SpaceChem

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 145 out of 177
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 177
  3. Negative: 11 out of 177

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  1. Dco326
    Jun 18, 2023
    7
    Nije igrica za mene i to je to, previse nekih detalja itd itd mrzi me da pozapamtim sve to, inace nisam fan puzzle games :D
  2. kezzyhko
    Sep 13, 2020
    7
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  3. anichels
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game.
    Can be frustrating to play, but only because it challenges the player.
    Very nice learning curve to start you off.
    Best $1.09 CDN I ever spent!
  4. ThePCGamer101
    Jun 24, 2015
    8
    SpaceChem... is... WOW! This game blew me away the first time I booted up with the first tutorial and the Physics and Chemistry we all know (and love, if you love Physics and Chemistry), the game is based in space where you create atoms and bond them, then later on you have to bond even more with the reactors and more stuff coming my way as the game unlocks even more surprises.

    The    SpaceChem... is... WOW! This game blew me away the first time I booted up with the first tutorial and the Physics and Chemistry we all know (and love, if you love Physics and Chemistry), the game is based in space where you create atoms and bond them, then later on you have to bond even more with the reactors and more stuff coming my way as the game unlocks even more surprises.

    The first time I got this game with the PCGamer/BundleStars giveaway (June 2014), I felt that this game was rubbish, the first time I looked at it. BUT this game proved me wrong, and I feel guilty for calling this game rubbish because it is not!

    BUT BE WARNED! Don't buy/get this game if you don't like Physics/Chemistry, or very challenging puzzles as the game does focus around atoms and the bonding of atoms and all the substances from the Periodic Table etc... so if you don't like those types of games that have science in it, don't buy this game. PLUS, the puzzles are quite challenging, each puzzle from where I am which is still in the tutorial stage (Surprisingly this game is really long) are quite challenging, the puzzle length (from my end) take around 15-20 minutes each, so they are quite challenging... So if you don't like challenging puzzles such as this game, don't buy it!

    The length... this game is REALLY long! REALLY REALLY long! Almost 44-55 hours to finish the game, as far as I know the first few planets are just some tutorial stages!!! Which comes to show how long this game and the dedication the people had in developing this game, which is great and shows in this game! Normally I don't play long games, but I am happy enough with this game, and I'll try and finish this game (maybe in 6 years time)

    Overall, this game is very different from your regular indie game, with Physics/Chemistry integration with its challenging puzzles and a nice and strange Sci-Fi story, this game is a TRUE indie gem, that should not be missed at all!    … Expand
  5. log_runner
    Apr 4, 2015
    10
    The game has a very simple design, but he levels become incredibly hard later on. It's not a game you can play for hours on end, or at least later on, because each level takes so long to come up with a solution and you will get stuck so you need some downtime to maybe think about your solution.
  6. Celebrin
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    Whell perhaps its because i like how puzzles line up and groups into patterns and have spent too much time in games like factorio, simutrans and TTD I just cant seem to stop playing this one, getting all my contructions to max efficiency :), the sharing solution videos on yuotube addon is awesome and I tip my hat to all yuou awesome inventors of smart soultions. I must say that this gameWhell perhaps its because i like how puzzles line up and groups into patterns and have spent too much time in games like factorio, simutrans and TTD I just cant seem to stop playing this one, getting all my contructions to max efficiency :), the sharing solution videos on yuotube addon is awesome and I tip my hat to all yuou awesome inventors of smart soultions. I must say that this game can be a bit hard so perhaps not for the faint of heart ^^

