When I first started playing Shapez 2, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, even though I had tried the first game. I knew I’d be making complex shapes and sending them off to complete goals, but I didn’t expect the sequel to improve things so much. Shapez 2 builds on the ideas from the original game and takes them to a whole new level, making it not just a better version of the first game but a big leap forward for automation games in general.
Flow of Construction
Right from the start, you can tell that the game is all about smooth and efficient gameplay. Building things feels quick and easy, with improvements that make it fun rather than a hassle. Whether I was setting up conveyor belts, cutters, or stackers, the game reacted instantly and smoothly, never slowing me down with any unnecessary complications.
One of the first things I noticed was how Shapez 2 manages to balance goal-oriented gameplay with an open-ended approach. I was always working toward a specific milestone, yet I never felt overly pressured. The game encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving, giving me the freedom to design intricate systems at my own pace.
A Layered Approach to Challenge
As I progressed through the game, Shapez 2 steadily introduced new mechanics that layered on top of the existing ones, each new feature adding another dimension to the puzzle-solving aspect of the game. The stacking mechanic, for instance, allowed me to create layered shapes, which required careful planning and precise timing. Combining these shapes with the ability to add colors and raise sections took the challenge to a new level. Suddenly, I wasn’t just managing a flat, two-dimensional factory—I was orchestrating a multi-layered, three-dimensional machine.
This depth of gameplay is where Shapez 2 truly shines. The game challenges you to think both vertically and horizontally, optimizing your factory’s layout to maximize efficiency. And just when you think you’ve mastered a particular aspect of the game, it introduces a new wrinkle, like trains that can transport large quantities of shapes across different platforms. These trains aren’t just a simple transportation upgrade—they fundamentally change how you approach the game, forcing you to rethink your designs on a macro scale.
Polished, Even in Early Access
Despite being in Early Access, Shapez 2 feels remarkably polished. The tutorial does an excellent job of introducing the complex mechanics in a way that’s easy to understand, yet it doesn’t hold your hand for too long. I found myself quickly grasping the basics, but the game’s depth ensured that I always had something new to learn or optimize.
There were a few moments where the interface left me slightly confused—like when I first started using trains and couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t carry multiple shapes. But these instances were rare, and I had to remind myself that the game is still in development. Overall, the level of polish and attention to detail in Shapez 2 is impressive, especially considering its Early Access status.
Visuals
One of the most striking aspects of Shapez 2 is how beautiful it looks and sounds. The game’s aesthetic is clean and vibrant, with smooth lines and bright colors that make the factory-building process feel almost meditative. Watching shapes move along conveyor belts in perfect unison, being sliced, stacked, and painted, is oddly satisfying, and the animations add a sense of dynamism that keeps the visuals from becoming stale.
The soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly. It’s a collection of calming, melodic tunes that play softly in the background, enhancing the game’s relaxed atmosphere. While the music can become a bit repetitive after extended play sessions, it never becomes annoying. Instead, it serves as a gentle backdrop to the hours I spent lost in the game’s intricate systems.
Verdict
In the end, Shapez 2 is more than just a sequel, honestly it’s a masterclass in automation game design. It takes the core mechanics of the original game and expands on them in ways that feel both natural and innovative. The game offers a deep, layered experience that rewards careful planning and creative problem-solving, all packed up in a polished package that’s a joy to play.
Shapez 2: If you’re into factory-building games or just enjoy a good puzzle, Shapez 2 is definitely worth playing. It really captures the appeal of automation and makes you appreciate it too. Even though it’s still in Early Access, it already stands out among similar games, and I can only imagine it getting even better with future updates. – Tom Henry
