SHENZHEN I/O

SHENZHEN I/O is a complex logic game in which we design and test electric circuits. The game was created by Zachtronics and made its debut in 2015 in the Early Access on Steam. The developer specializes in creating complex logical-educational titles, whose gameplay is inspired by engineering, electronics, programming and chemistry such as SpaceChem, Infinifactory and Ironclad Tactics.

Plot

During the campaign, we play as a beginner engineer who gets employed by an electronics company in Shenzhen. We can learn more about the individual employees and our boss by reading e-mails available in the main menu. These e-mails also inform us about new tasks.

Mechanics

SHENZHEN I/O is a simulator in which we design electric circuits. Before starting the game, we should familiarize ourselves with the attached document which contains information about individual components and the way they are used and programmed. During the game, we design circuits from scratch - they have to perform specific tasks commissioned by our boss. For example, one of the first missions requires us to make a LED lamp controller that are inside a surveillance camera dummy. Players must program the lights so that they blink at fixed intervals. It is worth adding that we should always pay attention not only to the efficiency of the project but also to its cost. Over time, missions will become more and more complex and they will require us to have a real sense of engineering.

The game features dozens of components such as microcontrollers, LED screens, memory chips, etc. The interface is transparent and easy to use. The parts are moved and connected with each other with a few clicks. After selecting one of them, we can program them using the programming language described in the manual. Besides the campaign, players can also play in sandbox mode, where they can freely build their dream circuits.

Technical aspects

The game offers uncomplicated two-dimensional graphics, which fulfill its task perfectly by visualizing the electronic components and circuits in an interesting way.

Last updated on April 23, 2019