This is a good collection of puzzle games in a nostalgic and comforting package. The puzzles are properly challenging, downright bastards of difficulty sometimes. But its just so charming I come back sometimes just to play solitare.
20th Century Food Court: 4 ☆
STEED FORCE Hobby Studio: 1.5☆
X’BPGH: 3☆
Sawayama Solitaire: 2.5☆
Dungeons & Diagrams: 3.5☆
ChipWizard™ Professional: 3.5☆
HACK*MATCH: 4☆ (buen temardo)
Kabufuda Solitaire: 2.5☆
STEED FORCE Hobby Studio: 1.5☆
X’BPGH: 3☆
Sawayama Solitaire: 2.5☆
Dungeons & Diagrams: 3.5☆
ChipWizard™ Professional: 3.5☆
HACK*MATCH: 4☆ (buen temardo)
Kabufuda Solitaire: 2.5☆
I love the little gundam maker
got this game from the humble bundle, the feel of the retro comupter matches and its great design - the minigames are definitely interesting and i realized that most zachtronic games are for people that love logic puzzles and i feel like this isnt 100% the game for me, but i can see the interest and i can tell they make great stuff for sure - the gundam maker and solitaire was cool
It's essentially a solitaire pack but way cooler, gave this to all my friends it's awesome
The presentation is beautiful, and the puzzles are quite fun, but also pretty hard. I mainly just played solitaire, but I finished a couple of the puzzle packs.
A fun collection of different kinds of puzzle games, each one having their own feel and mood to it done in the old computer ascetic. As you progressed though one of the 7 game you start to get background story about the creators witch was a nice touch and added more incentive to finish them.
The games throw you into the deep end in terms with how to play them, where you have to either go though the instruction manual or just have to figure it out on your own. Which kind of added to the charm of the whole thing.
Out of the 7 games I would say that dungeons and diagrams, and 20th century food court where the best ones. I'm blanking on the name at the moment, but the only game I did not complete was the Japanese arcade style game as the later levels in that got too frustrating.
Would recommend for anyone who likes challenging puzzle games.
The games throw you into the deep end in terms with how to play them, where you have to either go though the instruction manual or just have to figure it out on your own. Which kind of added to the charm of the whole thing.
Out of the 7 games I would say that dungeons and diagrams, and 20th century food court where the best ones. I'm blanking on the name at the moment, but the only game I did not complete was the Japanese arcade style game as the later levels in that got too frustrating.
Would recommend for anyone who likes challenging puzzle games.
Meaty, well designed puzzles, which give complete freedom within the limitations it provides. All puzzles are tricky, so I couldn't complete any one of the seven games except for the model mech builder, which is GOOD.
A puzzle collection with a great frame that makes it better than the sum of its parts.
Goofing around on an old, second hand computer gave me permission to play differently than I'd approach a mini game collection presented to me in a flat menu. Bouncing between games felt more like exploring than losing interest.
I really like how the rules of each game aren't immediately presented, and often times are intentionally incomplete. Figuring out how to play is the first puzzle of every game.
Goofing around on an old, second hand computer gave me permission to play differently than I'd approach a mini game collection presented to me in a flat menu. Bouncing between games felt more like exploring than losing interest.
I really like how the rules of each game aren't immediately presented, and often times are intentionally incomplete. Figuring out how to play is the first puzzle of every game.
Beautiful and vibrant set of puzzle games, with a theming to die for, and a solution to the problem that plagues the genre: what do you do when you get stuck? Just play one of the other eight games in the BBS, of course!
Unfortunately eventually you finish the games you can finish and you're still stuck, and the two games in this collection that are "classic zachtronics" – meaning, effectively coding puzzles in disguise – are each incredibly tricky. The one action game in the collection also failed to click for me, though it wasn't helped by being played on Steam Deck without an appropriate control scheme.
Unfortunately eventually you finish the games you can finish and you're still stuck, and the two games in this collection that are "classic zachtronics" – meaning, effectively coding puzzles in disguise – are each incredibly tricky. The one action game in the collection also failed to click for me, though it wasn't helped by being played on Steam Deck without an appropriate control scheme.
Every element of this is so clearly crafted with ingenious care and charm: the “dumped on an old desktop” opening that left me to poke around and find the games on the BBS, the diegetic hardware noises lightly grinding and humming away as I interact with the desktop, the quiet drama and characterization of each minigame’s creator spooled out in the notes app as I advance through their respective levels, the subtle autobiographic reflection of Zachtronics themselves seen in the notes, the impeccable visual design of everything. The presentation of all of it adds up to something incredible, even if the puzzles themselves were just okay.
And then the puzzle minigames are a joy to play. Each one is inventively high-concept and poses its own distinct challenge, usually around some sort of programming concept. I’ve finished half of the minigames and look forward to chipping away at the remaining puzzles in the other games as I’m able. Their diversity is a pleasure to bounce between when one has me stumped, and when I’m totally frazzled there’s always the oddly tactile satisfaction of the Steed Force model building app.
