SHENZHEN I/O (2016)

Developer: Zachtronics
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Indie, Simulation
Rating: 4.7 of 5, 4,490 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 10 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

A deeply methodical and satisfying puzzle game where you assemble circuits and write assembly code, feeling like a true engineer at a busy electronics company.

programmingpuzzlelogictechnicalmethodicaleducationalsatisfyingchallenging

What players say

Players say it captures the real feel of hardware engineering work, with a custom assembly language and datasheets to print. The included solitaire game is a fan favorite. Some find the lack of debugging tools frustrating, and beginners may need a video tutorial to start.

Screenshots

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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.