SpaceChem (2011)

Developer: Zachtronics
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Indie, Simulation
Rating: 4.6 of 5, 5,077 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 9.8 hours
Where to get it: Steam

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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 methodical, logic-based puzzle game where you design factory-like chemical assembly lines, requiring careful planning and iterative optimization.

puzzledifficultlogicprogrammingautomationthinkingmethodicalrewarding

What players say

Players say SpaceChem is brutally difficult, with levels that can take hours, but deeply rewarding for those who enjoy logic and programming. Some note awkward mouse controls and a lack of sensitivity options, though the game remains playable on modern hardware.

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.