Shapez 2
| Shapez 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | tobspr Games |
| Publisher(s) |
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| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | 15 August 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Factory simulation, Strategy video game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Shapez 2 (stylized as shapez 2) is a factory simulation video game developed by tobspr Games.
Gameplay
Similar to its predecessor Shapez, players extract and process various resources in a procedurally generated world to supply a central hub called the "Vortex".[1][2] Different types of buildings are available, such as balancers, cutters, and extractors. There are no victory conditions, and all buildings are free of cost, so factories can theoretically expand infinitely.[3]
As more shapes are supplied and the factory expands, players need to make more complex shapes composed of many layers of cut and dyed shapes. Each shape contains up to four layers of four quadrants, making the total number of possible shapes 65,536.[2] In later stages of the game, players will need to supply thousands of copies of such shapes to the Vortex.[4]
A major difference was the switch from 2D to 3D graphics, which allows the player to build on multiple layers.[5] Shapes remained 2D, and most buildings are still limited to one per layer.[5]
Shapez 2 also adopted a new theme, switching from a plain white background to outer space.[2] Modular islands and space trains were introduced along with the new theme, allowing the player to easily copy-and-paste sections of factories.[3] Players are also given the ability to adjust the game's difficulty, which determines the size of resources and position of islands.[6]
Development and release
The first trailer for Shapez 2 was released on August 16, 2023.[7] An open demo was made available on Steam on January 25, 2024, which received positive reviews from critics.[2][3] Shapez 2 was released for early access on August 15, 2024.[8]
The game was developed by German indie developer tobspr Games[9] using the Unity engine.[1] The studio received partial funding with a grant of €537,833 from the German government via the "Computerspielförderung des Bundes".[10]
Unlike its predecessor, which was free and open source,[11] Shapez 2 requires a purchase.[12]
Reception
Shapez 2 received positive reviews upon release. Ollie Toms from Rock, Paper, Shotgun described the game as "peerlessly satisfying",[4] while Lawrence Scotti from PCGamesN said that the game "maintains a zen-like atmosphere."[13]
References
- ^ a b tobspr Games. shapez 2.
- ^ a b c d Cunningham, James (January 25, 2024). "Pure Automation Assembly Deep in the Heart of Shapez 2 Demo Space". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c Hafer, Leana (January 25, 2024). "Shapez 2 Preview: A Factory-Builder Whose Hunger Is Never Satisfied". IGN. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Toms, Ollie; Toms, Ollie (August 15, 2024). "Shapez 2 early access review: splendid abstract factory-building with room for a few more surprises". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Toms, Ollie (February 6, 2024). "Shapez 2's Next Fest demo is the purest catnip for factory game lovers". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ "" shapez 2 arrives in Steam Early Access on August 15 " - Games Press". www.gamespress.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ "Shapez 2 - Official Trailer - IGN". August 16, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ "Shapez 2 Preview". August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "tobspr Games". tobspr Games. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ Klimaschutz, BMWK-Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und. "Shapez.io 2". www.bmwk.de (in German). Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ "tobspr-games/shapez.io". July 25, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ "shapez 2 on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ "This new sandbox building game is like a turbo-charged Factorio, and it's already flying on Steam". PCGamesN. August 18, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
