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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. JonesR
    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 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.
  8. gizm0steve
    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 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 onThis 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.    … Expand
  9. JTeagle
    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 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 itI 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.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. jenobi
    Mar 21, 2011
    10
    SpaceChem has been one of the most fulfilling puzzle games I have ever played. On more than one occasion I've been completely stumped by a solution, stumble off to bed, and dreamed of reactor errors only to sit down at my computer to find the solution in fifteen minutes the next morning. I've been challenged by many puzzle games in the past, but from their very design if I was stuck thereSpaceChem has been one of the most fulfilling puzzle games I have ever played. On more than one occasion I've been completely stumped by a solution, stumble off to bed, and dreamed of reactor errors only to sit down at my computer to find the solution in fifteen minutes the next morning. I've been challenged by many puzzle games in the past, but from their very design if I was stuck there was no working around the problem. In a way, they were simply to simplistic. But while playing SpaceChem, when I hit a wall and could not find a solution 9 times out of 10 I just had to step away and let my subconscious workout the problem. While playing SpaceChem I have been pushed past my previous limits for puzzle solving and have come out the other side with a better appreciation of what a good puzzle game could, and should be.… Expand
  12. vorpalsponge
    Jul 6, 2011
    10
    The best puzzle game I have ever played.

    The puzzles are very open ended, have many solutions, and many different obstacles and tools at your disposal all oriented around chemistry theme of making and breaking chemical bonds and molecules.
  13. Mortlach
    Mar 6, 2011
    8
    SpaceChem is a puzzle game that looks deceptively easy. Just moving atoms around and assembling molecules, right? But it get's pretty challenging pretty quickly as the molecules get bigger and the number of bonds increase.
    It is a hard game to put down and I've found myself pondering certain puzzles long after I closed the game, figuring out solutions in my head and then going to the pc to    SpaceChem is a puzzle game that looks deceptively easy. Just moving atoms around and assembling molecules, right? But it get's pretty challenging pretty quickly as the molecules get bigger and the number of bonds increase.
    It is a hard game to put down and I've found myself pondering certain puzzles long after I closed the game, figuring out solutions in my head and then going to the pc to try them out. There is even a function to upload solutions to your youtube account.

    The visuals are very basic, but there is a nice little sound track that does not necesarilly fit the theme but is enjoyable nonetheless. The biggest flaw I've found so far is that there does not seem to be a button to reset an entire reactor' at once. You need to manually click the undo-button until you reach the start position again. That is a bit of an oversight, but besides that, it is a very enjoyable game. 8/10    … Expand
  14. xepherys
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    I've been playing this before it was available on Steam. Still play it today. it's a fantastic puzzler with great mechanics and an addictive aspect of one-uping yourself and other engineers. For the guy who "looked at pictures" and decided it sucked... well, that's an obvious situation. Worth it for full price, let alone included in a Humble Bundle.
  15. Cheshyr
    May 14, 2011
    9
    An amazing Sandbox Puzzle Game. It is challenging without restricting your creativity. Any solution that works is valid; you are not held to contrived expectations. However, the problems can be difficult on their own, given the tools you have available. Steep learning curve, non-trivial puzzles, and a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you make it work. The storyline isAn amazing Sandbox Puzzle Game. It is challenging without restricting your creativity. Any solution that works is valid; you are not held to contrived expectations. However, the problems can be difficult on their own, given the tools you have available. Steep learning curve, non-trivial puzzles, and a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you make it work. The storyline is entertaining, and adds to the game. My only complaint is the music. While the soundtrack is excellent, it does not fit the mood of the game. Highly recommend this game.… Expand
  16. Whirbl
    May 11, 2011
    10
    This indie title is simply designed, but highly complex, and can keep you interested for hours on end. You may even spend an hour or two on many of the stages. There's a lot of tweaking involved here. Though it may seem a bit trial and error, you really have to spend quite a bit of time thinking of your plan before you begin combining elements. Once you've got a workable method, it's downThis indie title is simply designed, but highly complex, and can keep you interested for hours on end. You may even spend an hour or two on many of the stages. There's a lot of tweaking involved here. Though it may seem a bit trial and error, you really have to spend quite a bit of time thinking of your plan before you begin combining elements. Once you've got a workable method, it's down to the tweaking of timing and orientation of your molecules. This game will keep even the best puzzle lovers going for hours on end.… Expand
  17. Jar_On
    Aug 28, 2011
    10
    SpaceChem is a puzzle game of engineering and mock molecular chemistry (and frustration). There are no graphics to speak of, only a functional display of your "program" (the same level of clarity and, at the same time, lack of transparency as achieved by the roguelike games via the use of ASCII). There is no time limit, the only enemy is your brain... there is only the need to take two (orSpaceChem is a puzzle game of engineering and mock molecular chemistry (and frustration). There are no graphics to speak of, only a functional display of your "program" (the same level of clarity and, at the same time, lack of transparency as achieved by the roguelike games via the use of ASCII). There is no time limit, the only enemy is your brain... there is only the need to take two (or more) molecules and transmognify them into something else that is needed. While there are no "correct" answers, your alchemical Rube Goldberg machine will be compared to all the other solutions to a given level (the game even gives possibility of uploading solutions to youtube to boost your internet ego).
    The learning curve is wonderfully crafted although the caveat is that it apparently does not end and will drive you, eventually, bonkers.
    The core gameplay is brilliant and accompanied by truly fantastic music.
    At higher levels it becomes devilishly difficult.
    I love it.
    Sidenote: Due to its open nature SpaceChem has quite an absurd replay value. Revisiting old designs to make them a few 'cycles' faster or even spending time on youtube looking at crazy things that people have devised refuses to get old. The best game in years.    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. Mavi
    Jan 4, 2012
    10
    When I first started the game, I didn't expect much fun, but after 30 minutes playing, when I got used to all the game mechanics, the game caught me! I am not much into the logic puzzle games, but this one, this one is masterpiece. It's not that much puzzle, more like.. "programming" in a graphic interface. And it's a lot about optimization (so the elements doesn't collide with each otherWhen I first started the game, I didn't expect much fun, but after 30 minutes playing, when I got used to all the game mechanics, the game caught me! I am not much into the logic puzzle games, but this one, this one is masterpiece. It's not that much puzzle, more like.. "programming" in a graphic interface. And it's a lot about optimization (so the elements doesn't collide with each other and so on) Too bad people give it 0 points just because they were too lazy to think about what to do in the game. For me, it's 10/10 and a must buy for it's price.… Expand
  20. ludd_gang
    Jun 2, 2011
    10
    Amazing puzzler. Discover your own solution. Completing a level is a challenge, perfecting your designs for speed and efficiency adds replay.The tutorial instructions are a bear, but with a bit of experimentation and rereading, it makes sense. Stick with it and you will love it. I haven't read a wink of the story. NOTE: You can delete entire areas if you click drag a selection box andAmazing puzzler. Discover your own solution. Completing a level is a challenge, perfecting your designs for speed and efficiency adds replay.The tutorial instructions are a bear, but with a bit of experimentation and rereading, it makes sense. Stick with it and you will love it. I haven't read a wink of the story. NOTE: You can delete entire areas if you click drag a selection box and press delete. (Since Mortlach mentioned this as a flaw, I wanted to clarify you can erase entire boards easily.)… Expand
  21. Stormblazer
    May 16, 2011
    10
    I'm a computer science student, and people have often wondered why I enjoy coding so much - well, SpaceChem is a good example. It's not really analogous to coding, but it has the same mental effect, uses the same parts of my mind that coding does.
    This is easily one of the best, and legitimately difficult puzzle games I've ever played.
  22. Doniazade
    May 21, 2011
    10
    Absolutely amazing puzzler. If you enjoy puzzle games, get this. It's puzzle pornography and will keep you hooked for quite a while - assuming you can hack the difficulty. This game gets extremely challenging later on. At 15 euros, it's a steal.
  23. Muffalopadus
    Jun 14, 2011
    9
    SpaceChem is the only game that has ever made me feel truly stupid. I love it. Every solution feels like a scientific triumph - even if a lot of people did it better. Early levels teach you some tricks that you'll use as tools later on, but the game quickly becomes difficult. The music is quite nice, but repetitive. I would have loved a few more tracks as good as the originals.SpaceChem is the only game that has ever made me feel truly stupid. I love it. Every solution feels like a scientific triumph - even if a lot of people did it better. Early levels teach you some tricks that you'll use as tools later on, but the game quickly becomes difficult. The music is quite nice, but repetitive. I would have loved a few more tracks as good as the originals. Overall, best and most humiliating puzzle game I've yet to play.… Expand
  24. Slothsberry
    Jul 1, 2011
    10
    SpaceChem is one of the most innovative and enjoyable puzzle games to be released in recent memory. The mechanics are remarkably simple, allowing you to become familiar with the mechanics almost immediately. On the other hand, the difficulty ramps up deliciously fairly quickly after you get comfy with the mechanics. Unlike most other worthwhile puzzlers, solving each stage is an exerciseSpaceChem is one of the most innovative and enjoyable puzzle games to be released in recent memory. The mechanics are remarkably simple, allowing you to become familiar with the mechanics almost immediately. On the other hand, the difficulty ramps up deliciously fairly quickly after you get comfy with the mechanics. Unlike most other worthwhile puzzlers, solving each stage is an exercise in creation, and not just a glorified corridor with various dead ends along the way. This isn't a game where you simply poke and prod around the puzzle until you find the solution that the designer wanted you to find, you plan and create your solution yourself.

