Factorio

This was one of my most highly anticipated games. I waited for years for it to come out of early access and happily paid full price when it did.

Overview

Factorio is a game of optimization and refactoring. You build machines that build better machines that build even better machines. The bulk of the game is figuring out how to optimize supply chains. There are aliens who attack from time to time, but that feels like a minor element of the overall game play.

For me, the fun of the game was trying to come up with good designs that were scalable. There normally isn't much time pressure, but you have to design in real-time so if you are constantly interrupted by alien attacks. 

Multiplayer is lots of fun, but I love cooperative multiplayer games. In Factorio, having another player around has three advantages. First, it lets two brains solve problems. Some designs are complicated and it's nice to say, "you make the widgets and I'll make the gadgets." Second, there are lots of distractions in Factorio. Aliens attack, systems run out of materials, etc. Often one player will be deep in thought what the other is able to handle maintenance. Third, it's always nice to have another person around to celebrate accomplishments and discover cool things. 

Replayability

After one playthough, I don't feel the need to play any more. I probably will start up a new game to see if it's like a new game, or just drudgery. 

Compare to Other Games

I'm going to make a separate blog entry to compare Factorio, Rimworld, Don't Starve, and Oxygen Not Included.

Factorio is extremely similar to Mindustry, although it's a lot deeper. Mindustry has more "game" where you have challenges to overcome. Factorio is more about the process. 

Should You Buy It?

Factorio is a winner for me, but it's exactly the game I've wanted for a long time. This is not a simple question.