Review: Human Resource Machine

Goutham Jayaraman

Ravencrow Game Review #9

 

Human Resource Machine

https://store.steampowered.com/app/375820/Human_Resource_Machine/

Genre	Programming, Puzzle
Platform	PC
Developer	Tomorrow Corporation
Publisher	Tomorrow Corporation
Playtime	3 hours expected
Date Completed	Pending
Date Reviewed	5/15/2021
Overall Grade	A

 

Human Resource Machine is a small and cute programming simulation game that features about 40 different problems to solve and a soothing corporate ambience to solve them in.

Instead of relying on a programming language, the game uses a custom set of about a dozen commands which are introduced gradually in the first half of the game. You basically drag these commands onto a sheet to create an algorithm which then tells the employee what to do.

As the developers themselves have stated, programming is just problem solving, so ultimately the game is designed in a way to accommodate all kinds of players regardless of their programming experience. Those more skilled in programming have the option to attempt to optimize each of the solutions, although I never really felt any compelling reason to do so.

The game also contains a handful of short animated and voice skits that are used to tell a very simple story. These are probably just to give players an added incentive to play through the levels, and they do what they need to do despite being not much of a big deal.

What I liked

-          Solving the problems, which I found to be fairly refreshing.

-          The overall feel of the game (Aesthetics)

What I disliked

-          How short the game is

Gameplay 18/20	+ Interesting and simple programming based gameplay + Encourages brainwork and develops problem solving skills + Good fun resource for those learning programming or new to it - Fairly straightforward and limited gameplay
Game Design 16/20	+ Good variety of problems to solve. Each one has the potential to spark new interest + Provision of three different sheets where you can design and store algorithms + Provision of two extra challenges for each level to cater to those more skilled in programming + Complexity of the problems does gradually increase over time with a few breathers in between. Overall good pacing = Minor repetition of concepts (Some levels require you to do almost the same thing, just a bit differently), but I didn’t notice it much and there is actually a copy and paste function designed for this purpose. - New commands are slowly introduced over the first half of the game, but thereafter there’s only a limited identical set of commands utilized for the remaining levels (Feel like they could have implemented more problems and with more variety if they used additional commands or even took some away for certain levels) - No real incentive given for optimizing solutions.
Graphics 20/20	+ Well drawn minimalistic graphics sporting their own unique theme + Unique character designs. Give the stereotypical feel of an office building + Smooth animations + Neat and clean UI
Audio 20/20	+ Small soundtrack but has a nice corporate feel to it. It’s also quite soothing in nature. You won’t really notice the music much even if it may get repetitive because you’ll be focusing on the gameplay. + Pleasant sound effects + Voiced cutscenes + Free OST
Story 3/5	+ There is a small story provided to rouse a bit of interest in players and keep them wondering what’s next. - But really not that big of a deal
Lore 2/2	+ Not really applicable, but I found it a nice touch that the character ages over time.
Value 6/20	+ Fully positive gaming experience - But it’s a short game, especially compared to the price tag + You can get some additional playtime in trying to optimize your solutions, but nothing too crazy - Not the best resource for learning programming because the game is more about problem solving and doesn’t do much in the way of teaching you about actual programming languages
Overall Grade 15/20	A
Score	78

 

I had plenty of fun playing through Human Resource Machine (and yes, I did study Computer Science so I have some vested interest in problem solving), and you are likely to as well.

However, considering the game’s relative lack of content, it is best if you can find it on sale, in which case it will prove to be an absolute grab that will not only give you a weekend of fun but also serve as a basic tool you can share to friends who are just getting into programming.

With regards to its full price though, if this game diversified a bit and implemented levels that actually taught programming languages whilst maintaining its unique charm, then yes, it would have not only had substantial value, but would have also been an impressively beautiful game.