    Play this game for a few minutes, and if you're the kind of person who loves a challenge, you'll be hooked.    … Expand
  25. comedon
    Jul 21, 2011
    9
    Sure, graphics won't charms the eye. It's not an artistic achievement. Let's say : functional. But graphics are so often pure excipient. Gameplay might be slightly improve too (to get ride of some shortcuts or useless clicks) . But.
    Pure pleasure. Less is more. A basic concept that offers the player a wide and joyful illusion of freedom. To build a personal solution and improve it vs to    Sure, graphics won't charms the eye. It's not an artistic achievement. Let's say : functional. But graphics are so often pure excipient. Gameplay might be slightly improve too (to get ride of some shortcuts or useless clicks) . But.
    Pure pleasure. Less is more. A basic concept that offers the player a wide and joyful illusion of freedom. To build a personal solution and improve it vs to find the only and only hidden one which often leads to some frustrations (the case of so many puzzle games). Rules are fairly stricts : you won't be blessed by a pixel approximation or a miraculous milli-second.
    The pleasure to build a clock steps by steps, to test it. To refine it. And finally to watch it achieves its task beautifully. The pleasure to build and and the pleasure to contemplate your achievement.
    It's been a long time a game hadn't give me so much.
    There so many indi games that go as quick as they come. The word is "casual" : help time to flow away. If you hadn't time to "loose", don't buy this one. A game you play hours after you have shut it down.
    Some shadows : the need to instal complementary element (mono framework for OS X) and some tips that won't help because they mask a part of the game area (OS X version).    … Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Izumo199
    Nov 21, 2011
    0
    This game really makes no sense to me. I've done the tutorial numerous times and I can't seem to grasp the key elements of this game. I only played it for the Team Fortress 2 items and I wont be playing it again.
  28. femtoRgon
    Oct 5, 2011
    10
    Reasonably simple basic play constraints build very effectively into positively prodigious challenges as the game progresses. The game introduces new concepts and increasing complexity smoothly enough to prevent being overwhelming, but quickly enough to maintain a solid challenge, rather than boring with many over-cautious repetitions of similar difficulty.. It's a fine balance thatReasonably simple basic play constraints build very effectively into positively prodigious challenges as the game progresses. The game introduces new concepts and increasing complexity smoothly enough to prevent being overwhelming, but quickly enough to maintain a solid challenge, rather than boring with many over-cautious repetitions of similar difficulty.. It's a fine balance that Zachtronics has hit very nicely. Especially later in the game, the puzzles become positively mind-bending in the level of challenge, and the complexity that your solutions will inevitably incorporate.
    The little, largely textual vignettes between missions is a nice bit of flavor, go a long way toward making the game feel more complete (than Zachtronics previous games, particularly). They are well written and interesting, and are actually pretty effective at bringing you into the game world, which is pleasantly surprising for a game of this type.
    The consistently added Science Net puzzles provide regular new challenges, often introducing new twists on the previously introduced puzzle elements, and the main game provides many, many hours challenging fun on it's own, so they plenty to hold interest for quite a while.    … Expand
  29. vaell
    Mar 30, 2011
    8
    Nice little game, I only played the DEMO but enjoyed it. not sure if I would buy the game thou, it is more like a super casual pick-it-up-for-an-hour, give the DEMO a try, it is beefy and you can get good idea of the game from it.

    I was a bit skeptical of the high score but it is a good game for indie standards.
  30. x2495iiii
    Dec 31, 2011
    0
    From the start, this game disappointed. Entering a DRM key with extremely tiny letters into a text field with no arrow key support (you can't go back and change a letter if you get one wrong, you have to delete everything and start over) is not a good way to start a fun game. Eventually I got it working, and I soon wished I hadn't. In a nutshell, this game is too simple in the actionFrom the start, this game disappointed. Entering a DRM key with extremely tiny letters into a text field with no arrow key support (you can't go back and change a letter if you get one wrong, you have to delete everything and start over) is not a good way to start a fun game. Eventually I got it working, and I soon wished I hadn't. In a nutshell, this game is too simple in the action department, and too complex in the how-to-play department. I'll admit, I enjoy a good action game, but if a puzzler is done right, I can waste plenty of hours on it. This game, however, was just too boring. I didn't care who the hero was, I didn't care why he needed to move circles (molecules) around, the game just did not motivate me to move past the first few levels. Basically, if you like dragging and dropping shapes onto other shapes, you'll like this game. And if that's the case, there's a little game with differently shaped pegs that you have to put into similarly shaped holes that you might like too.… 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 »