On a recent evening, I found myself en route to a bar, yet my thoughts remained tethered to the world of work. A 45-minute subway ride had been consumed by my engrossing gameplay on the Steam Deck, specifically with Kaizen: A Factory Story. This innovative title from Coincidence, a studio birthed from the minds behind the renowned puzzle developer Zachtronics, transports players to 1980s Japan. Here, the challenge lies in optimizing product assembly lines to efficiently mass-produce items ranging from watches to coffee makers.
Engaging Puzzles and Automation
As I navigated the game, I became fixated on creating a streamlined camcorder assembly. The puzzles in Kaizen demand full cognitive engagement, compelling players to devise solutions that feel immensely satisfying upon completion. The gameplay unfolds primarily on green grids, where I am presented with an image of the desired product alongside the necessary components. My task is to connect these parts using various gadgets—arms, drills, and more—while also automating their functions through a series of programmed actions.
Initially, the process was straightforward; crafting a pair of binoculars was a delightful exercise in efficiency. By employing a simple two-step solution, I managed to attach an eyepiece to a barrel and then secure the barrel to a hinge. The satisfaction of watching my design come to life, complete with a green light signaling success, was exhilarating. Each completed puzzle transforms into a brief video, showcasing the fruits of my labor in a production line that feels reminiscent of classic engineering games from the late ’90s.
However, as I progressed, I encountered the complexities of assembling a camcorder. While welding the lens, microphone, and viewfinder to the camera body proved manageable, integrating a tape deck presented a formidable challenge. I devised a plan to cut a 3×4 square from the camera body, utilizing a series of cutters and an arm on a rail to achieve the necessary hollow space. Yet, the real conundrum lay in connecting the tape deck to the camera—a task complicated by my initial design.
As I walked to the bar, my mind raced with potential solutions. I envisioned new schematics on my imaginary green grid, contemplating whether to start anew or find a way to adapt my existing design. Suddenly, inspiration struck: what if I programmed the arm to maneuver the tape deck along a horizontal rail? This adjustment would allow me to drag the deck into position for welding, requiring only a minor addition to my plan. The urgency to test this theory grew, leading me to consider an excuse to step away once I arrived at the bar.
Despite my best efforts to focus on conversation, the puzzle lingered in my thoughts throughout the evening. Once back on the train, I eagerly executed my refined strategy, and the moment the green light illuminated my screen, I felt a surge of triumph.
The challenges continued to escalate as I ventured into the realm of fast fashion, grappling with the intricacies of cutting fabrics and rejoining them at unconventional angles to produce items like tube socks and jogging shorts. Each attempt required meticulous planning, often leading to the discovery of glaring flaws that necessitated a complete redesign. Yet, every moment spent in this creative endeavor brought me immense joy.
While the world may only witness the polished GIFs of my final products, the hours of brainstorming and problem-solving remain my own secret. Kaizen poignantly reflects on the decline of handcrafted goods in the age of mass production, while simultaneously celebrating the unseen engineers whose ingenuity fuels this magic. In the end, the essence of human creativity remains irreplaceable, transcending the boundaries of automation.
