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Attention <<BULKMSG/FIELD:EMPLOYEE_IDENTIFIER>>:
The SpaceChem Central Research Department is currently accepting new research related to the field of Reaction Engineering. Possible entries include new reaction “instructions”, new reactor “components”, and entirely new reaction mechanics and atomic interactions! The most innovative submissions will be integrated into a future update to the SpaceChem control program, with the submitters receiving additional free copies of the SpaceChem control program, free SpaceChem promotional merchandise, and recognition on the Intergalactic Network (internet).
To enter, send an Intergalactic Network message to zach@zachtronicsindustries.com with your submission before the deadline of January 28, 2011.
Thank you, and good luck!
<<BULKMSG/FIELD:EMPLOYEE_IDENTIFIER>>
SpaceChem Central Research Director (β Canum Venaticorum)
EDIT: A few clarifications:
- The deadline for completed entries is January 28th. There might be a little leeway, but if I receive it after the 28th, there is no promise I will be able to act on it.
- Ideas can be described in a few words or a few paragraphs; write as much as you think you need to convey the brilliance of it.
- I’ll almost certainly be modifying and mixing entries to arrive a the final versions of the mechanics.
20 Comments
a spacechem competition eh, better get started on my entry
Awesome! I just have few questions.
Do we need to apply for the contest till 28.Jan or is that the deadline for our competition entries?
Can we submit basic ideas or will they have to be thoroughly explained how will they work in the game?
need a list of features which are already implemented or I may submit something that already exists.
PS: I HAVE an idea, but it may already be implemented.
Anon, beat the game first and then you’ll find out if it already exists :)
Or look at the Youtube videos showing the later levels to get an idea of what there is.
Or just submit your suggestion anyway, and risk it getting ignored.
The last new “mechanic” is introduced on Atropos Station – though that doesn’t mean the rest of the game is just repeating more of the same. You’ll see what I mean when you get there.
So no command exists with a J hotkey, then?
I think that there should be a fiser to go with the fuser. Split atoms into two atoms of half the atomic number (or half the number +/- .5)
Yes, there is no command with the J hotkey – at least not that I’m aware of, and I’m on the last level. (Unless there’s a super secret bonus stage, I mean).
I’d considered putting in a Fisser as my suggestion. It could lead to some neat puzzles combining Fisser and Fuser for chemical arithmetic to make (for example) Fluorine and Sulfur out of Oxygen.
I didn’t go with it, though. I thought it added too much control, too easily. Part of the limitations of the Fuser is that it can only make stuff that sums out of its components; a Fisser would mean that you could doctor the components for optimal summation and make anything from anything in three reactors (as opposed to just being able to make anything from hydrogen in two).
I have my own suggestion, and I’d prefer to put it here because I don’t want to really get involved with this contest (although my idea is pretty awesome). Would it be okay to simply post it here?
No. It may be mine.
A non-competition related suggestion – it would be nice if there were an “Endless Mode” for some of the defense levels, to compete for how long you can last, or how much damage you do before going down (depending on the boss).
Obviously, the first one couldn’t have this, but Atropos Station’s or Fidais’ boss probably could. The last one as well, maybe.
hey what about a sanbox mode wehre you choos the in and uotputs and then build whatever you want or just a editor. that would be awsome.
I’d like to see more layers than move and reaction commands.
damn… too late to the ball.. oh well
there should be teleporting reactors that a have a %omega% output (omega) and a %Delta% inout and it teleports any molecule to another teleporter reactor.
but it would be a 4X10 rather than 8X10 reactor :)
I have a few ideas but I’m not sure if it’s implemented or not in later levels (I have only played the demo). It’s too late to enter so I’ll spit them out on here in hopes it gets picked up on by you anyways.
Can we save reactors and use them later? Say I have a reactor from a previous level that (for example) very efficiently splits N2. If I want to do that again it in a later level I should be able to save that reactor and call it in rather than having to manually copy it component by component.
Also there should be a custom level maker if it doesn’t exist already.
And finally: The motto is “A Tale of Ungodly Profits.” How about some levels where you lose some money for every cycle (or input molecule) you use, and symbols and reactors have a cost, but you are paid for a completed reactant. The goal becomes to make as much money for the company as possible.
Again, I’m not done with the game so some of this may exist.
Saving reactor designs is in the demo.
I agree that there should be a custom level maker.
“Profit mode” sounds interesting, but it also sounds like finding the balance in each level would be very difficult. Not sure it would be worth the effort.
I Approve!
I lol’d
What I would like to see are larger levels, perhaps with 3 waldos and 3 inputs and outputs,
It would allow for greater challenges and productions with greater complexity of compounds.
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