Gameplay:
Gameplay consists of turning off a screen/ field of tessellating geometric figures that are in a “steady state,” or fixed repeating pattern. Here, you simply choose how many and where you want to place the shapes and then start the program running to see if it works. I started in Hard mode, because there is only Hard and Harder, or the Simulation mode which works like a sandbox. Of course, after struggling with that for a few minutes, I moved to the Simulation mode where you have more freedom with where you can place the pieces on the field. It was there I began to really understand the game.

Basically, you have a marked segment of the field for dropping in shapes on the Hard mode, and they must be placed in such a way as to have an effect on all the figures already on the screen. On the other hand, the Simulation mode allows you to interact directly with the figures already on screen, to see how they are changed when a figure you place hits them. This directs your thinking.

You turn on the game and before long you find yourself mesmerized with just watching the effects the shapes you add to the field have on the whole process. After some time and experimentation, you realize you’ve actually begun to see how the program is “thinking.” It’s a definite lightbulb feeling.

Bacteria is an incredible game! I spent 4 hours in a single setting on this. It has a lot to offer for people who like to just jump into a puzzle with no preconceived ideas or splash screens. And, the achievements drop pretty quickly once you figure out the idea. I got the first four of six achievements in the first four hours.

Narrative:
Normally I've felt like a game couldn't do without words... text... but I have to say in this case the wordlessness is a major asset. There is nothing to get in the way or distract from the simple concept of the geometric patterns and the AI’s plan. In that way, it is similar to logic and/or strategy games, like Frozen Synapse, where you make your moves and then see the results, then try again.

It's an awesome game... one that I will probably spend quite a bit of time in I can tell already. And, the card art is definitely original and something I’ve enjoyed collecting. And, right now at $0.88 it’s well worth the price.

Graphics & Sound:
The graphics are presented on an interface that resembles the old cathode ray tube (CRT) design monitors, with a convex screen. The puzzle pieces look something like pentomino figures, being simple geometric shapes. The music is ambient space age music, very relaxing. The dlc includes the soundtrack and a selection of various bacteria backgrounds, as well as a mini game that takes you further into the “Game of Life” idea Bacteria is based on. I’ve enjoyed it so much, I grabbed a couple of copies of the game and dlc to give away over on Steam Gifts, so look for the giveaways on my page as soon as they add them. http://www.steamgifts.com/user/EdenStarGazer

Pros:
* Presents an array of difficulty choices to make the game accessible from the start.
* Nostalgic look of old DOS screens
* Reminiscent of Games programmed in BASIC language
* Nerdy geometric component of recreational Math

Cons:
*No narrative
*No words
*Not even the sound of your own inner voice :D

If you like pattern mathematical games like pentominoes, or Izzi , or if you spent hours trying to decipher a coding language, or just love the way computer AI “thinks,” then this open puzzler is for you.

[h1] A nostalgic celebration of early computer programming that turns the modern puzzle genre into a programmer’s logic dilemma. [/h1] [b]Gameplay: [/b] Gameplay consists of turning off a screen/ field of tessellating geometric figures that are in a “steady state,” or fixed repeating pattern. Here, you simply choose how many and where you want to place the shapes and then start the program running to see if it works. I started in Hard mode, because there is only Hard and Harder, or the Simulation mode which works like a sandbox. Of course, after struggling with that for a few minutes, I moved to the Simulation mode where you have more freedom with where you can place the pieces on the field. It was there I began to really understand the game. Basically, you have a marked segment of the field for dropping in shapes on the Hard mode, and they must be placed in such a way as to have an effect on all the figures already on the screen. On the other hand, the Simulation mode allows you to interact directly with the figures already on screen, to see how they are changed when a figure you place hits them. This directs your thinking. You turn on the game and before long you find yourself mesmerized with just watching the effects the shapes you add to the field have on the whole process. After some time and experimentation, you realize you’ve actually begun to see how the program is “thinking.” It’s a definite lightbulb feeling. Bacteria is an incredible game! I spent 4 hours in a single setting on this. It has a lot to offer for people who like to just jump into a puzzle with no preconceived ideas or splash screens. And, the achievements drop pretty quickly once you figure out the idea. I got the first four of six achievements in the first four hours. [b]Narrative: [/b] Normally I've felt like a game couldn't do without words... text... but I have to say in this case the wordlessness is a major asset. There is nothing to get in the way or distract from the simple concept of the geometric patterns and the AI’s plan. In that way, it is similar to logic and/or strategy games, like Frozen Synapse, where you make your moves and then see the results, then try again. It's an awesome game... one that I will probably spend quite a bit of time in I can tell already. And, the card art is definitely original and something I’ve enjoyed collecting. And, right now at $0.88 it’s well worth the price. [b]Graphics & Sound: [/b] The graphics are presented on an interface that resembles the old cathode ray tube (CRT) design monitors, with a convex screen. The puzzle pieces look something like pentomino figures, being simple geometric shapes. The music is ambient space age music, very relaxing. The dlc includes the soundtrack and a selection of various bacteria backgrounds, as well as a mini game that takes you further into the “Game of Life” idea Bacteria is based on. I’ve enjoyed it so much, I grabbed a couple of copies of the game and dlc to give away over on Steam Gifts, so look for the giveaways on my page as soon as they add them. http://www.steamgifts.com/user/EdenStarGazer [b]Pros: [/b] * Presents an array of difficulty choices to make the game accessible from the start. * Nostalgic look of old DOS screens * Reminiscent of Games programmed in BASIC language * Nerdy geometric component of recreational Math [b]Cons: [/b] *No narrative *No words *Not even the sound of your own inner voice :D [h1]I recommend this game for those who enjoy hacking games, deciphering, or programming type puzzles.[/h1] If you like pattern mathematical games like pentominoes, or Izzi , or if you spent hours trying to decipher a coding language, or just love the way computer AI “thinks,” then this open puzzler is for you.