Photochemistry (2024)

Developer: Thomas Horne
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Genres: Indie, Simulation
Rating: 5.0 of 5, 14 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 3.8 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

You methodically design and build nutrient-making mechanisms in a ruined world, relying on your own creativity and logic to solve open-ended puzzles.

atmosphericthoughtfulcreativemethodicalpuzzleminimalistpost-apocalypticgrid-based

What players say

Players describe Photochemistry as a Zachlike puzzle game focused on creativity and optimization, with many possible solutions to each level. They praise the satisfying feeling of finding efficient setups and the charming art style, while noting difficulty can spike if overthought. The soundtrack and freedom to optimize for cost or speed are highlights.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.