    Cheers Zachtronics! give us more!    … Expand
  7. The_Ommadawn
    Oct 27, 2013
    8
    Spacechem won't be for everyone. It's a thinking man's game with plenty of head scratching. I love that the creator has tried something very different from the standard games of today. The game makes you feel like a mad scientist and the epic soundtrack adds tension as you test your formula for the first time. This game would be perfect on the iPad and be warned this game isn't netbookSpacechem won't be for everyone. It's a thinking man's game with plenty of head scratching. I love that the creator has tried something very different from the standard games of today. The game makes you feel like a mad scientist and the epic soundtrack adds tension as you test your formula for the first time. This game would be perfect on the iPad and be warned this game isn't netbook friendly as the min screen res is 1020 x 768. It plays fine but some of the menus will be missing. Grab it today (10/05/11) via Steam for £4.49. Spacechem lives up to it's reputation and I'm confused why the critical score isn't so high.… Expand
  8. Oxygenarian
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    Splendid puzzle game, one of a kind, definitely worth it provided that you are a puzzle gamer. The game offers a challenging and enticing learning curve, and the gameplay of continuously improving your design is definitely addicting. It is a little bit difficult and hardcore compared to most casual puzzles, but if you don't mind extracting some brain juice, you'll definitely love it.
  9. Phitt
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    SpaceChem is a puzzle game where you have to connect atoms inside a reactor to form molecules. Sounds boring? It is not. In fact it is probably the best puzzle game I've ever played. The game mechanics are absolutely flawless in my opinion, the puzzles can be solved in many different ways while they're still incredibly challenging at the same time. it is extremely satisfying to watch aSpaceChem is a puzzle game where you have to connect atoms inside a reactor to form molecules. Sounds boring? It is not. In fact it is probably the best puzzle game I've ever played. The game mechanics are absolutely flawless in my opinion, the puzzles can be solved in many different ways while they're still incredibly challenging at the same time. it is extremely satisfying to watch a clean reactor setup at work. Sometimes after I'm done with a level I don't immediately use the fast forward function simply because it feels so good to just watch the waldos (containers you control that move atoms and molecules around) at work. I also think that this game would be worse with better graphics. Yes, now I said it. It is complicated enough as it is, flashy effects and colorful 3D objects moving around would be an annoying distraction and nothing else. If you like good puzzle games you just have to check it out. Now I understand why the creator of this game stopped working on Minecraft (which was his idea, he made Infiniminer) and worked on this game instead. Pure genius, this should have sold a few million times and not Minecraft. Highly recommended, don't get fooled by rather ugly screenshots or boring gameplay descriptions.… Expand
  10. reinderien
    Apr 30, 2013
    10
    This has a very tangible appeal to programmers, or simply those who have an analytical mind. It has a very well-tuned difficulty ramp, so that the puzzles become fiendishly difficult, but deliver an incomparable sense of accomplishment when you complete them (especially if you out-optimize your fellow gamers). The writing is good but unintrusive; the soundtrack is quite good consideringThis has a very tangible appeal to programmers, or simply those who have an analytical mind. It has a very well-tuned difficulty ramp, so that the puzzles become fiendishly difficult, but deliver an incomparable sense of accomplishment when you complete them (especially if you out-optimize your fellow gamers). The writing is good but unintrusive; the soundtrack is quite good considering that this is a smaller indie game; and in general this thing will give your brain a serious workout if you have the dedication.… Expand
  11. xXalaXx
    Mar 19, 2013
    10
    This game is gem on its own. One of the best puzzle games out there. Spent more than 120 hours and still enjoying the game. This game is for hardcore puzzle lovers!
  12. upi
    Dec 24, 2012
    9
    Highly enjoyable puzzle/construction game. The puzzles never stop being interesting and challenging. You'll find yourself thinking about "waldos" and reactors in your sleep. 8/10 for the visuals that are very simple but well designed. The interface is very well laid out, the keyboard shortcuts help quickly implement your designs. Some of the bosses look goofy. 11/10 for the music. TheHighly enjoyable puzzle/construction game. The puzzles never stop being interesting and challenging. You'll find yourself thinking about "waldos" and reactors in your sleep. 8/10 for the visuals that are very simple but well designed. The interface is very well laid out, the keyboard shortcuts help quickly implement your designs. Some of the bosses look goofy. 11/10 for the music. The soundtrack is so good I like to just listen to it at work. Can't praise it enough. There is a forgettable excuse plot in the form of pages from a novella that you earn as you progress, but you have no control over.… Expand
