Substructure Borrows Factorio’s Look, Rewrites Its Rules

Substructure, a new automation game inspired by Factorio, reshapes the core gameplay loop of the genre, as highlighted in a Rock Paper Shotgun hands-on article. The opening quote captures the mixed feelings: “Some people like it, some people are annoyed by it.”

The writer from RPS notes that the game’s beginning will feel familiar to veterans of automation games. You touch down on an alien planet, similar to what Factorio players experience. These similarities are intentional, as Substructure draws inspiration from Wube’s renowned title.

However, the differences are what truly stand out. RPS points out that Substructure introduces significant changes to the automation gameplay. The divided reactions highlighted in the article reveal that these changes go beyond surface-level tweaks. The excerpt we have doesn’t specify the mechanics, so check out the full piece for more details.

Every game in this genre gets compared to Factorio. Wube’s game launched on Steam on August 14, 2020, and boasts a 98% positive rating from 146,836 reviews. Even years later, it has 13,357 concurrent players today. Any new contender needs to convince players to walk away from a factory they’ve fine-tuned.

This shift in gameplay comes with risks. Factorio’s fan base is dedicated and engaged, built on a specific kind of satisfaction that includes planning ratios, addressing bottlenecks, and scaling up operations. A game that changes these fundamentals will attract some players while leaving others frustrated. RPS’s headline indicates that Substructure is already achieving both reactions.

By The Numbers: The Benchmark (Factorio)

Release date	August 14, 2020
Steam reviews	98% positive (146,836 reviews)
Metacritic score	83
Current Steam price	$35.00
Current players	13,357

Community Pulse

The overall sentiment in Factorio’s community seems largely positive, and the reviews reflect why the genre’s standards are so high. One Steam reviewer with 400 hours stated, “400 hours into this game and I feel like a complete noob. I wouldn’t say I’m the most technically inclined.” This depth appeals to both newcomers and perfectionists, and it’s the benchmark Substructure has to meet, no matter the path it chooses.

What To Watch

• Which changes divide players. RPS reports mixed feelings. Keep an eye on whether complaints focus on specific mechanics or a broader departure from Factorio’s gameplay.
• Early player numbers and reviews. Factorio’s impressive 98% positive score sets a tough standard for any newcomer in the genre.
• Developer response. Automation games often evolve post-launch. Patches addressing controversial systems will indicate how strongly the developer supports its design choices.