Chip Wizard in particular blew my mind. It’s essentially a streamlined CAD program for low-level IC design that strips away the inhibitory math of an upper-level engineering course to reveal the more broadly approachable design puzzles contained within. At the same time, it does a way better job of casually but clearly showing functional IC design concepts (like the difference between NPN and PNP transistors) than a semester or two of most related college courses.
And then the puzzle minigames are a joy to play. Each one is inventively high-concept and poses its own distinct challenge, usually around some sort of programming concept. I’ve finished half of the minigames and look forward to chipping away at the remaining puzzles in the other games as I’m able. Their diversity is a pleasure to bounce between when one has me stumped, and when I’m totally frazzled there’s always the oddly tactile satisfaction of the Steed Force model building app.
Chip Wizard in particular blew my mind. It’s essentially a streamlined CAD program for low-level IC design that strips away the inhibitory math of an upper-level engineering course to reveal the more broadly approachable design puzzles contained within. At the same time, it does a way better job of casually but clearly showing functional IC design concepts (like the difference between NPN and PNP transistors) than a semester or two of most related college courses.
A collection of interesting in unique puzzle games with an awesome presentation. Easy recommendation for any fan of puzzle games.
So long, and thanks for all the puzzles.
This game is currently in the Humble Choice for December 2023, and this is part of my coverage of the bundle. If you are interested in the game and it's before January 2nd, 2023, consider picking up the game as part of the current monthly bundle.
The final new title from Zachtronics
Last Call BBS came out last year. It was a bit of a surprise, being announced as Zachtronics’ final release. While they did release a solitaire collection after this, this is more of a collection of the games that never got made. There are 7 unique titles here, and they range from a game where you lay out metal for a chip, a game where you automate a kitchen and a game where you build Gundam models, which is far more interesting than it should be.
But ultimately this is Zachtronics, it’s all the same negative. It’s a game built for a programmer or logic mindset, and while I love that, it’s not going to appeal to most players. There’s a good amount of content but a few games feel a little short, mostly the Gundam models or at least legally-distinct-giant-mecha models, I just want a hundred of them. Also, this feels like prototypes the studio made and never built for a full game. It’s not a huge negative but feels a bit like leftovers.
Pick this up if you enjoy Zachtronics games. I keep saying this and this is absolutely another for that pile. I adore this company, I said goodbye to them when this game came out, and looking at this once more gives me a lot of nostalgia. I would highly recommend checking this out if you ever enjoyed any of their games. And I know of their new company Coincidence, I can’t wait to see what happens with them.
If you enjoyed this review or want to know what I think of other games in the bundle, check out the full review on or subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/FzxvEceV60k
The final new title from Zachtronics
Last Call BBS came out last year. It was a bit of a surprise, being announced as Zachtronics’ final release. While they did release a solitaire collection after this, this is more of a collection of the games that never got made. There are 7 unique titles here, and they range from a game where you lay out metal for a chip, a game where you automate a kitchen and a game where you build Gundam models, which is far more interesting than it should be.
But ultimately this is Zachtronics, it’s all the same negative. It’s a game built for a programmer or logic mindset, and while I love that, it’s not going to appeal to most players. There’s a good amount of content but a few games feel a little short, mostly the Gundam models or at least legally-distinct-giant-mecha models, I just want a hundred of them. Also, this feels like prototypes the studio made and never built for a full game. It’s not a huge negative but feels a bit like leftovers.
Pick this up if you enjoy Zachtronics games. I keep saying this and this is absolutely another for that pile. I adore this company, I said goodbye to them when this game came out, and looking at this once more gives me a lot of nostalgia. I would highly recommend checking this out if you ever enjoyed any of their games. And I know of their new company Coincidence, I can’t wait to see what happens with them.
If you enjoyed this review or want to know what I think of other games in the bundle, check out the full review on or subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/FzxvEceV60k
Eight games at once? Just release eight games! Better luck next time "Zach Tronics"!
i'm too dumb for some of the late game stuff but damn this game is great
classic zachtronics
Jogue só o minigame de montar gunplay 😆
Funny game. I only played Solitaire because it is the only game I understand . It would have probably been funnier if my IQ was higher than 5.
pretty awesome concept, i do wish the computer/bbs aspects came into play more often once you have all the games, my brain isnt smart enough for most of the games so i just played 20 hours of solitaire
The end of Zachtronics. I’m going to need a moment.
I love Zachtronics games. Everything from Spacechem to Exopunks, so it’s no surprise I’m very happy with Last Call BBS, even if it’s different. Instead of a standard game with a primary focus, Last Call BBS has the player dialing into a BBS and downloading various games. There’s everything from the squelch of the modem, to waiting for files to download, and a timer before players can download the next file.
Last Call BBS has nine apps that players can try out, one of them is an entertaining model builder, but the other 8 are puzzle games in style fans of Zachtronics might recognize, there are two games of solitaire, of course, but there are a solid logic puzzle game, an automation builder, and a circuit diagram game. These are extremely nerdy games, but each of the modules here brought me some joy.
The truth is Last Call BBS is probably what’s left over from Zachtronics, this is going to be the studio’s final new game, they’ll be releasing all their solitaire variants in one more title at the end of the year and the studio is closing and going their own way. But each of the 8 mini-games here feels substantial enough that it’ll give fans of Zachtronics enough for one last hurrah and I bought this on day one on Steam because I’m a die-hard fan of the studio and I wanted to complete my collection, and I don’t regret it at all.
Pick this up if you like logic games, or enjoyed Zachtronics titles before. I’ve always thought of Zachtronics as a studio that makes games for programmers. The games here are puzzle games with a lot of clever bells and whistles, and they also will push the player to try to optimize their solutions, but ultimately, it’s a great experience. As I said, It’s a very nerdy game, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you want to see more from me: Check out my video on this month of Game Pass games: https://youtu.be/2fKlHHe39kE
I love Zachtronics games. Everything from Spacechem to Exopunks, so it’s no surprise I’m very happy with Last Call BBS, even if it’s different. Instead of a standard game with a primary focus, Last Call BBS has the player dialing into a BBS and downloading various games. There’s everything from the squelch of the modem, to waiting for files to download, and a timer before players can download the next file.
Last Call BBS has nine apps that players can try out, one of them is an entertaining model builder, but the other 8 are puzzle games in style fans of Zachtronics might recognize, there are two games of solitaire, of course, but there are a solid logic puzzle game, an automation builder, and a circuit diagram game. These are extremely nerdy games, but each of the modules here brought me some joy.
The truth is Last Call BBS is probably what’s left over from Zachtronics, this is going to be the studio’s final new game, they’ll be releasing all their solitaire variants in one more title at the end of the year and the studio is closing and going their own way. But each of the 8 mini-games here feels substantial enough that it’ll give fans of Zachtronics enough for one last hurrah and I bought this on day one on Steam because I’m a die-hard fan of the studio and I wanted to complete my collection, and I don’t regret it at all.
Pick this up if you like logic games, or enjoyed Zachtronics titles before. I’ve always thought of Zachtronics as a studio that makes games for programmers. The games here are puzzle games with a lot of clever bells and whistles, and they also will push the player to try to optimize their solutions, but ultimately, it’s a great experience. As I said, It’s a very nerdy game, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you want to see more from me: Check out my video on this month of Game Pass games: https://youtu.be/2fKlHHe39kE
learning that this is Zachtronics last game and yet it's the very first game I played by them is very sad. don't know why but looking at their old stuff seems neat hope to play them
GOTY
какой-то вообще сюровый экспириенс, типа ты на своем компе как будто запускаешь эмулятор какого-то ретро несуществующего компа с операционкой и несколькими программами и играми. Ты буквально качаешь там эти проги с сайта и тп (внутри игры). Среди игр есть например японские карты ханафуда - интересная интерпритация пасьянса и симулятор сборки пластиковых моделей роботов из гандама, в сборке роботов я хз сколько часов провёл, меня буквально затянуло, там настолько проработано всё, это буквально симулятор. С прохождением уровней в играх тебе открываются записки чела который эту всю операционку создал, в которых он рассказыает о жизни своей и это как-то ностальгично и приятно читать. Очень понравилось, очень странно, класс ваще.
Admiro tudo da zachtronics, pena que sou muito burro pros jogos deles.
I've given up for now because my save doesn't seem to be taking, I can only assume this is my sponging ass using gamepass to play this, me and gamepass? We don't get along so good sometimes.
Putting that aside what a game! looks and acts like an older PC model when things weren't yet set in stone, reminding me a lot of hypnospace outlaw, hearkening back to the early internet era but without trying to perfectly replicate it.
Theres something about nostalgia when it's....not trying to be perfect....for some reason thats better? I'm not sure why.
The game selection available here is fantastic, I've discovered I'm bad at (both) types of solitare, I can't build food assembly factories to save my life and my brain melted trying to map out dungeons, the gunpla game was the icing on the cake, I've had a fun time with this one, highly recommend it.
Putting that aside what a game! looks and acts like an older PC model when things weren't yet set in stone, reminding me a lot of hypnospace outlaw, hearkening back to the early internet era but without trying to perfectly replicate it.
Theres something about nostalgia when it's....not trying to be perfect....for some reason thats better? I'm not sure why.
The game selection available here is fantastic, I've discovered I'm bad at (both) types of solitare, I can't build food assembly factories to save my life and my brain melted trying to map out dungeons, the gunpla game was the icing on the cake, I've had a fun time with this one, highly recommend it.
I like how it's framed through a retro computer, and the presentation is generally pleasing. The actual games are a mixed bag, some are fun some aren't. My favourite was the gunpla builder.
I'm not even close to having played every puzzle in Last Call BBS, but man have I enjoyed this Zachtronic's last hurrah. It's the end of an era, but what an era it was.
Como cada juego de Zachtronics, me siento idiota jugándolo.
Cool collection of games with a very pleasant style reminiscent of an age I didn't experience. The games themselves were a bit of a mixed bag for me since half the games were too complex or difficult for my peanut brain but I got more than enough enjoyment out of the solitaires, dungeons and diagrams, and the model builder.