have to be into programming to enjoy this game to the fullest.
  8. 80
    As clever as it is charming, Human Resource Machine is a must-have for anyone interested in puzzles and programming.
  9. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 3, 2016
    77
    Human Resource Machine Does what a good puzzle game should: gives you a limited set of tools and tasks you with doing the seemingly impossible. However, the challenge may eventually prove too much for non-coders. The lack of a deeper story is disappointing as well, at least when compared to the wonderful Little Inferno. Still, if you enjoy programming puzzles, it's hard to go wrong with this game. [Jan 2016]
  10. Feb 26, 2016
    75
    In contrast to Hack ā€˜n’ Slash and The Magic Circle where you can only break or corrupt the system, Human Resource Machine allows you to create your own algorithms which is much closer to actual programming.
  11. Oct 21, 2015
    75
    A technically excellent educational game, but dry for all but maths enthusiasts.
  12. Oct 30, 2015
    60
    I came out of Human Resource Machine unsure who it was really designed for. It's at times too simple for experienced programmers, and often made leaps too large for beginners to overcome without obtuse outside research. While I had a sense of accomplishment every time I made progress, said progress at times felt like I was an infant thrown into water and expected to swim straight away. I might manage it, but it's not the ideal teaching method to leave me feeling comfortable going forward.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 46
  2. Negative: 3 out of 46
  1. Oct 23, 2015
    9
    This is a non-trivial puzzle game that behind the scenes is teaching you the lowest level programming language out there: Assembly. I love it.This is a non-trivial puzzle game that behind the scenes is teaching you the lowest level programming language out there: Assembly. I love it. I think people who are not into programming or logic puzzles may get tired of it fast. Love the art style too. I found out about it through John Carmack's praise of the game on Twitter; he was the lead programmer on Doom, Quake, etc. Full Review »
  2. Oct 18, 2015
    9
    if you like programming then you're gonna love human resource machine and if you don't, you're gonna love programming after playing this game!if you like programming then you're gonna love human resource machine and if you don't, you're gonna love programming after playing this game! don't miss it. Full Review »
  3. Nov 5, 2015
    10
    Whoever puts a zero rating for a game like this could simply not figure out the puzzles. You need a calculator to play this game people. ThisWhoever puts a zero rating for a game like this could simply not figure out the puzzles. You need a calculator to play this game people. This game was made for computer nerds. It is simply awesome for computer science majors who are looking for a fun way of learning. Giving a low rating on something that provides you great education, challenge, and fun is just offensive to me. Games like this should see more of the spotlight than what the gaming community prefers. I personally prefer this over a call of duty game any day. Full Review »