Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Sep 7, 2011
    90
    Due to its extreme complexity, SpaceChem will never be a title for everyone. Too deep and articulate for casual players, it will be appreciated only by those who are willing to engage themselves with the deep game mechanics Nevertheless Spece chem is no doubt one of the most brilliant puzzle game in the history of videogames.
  2. Edge Magazine
    Mar 15, 2011
    90
    The triumph of SpaceChem is that overcoming these situations is more a case of inventing a solution than discovering one - creating a technique on your own terms that, once learned, you find yourself reusing in later stages. [Apr 2011, p.101]
  3. Mar 9, 2011
    90
    Chemical maniacs will definitively fall in love with this tricky and fulfilling title!
  4. Mar 7, 2011
    90
    Sure, SpaceChem is just pseudo-science, but it does capture that mystique of toying with nature's fundamental ingredients.
  5. Mar 7, 2011
    90
    If you love puzzle games and almost impossible challenges, probably SpaceChem is the best you can find. If headaches and sleep time cuts don't scare you, probably SpaceChem is still the best you can find. Do you also love chemistry? Take that 20 bucks and go buy it immediately!
  6. Mar 7, 2011
    90
    SpaceChem is an intelligent and addictive puzzler with a high difficulty level but some of the most enjoyable and satisfying puzzles I've ever experienced. This is a modern classic in the puzzle genre.
  7. Mar 7, 2011
    90
    Brain-achingly clever and hypnotically fascinating, SpaceChem is a must for any puzzle aficionado or anyone with a passing interest in programming.
  8. Mar 7, 2011
    89
    As much mental workout as excellent puzzle game, SpaceChem challenges and entertains, plus it has an engaging story.
  9. Mar 7, 2011
    85
    What I enjoy the most is the fact that there is no right way to come up with a solution. If it works, you win.
  10. Aug 2, 2011
    83
    Chemistry never was that entertaining.
  11. PC PowerPlay
    Mar 31, 2011
    80
    OCD-fuelling obsession for some, brain-melting difficulty for others. Choose, and perish. [Apr 2011, p.70]
  12. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 7, 2011
    70
    An excellent puzzle game that can convert the suffering from hours of chemistry at high school to an entertaining experience. [Issue#201]
  13. Mar 7, 2011
    68
    If you like those kind of games, it's probably the best of the last 25 years. It's a game of extremes, the graphics are simply annoying, but it can keep you playing one level for a whole day.
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 177
  1. May 18, 2011
    10
    The level of difficulty on this game is sick! It starts out fairly easy, but it gets hard fast. Seriously, your brain will start to hurt withThe level of difficulty on this game is sick! It starts out fairly easy, but it gets hard fast. Seriously, your brain will start to hurt with infinite ways to solve each puzzle as you ponder how to design a more efficient solution. One-click YouTube upload for easy solution sharing. Such a simple concept, yet so much innovation in this absolute must-have indie gem--so addicting. Full Review »
  2. Apr 1, 2011
    10
    I tire of games that are all about killing, or mind-numbing match-3 games. SpaceChem is fairly original, but most importantly, it's differentI tire of games that are all about killing, or mind-numbing match-3 games. SpaceChem is fairly original, but most importantly, it's different from 99 out of 100 games coming out today. It starts out easy to get you used to how it works, but doesn't take long to start challenging you. As others have said, what seems impossible at first ("Surely it can't do that *and* that?" - oh yes it can!) eventually comes floating to your head after a good break. I *love* this game! Gfx and sound are basic, but gameplay is what counts. Full Review »
  3. Mar 18, 2011
    8
    This has a linear learning curve, satisfying level design, and even a few bonus rounds and boss battles to excite while remaining strictlyThis has a linear learning curve, satisfying level design, and even a few bonus rounds and boss battles to excite while remaining strictly casual. The music and sound effects aren't particularly painful, the graphics are functional and smooth. There's also a plot, although interesting and grisly; it doesn't impact gameplay in any meaningful way. It's not groundbreaking, but for 15 bucks on Steam, it's a fair value that won't disappoint novices or vets in the puzzle genre.
    To Mortlach: you can click-drag a selection box across the whole field and press delete to reset most of everything.
    Full Review »