A new automation programming game debuted on Steam a few days ago, and it caught my attention: the visuals of ABI-DOS are impressive, immediately suggesting an almost overwhelming depth to the circuit-based digital logic puzzles it's serving up. Here are some excerpts from the page describing the game, and the mesmerizing announcement trailer:
Build the most advanced operating system ever created! Can you master the fictional simulation language of this mind-bending machine? Design circuits, automate UBITS (coloured mobile data blocks), and optimize your system. The Admin is always watching, and he’s not what he seems.
By strategically placing wires and instruction blocks on a microchip, you manipulate inputs to achieve desired outputs—whether it’s fixing corrupted files, recovering damaged .png images, or simulating particle trajectories. ABI-DOS challenges you to meet strict specifications through inventive problem-solving.
In the realm of open-ended automation-puzzle games with lots of moving parts and a focus on creative solutions and optimization, there's really one big developer name that comes to mind these days: Zachtronics have been making and publishing programming and automation games for years, from old classics like Infinifactory to the relatively recent Last Call BBS. ABI-DOS made me think of their games straight away, and it's clear they were a big influence in the design.
I must admit that I'm not exactly an aficionado when it comes to the Zachtronics catalogue: sometimes this stuff just gets a little too mathy and programmer-y and deep for me to follow it all the way down the rabbit hole. (I know, I know, I'm showing weakness and committing Thinky Blasphemy.) But I am smart enough to know how much others in the community love these games, and this one felt like it was worth highlighting. I'll be curious to see if the reception of ABI-DOS puts it up alongside these time-tested favorites once people are really digging into the meat of the game's puzzles and systems.
You can get ABI-DOS on Steam now where it currently boasts a 15% launch discount, or try the free demo on the page first.
Disclaimer: Thinky Games is part of the Carina Initiatives and may have professional relationships with individuals and businesses related to the subject of this article. Please see our Editorial Policy for details.