  13. michal100
    Dec 21, 2012
    9
    Extremely hard logical puzzler and so addicting. Has not very much common with the real chemistry though, it is more like multithread programming simulator. You will have to deal even with thread synchronization problems and bottlenecks in later levels :)
    I've spent over 30 hours and barely finished half of the levels! The reason is that even if I find the solution I still want to go back    Extremely hard logical puzzler and so addicting. Has not very much common with the real chemistry though, it is more like multithread programming simulator. You will have to deal even with thread synchronization problems and bottlenecks in later levels :)
    I've spent over 30 hours and barely finished half of the levels! The reason is that even if I find the solution I still want to go back to find more optimal one.    … Expand
  14. suneater
    Dec 11, 2012
    7
    The hardest puzzle game I've played in recent memory. There are loads of puzzles to do so there's no shortage of content. However it's more a matter of how much you can stomach playing. All the puzzles require you to start from scratch without hints (after the tutorial maps) and get increasingly complex, with more gameplay components being added every few maps. I don't know if it getsThe hardest puzzle game I've played in recent memory. There are loads of puzzles to do so there's no shortage of content. However it's more a matter of how much you can stomach playing. All the puzzles require you to start from scratch without hints (after the tutorial maps) and get increasingly complex, with more gameplay components being added every few maps. I don't know if it gets added in a later level or not (I'm about halfway through the third world now), but this game REALLY needs a hint system. The amount of complexity can be overwhelming and one mistimed reaction or misplaced pipe can lead to compounding failure and rage. Many times I have spent 30mins-1hr on a puzzle only to start over from scratch. I recommend this if you enjoy puzzle games, but prepared to visit youtube for solutions. A nice feature included is a built-in youtube recorder and uploader to show off your own solutions too so they are easy to find.… Expand
  15. Mykwon
    Dec 8, 2012
    9
    WOW! If you like challenging puzzles, especially involving thread synchronization, optimal paths and most efficient utilization of resources, you're going to LOVE this game!
  16. ImOnFire
    Dec 2, 2012
    10
    The best puzzle game of all time, but you gotta have time and patience because it does require a lot of effort to become good at and yes, the learning curve is huge. I found the story enjoyable and creative. The sound track fits very well too. I can only give it a perfect 10,
  17. nomemory
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    This game is a very original puzzle game. You are required to think and to be original. As you progress, the puzzles will become significantly harder, and you will invest more time in order to finish them. 10/10.
  18. mrnice
    Nov 27, 2012
    5
    I want to like this game so badly, but I'm stuck in the beginning levels, only barely introduced to multiple reactors (multiple of the puzzle screens connected in one level, to make more complex results). I made it through Braid and Portal and a bunch of similar games. This is just above me. It's worth trying (the demo), but expect to fail if you're just an average person like me.
  19. DMalenfant1
    Nov 24, 2012
    7
    The puzzles are great and open ended. One issue with this game is that it doesn't teach or show you ways of helping you complete puzzles and that can make the game very unappealing if you are not into figuring out the basics on your own. I would have given this game a 10 if it just showed more basic ways of completing puzzles.
  20. PeanutsKill
    Nov 9, 2012
    9
    Doing Chemistry never felt so good. SpaceChem is a great little puzzle game that is definitely worth the price. With an interesting gameplay concept and solid puzzle difficulty this game satisfies. The tutorial doesn't prepare you very well for the game which can make the beginning levels frustrating but if you stick with it you will find game to highly enjoyable. The story is interestingDoing Chemistry never felt so good. SpaceChem is a great little puzzle game that is definitely worth the price. With an interesting gameplay concept and solid puzzle difficulty this game satisfies. The tutorial doesn't prepare you very well for the game which can make the beginning levels frustrating but if you stick with it you will find game to highly enjoyable. The story is interesting if you choose to pay attention to it and the music is bearable as long as you don't play the game for too long at a time. I really enjoyed the fact the there are so many different solutions to each puzzle so you can do them the way you want to. If you enjoy a good puzzle game you will enjoy SpaceChem.… Expand
  21. azza1120
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    Spacechem is a great unique puzzle game that involves use of chemicals from the periodic table of elements.With a great art style and very interesting game play that evolves as you progress though the story (as well as some neat tf2 items you can pick up from playing some special levels.)Spacechem feels like a game i want to keep coming back to for more puzzles and more fun.

