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Comet 64 is a programming puzzle game about an old fictional computer

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Comet 64 huh? It's a programming puzzle game involving a fantasy old computer and it certainly hits the mark when it comes to the visual style. Fans of the Amiga, Commodore and the real early PCs will find themselves at home here.

Unlike certain other programming puzzlers, it's not a game where you're dragging and dropping logic blocks. Instead, you're using a simplified programming language to solve the various problems it presents you with. Could serve as a fun introduction to programming or as a healthy dose of nostalgia for problem solvers to dive into with a retro flair.

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From the Steam page:

  • Read the documentation (exists both in-game, and as a pdf) and figure out how
    to operate this 80s computer.
  • Learn its assembly-like (but not quite) programming language.
  • Solve 50+ input - output processing puzzles.
  • Improve your solution and minimize your instruction and cycle counts to compete
    in the Leaderboards.
  • Solve bonus visual grid-based puzzles.
  • Discover secrets? of the machine.

The developer actually sent us a key for this one, and it really is great. Definitely reminds me of some classic programming attempts a good many years ago. It's styled a bit like a Zachtronics game almost, which is practically a genre nowadays. It gives you an input of numbers which you need to adjust based on the query you're given (the query being the problem to solve) for each level using the simple programming language.

It's one of those games where you will scratch your head for a bit until you get a working solution, and then it will tell you how you did based on number of lines and cycles it had to loop through. Your next task is to cut it down and make it faster and shorter.

For people with good maths skills, it shouldn't be too difficult. It doesn't need programming knowledge either.

Buy it now supported for Linux on Steam. It's 20% off until February 12.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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10 comments

ElectroDD Feb 8, 2021
I'll see later this game, very interested, I still have Zachtronics games to finish ^^
Nezchan Feb 8, 2021
Okay, but can you install Linux on it?
Ehvis Feb 8, 2021
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Quoting: ElectroDDI'll see later this game, very interested, I still have Zachtronics games to finish ^^

You think you can finish them before the next one comes?
sigz Feb 9, 2021
is this like TIS-100 ?
Eike Feb 9, 2021
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Quoting: sigzis this like TIS-100 ?

Yes, but a bit simpler. Single core e.g.
fabertawe Feb 9, 2021
I love a bit of nostalgia like this. I had a 6502 assembler cartridge for my Commodore 64 but found it clunky to use so I wrote my own assembler and BASIC toolkit. I couldn't do that now! How I loved that machine. Ahh the ravages of time
Skiski Feb 9, 2021
The game is way easier than your usual Zachtronics game, but it is quite fun et interesting. If you like games like that, it's a no brainer, but don't expect extremely hard puzzles.
Eike Feb 26, 2021
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I accepted a copy for our Steam curator "Hidden Linux Gems". I did play it for some hours, but don't find it "gemmy" enough. Now I think I should at least pay for my copy...

So I'll buy a copy for the first one to answer here (must be registered user for at least one month).
shygybeats May 6, 2021
Quoting: EikeI accepted a copy for our Steam curator "Hidden Linux Gems". I did play it for some hours, but don't find it "gemmy" enough. Now I think I should at least pay for my copy...

So I'll buy a copy for the first one to answer here (must be registered user for at least one month).
hey there, a big fan of programming/assembly games, (beaten all of the zachtronics games), ,and would really love a copy of this game! times are tough right now so unfortanately i probably wont be able to purchase this game myself, but

the aesthetic, sound design, and everything i have seen about it makes it look like a pretty impactful experience!
Eike May 6, 2021
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Quoting: shygybeatshey there, a big fan of programming/assembly games, (beaten all of the zachtronics games), ,and would really love a copy of this game! times are tough right now so unfortanately i probably wont be able to purchase this game myself, but the aesthetic, sound design, and everything i have seen about it makes it look like a pretty impactful experience!

It took quite some time until someone wanted it. :)
I'll PM you, have fun!
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