Is this any easier/less archaic than TIS-100?

[advancedspuds]

I'm just wondering how this compares to TIS-100? I'm a huge fan of Zachtronics, have spent many hours in Spacechem and Infinifactory. I found TIS-100 a bit bewildering. I got through several levels and did enjoy the premise, but it was just a bit too much for me.

I like coding and don't mind a challenge. I'm just looking for something that I spend a bit less time scouring the old "user manual" to play.

Is this a game for me?

[bricks]

It's very similar to TIS-100 in that you write blocks of code with an assembly-like language and pass data between components to ultimately pass tests. However, unlike TIS-100, you get to place and connect the components yourself, similar to how you place reactors in Spacechem. The presentation is also a lot nicer. You will need to read the manual but I find it much easier to remember than TIS-100's language; for example, the multitude of jump commands appear to be gone and are mostly replaced with a more if/else-like command.

[Inari]

Originally posted by advancedspuds:

I'm just wondering how this compares to TIS-100? I'm a huge fan of Zachtronics, have spent many hours in Spacechem and Infinifactory. I found TIS-100 a bit bewildering. I got through several levels and did enjoy the premise, but it was just a bit too much for me.

I like coding and don't mind a challenge. I'm just looking for something that I spend a bit less time scouring the old "user manual" to play.

Is this a game for me?

Not really sure what you needed the manual much for in TIS. The language was very small. The language in this is even simpler imo.
But you need the manual for the datasheets and the supplemental data.

[MosGuy]

It is a mix of two prior games: Kochtpyktop (semi conductor circuits) and TIS-100 (assembly programming). If you found TIS-100 hard, it's hard to say if you'll enjoy it. You still have to refer to the manual. I'd suggest watching a few youtube videos of game-play to help yourself decide.

[advancedspuds]

Originally posted by bricks:

It's very similar to TIS-100 in that you write blocks of code with an assembly-like language and pass data between components to ultimately pass tests. However, unlike TIS-100, you get to place and connect the components yourself, similar to how you place reactors in Spacechem. The presentation is also a lot nicer. You will need to read the manual but I find it much easier to remember than TIS-100's language; for example, the multitude of jump commands appear to be gone and are mostly replaced with a more if/else-like command.

Thanks. I'm still a bit on the fence, but I'll probably get it just to support zachtronics.

I remember those jump commands being strange. If/else seems easier to follow.

[Inari]

For whats it worth, I prefer shenzhen over TIS. Mostly because here the problems you solve are kind of more graspable/tangible. You engineer solutions to problems that people have.

[advancedspuds]

Originally posted by MosGuy:

It is a mix of two prior games: Kochtpyktop (semi conductor circuits) and TIS-100 (assembly programming). If you found TIS-100 hard, it's hard to say if you'll enjoy it. You still have to refer to the manual. I'd suggest watching a few youtube videos of game-play to help yourself decide.

I'm watching some youtube videos now. It's hard to say if it's something I'll like long term, but even if I don't like the game, I don't mind supporting a dev that's gave me so much enjoyment in the past.

[advancedspuds]

Originally posted by Inari:

For whats it worth, I prefer shenzhen over TIS. Mostly because here the problems you solve are kind of more graspable/tangible. You engineer solutions to problems that people have.

Thanks, I found that a problem in TIS also, I couldn't really relate to the problems. If it's more about lifelike uses, I think I'll enjoy it more.

[Tikigod]

I would definitely say Shenzhen is more comprehensible in the 'missions' as not only are they better explained in the initial E-mail texts but also there is a detailed specification within the designer that breaks each aspect of the design requirements down for you including the types of each input/output any behaviour to be aware of and sometimes even little prods in how to approach things.

Alongside those is the simulation graph which shows all input values for a cycle and the expected output based on that which I've found helps clear up any niggling final doubts on how multiple inputs are expected to interact to reach the desired output.

There's a few oddities in some of the behaviour which is a bit ambiguous in the reference material with one or two circuit boards and how exactly xbus values are transmitted/read/voided, but most of the clarifications have either already been asked and covered in these forums or simply asking I've found gets you a prompt reply fully clearing things up... something Inari is legendary for doing. :)

[SpencerBeige]

One major difference is the way you compare numbers. In TIS-100, the only conditionals tell you the state of a number relative to zero (larger, smaller, equal, not equal). In Shenzhen I/O, however, you can compare any number or register with any OTHER number or register, making it much easier to compare.

(In TIS-100, this was possible, but you would have to subtract, then compare it.)

[[NcK]MasterShake|CM]

In a word no.

It is similar to TIS-100 in many ways-- but adding to the complexity is the fact you have to actually build the machine. It was provided for you in TIS.