    Rating 9/10    Spacechem is a great unique puzzle game that involves use of chemicals from the periodic table of elements.With a great art style and very interesting game play that evolves as you progress though the story (as well as some neat tf2 items you can pick up from playing some special levels.)Spacechem feels like a game i want to keep coming back to for more puzzles and more fun.

    Rating 9/10 (Brilliant)    … Expand
  22. thebluerider
    Jul 17, 2012
    9
    Awesome Challangeing puzzle game. don't worry, you won't need to know anything about chamistry to solve the puzzle.
    -1 point for an insufficient tutorial. If you get trouble after the tutorial learn by watching a solution or two and then you'll start to understand the game mechanics.
  23. Mortensus
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    One of the best puzzle game i ever played (and probably one of the most enjoyable game), with a good learning curve, but toward the middle of the game, it become really tough, and even when you complete the stage, you are amazed to see how more efficient that could have been! Well, it's a game all about humility (at least for me) but one of the most rewarding i played
  24. Keromyaou
    Jun 22, 2012
    10
    I like puzzle games. But this one is the best puzzle game that I have ever played so far. The game is very challenging but yet very rewarding. The main concept of the game is to find solutions to generate certain chemical compounds from material compounds. For this purpose you have several operation commands. You combine these commands on the board to achieve the purpose, which is toI like puzzle games. But this one is the best puzzle game that I have ever played so far. The game is very challenging but yet very rewarding. The main concept of the game is to find solutions to generate certain chemical compounds from material compounds. For this purpose you have several operation commands. You combine these commands on the board to achieve the purpose, which is to generate certain chemical compounds. Once in a while you really need to be very innovative to find solutions. In some puzzles just finding out the solution to produce target compounds is not enough. In this case you need to find solutions to produce the compounds efficient and fast enough to achieve the goal. You really need to think about many perspectives of operations. Efficiency is one thing. Another important thing is stoichiometry. There are 12 challenges which demand you to find solutions under restrictive conditions. This is a very nice idea since it encourages you to find better solutions. It took me about 200 hrs to beat this game including the challenges. For me this is a good indication that this game is hard since It took me about 100 hrs to beat Puzzle Dimension, another challenging game, to score over 50000. The price is cheap ($9.99). You can get it either DRM free version from GOG.com or steam version.… Expand
  25. Lontra
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    this game is phenomenal! There aren't a lot of game out there that really challenge you to think and this game with it's simple design keeps me engaged even after I've turned it off. There is always room to refine your play and the difficulty will not disappoint.
  26. Grandao
    May 28, 2012
    10
    Con una dificultad creciente y enfermiza es capaz de tenerte horas y horas jugando sin encontrar una solucion, pero el placer que obtienes al resolver un puzzle es indescriptible.

    Muy imaginativo y recomendable para aquellos que tengan paciencia.
  27. Mcintosh
    Apr 27, 2012
    10
    Calling neurons to a reunion, this game is probably the most challenging puzzle game i've played. Not only because finding a solution is sometimes a labor of love, but also, when u do find one u really wish to make a better one. Don't let the idea of chemistry fool you (since you don't need it), it could have been train tracks for all i care, it's the depth of creativity and ingenuity ofCalling neurons to a reunion, this game is probably the most challenging puzzle game i've played. Not only because finding a solution is sometimes a labor of love, but also, when u do find one u really wish to make a better one. Don't let the idea of chemistry fool you (since you don't need it), it could have been train tracks for all i care, it's the depth of creativity and ingenuity of your own mind what makes it so fun. If i may create a not so accurate comparison, i would recommend people that like minecraft because of the creation of redstone artifacts to try it out immediately, not because its similar or has the same elements.. but because it engages on that creativity that makes synapse juice flow... and some people really love that feeling! I promise you will eventually find that emotion if you stay past the first levels.… Expand
  28. iteration2
    Apr 12, 2012
    10
    SpaceChem is a game that will make you feel either really dumb or really smart, largely depending on whether you're just starting out or just completing any given level (also, it helps to actually be smart). Unlike many puzzle games, there are no pre-determined solutions, which I find appealing, but many others may find bewildering. Also unlike many games, there is virtually no timing orSpaceChem is a game that will make you feel either really dumb or really smart, largely depending on whether you're just starting out or just completing any given level (also, it helps to actually be smart). Unlike many puzzle games, there are no pre-determined solutions, which I find appealing, but many others may find bewildering. Also unlike many games, there is virtually no timing or reflex actions required, so you can take your time (and you'll need it) engineering clever solutions to the problems presented.

    Graphics/story: Nothing special, but they get the job done. The storyline is depicted through periodic illustrations, and while it adds some subtext to the game, it's largely irrelevant to the actual gameplay.

    Interface: Very clean. There isn't really anything on the screen that doesn't need to be there. Much of the game revolves around placing symbols on a grid, which can be done via drag/drop or by holding hotkeys while clicking. Every action you take has a satisfying click, and every level has infinite undoes/redoes (which remain even after quitting/restarting).

    Music: This is a game in which you can spend hours staring in consternation at a grid full of symbols and little circles following a spaghetti-like tangle of lines in order to re-arrange atoms to form different molecules. The soundtrack actually makes this activity feel heroic and exciting. It is so successful, IMO, that I often found that an elusive solution would come to me only when the background music changed and I was inspired to consider a previously untried approach.

    Re-playability: Most will never need to replay this game, because only about 2% are able to finish it. And only 6 people (last I checked) have finished every one of the user submitted levels. However, after solving a level, you're shown a graph which compares your solution (based on a few parameters) to all the other solutions that came before yours. For some, just completing a level may be good enough, but many will see how they compare to others and be motivated to revisit and optimize their solutions.

    SpaceChem certainly is not for everyone. If you are easily frustrated, not interested in deliberative problem solving, or just not the sharpest knife in the drawer, avoid this game. If you have ever enjoyed programming a computer, this is the game for you.    … Expand
  29. namDa65
    Mar 10, 2012
    8
    One of the most challenging and mentally straining games ever. This game is hardcore. It feels like education, but it also feels like a game. This is a total mindfuk. I only give it an 8 because I just can't beat the game and I refuse to look at solutions. Awesome puzzler for the pc.
  30. loungegecko
    Jan 30, 2012
    10
    I reviewed this game at a 5 earlier, but I've changed it to a ten. Why? Because I figured it out. I finally get this game, and wow, what a thrill! Spacechem is the most entertaining puzzle game that I've ever played. It's intense, tremendously fun, and (most of all) challenging. When you figure a puzzle out in it, you just feel good. I can proudly say that not only do I get this game, butI reviewed this game at a 5 earlier, but I've changed it to a ten. Why? Because I figured it out. I finally get this game, and wow, what a thrill! Spacechem is the most entertaining puzzle game that I've ever played. It's intense, tremendously fun, and (most of all) challenging. When you figure a puzzle out in it, you just feel good. I can proudly say that not only do I get this game, but that it ranks in my top 10 PC games of all time. Worth the small price. Don't wait. Get Spacechem.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PC Game of 2011
86
#86 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
66
#66 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Everyeye.it
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GamingXP
    Aug 2, 2011
    83
    Chemistry never was that entertaining.
    Read full review
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Mar 31, 2011
    80
    OCD-fuelling obsession for some, brain-melting difficulty for others. Choose, and perish. [Apr 2011, p.70]
See all critic reviews »