U+2588 by chr143

Games!
1

A rich and challenging physics-based engineering puzzle game for Amstrad CPC.

Master ballistics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, chemical and nuclear reactions, use automation bricks, build structures, machines, vehicles, produce power, solve puzzles, pierce the fog and defeat U+2588!

About this game:

In 2020, CHR$(143) was released for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X on itch and Steam, revolutionizing the indie scene for pixel-art engineering puzzle games based on the Amstrad CPC universe…

Today, after two years of research, we’re proud to have unearthed U+2588, the original 1985 Amstrad CPC game that inspired CHR$(143)!

Try this hidden gem right away ;^)

Warnings:

  • The graphics in this game are shockingly basic; don’t go any further if that’s what matters most to you
  • The game is quite complex, get ready to make use of every nook and cranny of your brain
  • Even the most skilled players will take several hours to complete all the levels
8 Likes
2

“What a great game. I’m not entirely sure what you mean by “unearthed”. Was it actually released, or was it rescued from an unfinished development? I did a quick search but couldn’t find any info. It seems like it pioneered the “instant puzzle” genre, like “Bishi Bashi Special” or the “WarioWare” games, which consist of simple puzzles where the whole mechanic is figuring out how they work as quickly as possible.”

3

You’re reading too much into this​:face_savoring_food:

1 Like
4

“I always think well of people. Is it an AI urban legend? :smiley: ”

5

CHR$(143) was pretty cool… didnt play it much but loved the concept..this will be the same no doubt! :stuck_out_tongue:

6

I’d like to bump this, the game is truly great! The first level is too simple, the second a bit too complex, but then the learning curve is nicer. It’s full of very nice ideas, every level brings something new. So refreshing, in these days of… well you know what :).

4 Likes
7

Thanks, Targhan – coming from you, I’m really flattered :wink:
And well done on reaching level 9, that’s a good start…
But maybe someone else will manage to get past level 2?

3 Likes
8

I’m just starting level 7, having had a lot of fun with Pinball Wizard!

So many clever ideas in this, great work, and looks excellent when you switch to the more colourful graphics.

1 Like
9

The name of the game is not from 1985. It is a reference to Unicode character 2588, full square (the Unicode equivalent of CPC character 143). And apparently that was defined in Unicode 1.1 in 1993 cf. Unicode 1.1

The game looks great from the video. Not tried yet.

1 Like
10

I just copied the description from the itch.io page :smiley: