Developer tobspr Games announced on August 16th that the factory automation simulation game “shapez 2]was officially announced, and the gameplay video was released. The corresponding platform of this work is PC (Steam), and it is scheduled to be released in early access in 2024.
Shapez 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed factory automation simulation game Shapez, which was released in 2020 and received “overwhelmingly positive” status in Steam user reviews. Among the works of the same genre, it specializes in factory construction elements, and while maintaining the gameplay that allows you to create a huge factory with a relatively simple system, this work shifts from 2D to 3D graphics. New mechanics have been introduced to take advantage of this.
In this work, a factory is built on an asteroid, and eventually it develops into a huge factory that spans multiple planets. At the factory, the geometric figures extracted as resources are processed, the target figure is created, and finally delivered to the HUB. For that reason, equipment such as cutting, rotating, overlapping, or painting in a specific color is arranged, and these are connected by belt conveyors to automate the work. No construction costs, no penalties. It is a gameplay that allows you to immerse yourself in factory construction that pursues efficiency.
The above-mentioned 3D graphics renovation is the biggest difference from the previous work. Not only does this make the visuals more beautiful, but it also makes it possible to construct a multi-layered factory, leading to a more compact facility. In the trailer, you can also check three-dimensional figures and processing equipment. According to the developer, even 3D graphics emphasize performance and do their best to ensure that the huge factory works smoothly without any problems.
Also, regarding the painting of figures, a new element called liquid agent will appear. On the planet, you can find liquids of three primary colors (red, blue, green), etc. By building pumps and pipelines, it is possible to pump up the liquids and transport them to the factory. Then, mix multiple liquids to create the desired color and paint the figure. Various related facilities such as storage of liquid agents and transportation between planets will also be prepared.
In addition, we plan to add new shapes with unique characteristics and logic, renew the technology tree that can unlock buildings, machines, and upgrade functions, and improve various UIs. It also includes the ability to save factory designs as blueprints and share them with other players.
“shapez 2” is available on PC (Steam) will be released in early access in 2024. At the start of distribution, about 25 hours of content will be prepared, and as development progresses, content will be added, railway elements will be introduced, and mods will be supported. The official release is expected to take at least a year. Also, according to the Steam store page, it seems that the game will also support Japanese display.
