This is cute, and I had fun, but this is [i]really[/i] hard to recommend. I don't think I've seen an attempt at a Lisp-like programming game, but there's just... not enough here. [i]Alan's Automaton Workshop[/i] is a similar idea: Drag-and-drop a program into place in a neat tree-like structure, though obviously a Turing Machine is a different approach than a Lambda Calculus. But [i]Alan's[/i] has a full-blown visual novel. Aside from the state-machine tree, it has a ton of components to wire together, all of which have their own sounds. It has some pretty solid background music. Even the 'tree' part has more to it -- it's not a tree, it's a graph, and you can freely rearrange the nodes, copy/paste, add comments, and otherwise handle much larger programs. It took me 25 hours. But maybe that's an unfair comparison, maybe you can't get that much artwork... or maybe you want a minimalist aesthetic... Except then there's [i]TIS-100[/i], which looks and feels like an old DOS-era machine,...
Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program!
- Release Date:
- Aug 9, 2024
- Developer:
- Bit Twiddle Games
- Publisher:
- Bit Twiddle Games
- Platforms:
- Windows Mac Linux
Game Tags
About This Game
Welcome to Lambda Spellcrafting Academy!
Follow along with Professor Whiskers as you learn to combine your magic cards to create your own spells(programs).
Each card features a unique ability, or represents some real world object. Arrange your cards to construct elaborate spells to solve magic themed puzzles. Shrink objects, make them float, open locks, and more!
Learn real programming
The system used in this game focuses on core programming concepts. After playing through the game, you will be ready to apply your new problem solving ability to nearly any programming language you wish to use outside of the game.Programming should be fun
See the results of your spells immediately, with a checklist that updates as you change your spell. Want to take a closer look? Cast your spells and watch the magic rules play out, so you can detect issues and also develop a better understanding of how things work.Nothing to memorize
Some programming tools require you to memorize a bunch of syntax rules as well as a long list of special words. At Lambda Spellcrafting Academy, you build your spells/programs by arranging your hand of magic cards. Everything you need is in front of you, you just need to figure out how to put them together.Lessons and Puzzles included
New concepts are taught through small lessons and a little puzzle to help you apply your learning. By participating actively in your learning, you will better understand and learn more quickly.Multiple solutions to each puzzle: Unleash your creativity
Unlike some puzzle games, there are many solutions to each puzzle. You are free to solve the puzzle in any way that works. Unleash your creativity as you develop various different approaches.Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. I've never programmed before. Will this be too hard for me?
- A. You don't need to know anything before getting started :) The levels start from the complete basics, and slowly work up to new ideas. If you're already familiar with programming, the game gives you an opportunity to work with a functional / LISP inspired language and have fun while doing it.
- Q. Does this cover every programming language?
- A. The programming system used in the game focuses on general problem solving techniques, rather than a specific programming language. After playing through the game you should be able to easily apply your new abilities to most programming languages, including Javascript / Python / Ruby and more.
- Q. I like puzzles but I dont want to program. Will I enjoy this game?
- A. If I didn't tell you it was a programming game, you might not even notice ;) Programming is really just problem solving, and I think I've made the experience pretty fun. Feel free to try the demo and see what you think.
Screenshots
User Reviews
Bought this game since there was only one review and wanted to support a seemingly solo developer who had a concept that looked interesting (to be clear, I do not know the dev, I just like supporting the indie scene). Overall I'd say it's a pretty fun programming game! Early access but seems like it's actively and frequently getting updated. Give the demo a try at least - some QOL stuff that could certainly be improved and plenty of room to add more content, but there's definitely a good foundation here to build off of. Essentially, you can tell from the screenshots (and from the name being a reference to lambda functions), this is just a tree-based programming game, and I compare it to infix programming - everything is a node in a tree. Works on steam deck.
good game
Really good and neat mechanic! I think this could help a lot of people learn programming.
The dev was really helpful when I reached out on the discord for assistance with a logic problem. I never ended up understanding it, but if you go into this game ready to learn LIST specifically, then this is a great game for you.
System Requirements
Minimum
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS *: Windows 7 or later
- Processor: 1.0 ghz single core or better
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Additional Notes: 1280x720 resolution or higher
Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
FAQ
How much does Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! cost?
Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! costs $19.99.
What are the system requirements for Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program!?
Minimum: Minimum: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system OS *: Windows 7 or later Processor: 1.0 ghz single core or better Memory: 1 GB RAM Additional Notes: 1280x720 resolution or higher Recommended: Recommended: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
What platforms is Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! available on?
Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! is available on Windows PC, macOS, Linux.
Is Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! worth buying?
Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! has 80% positive reviews from 5 players.
When was Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! released?
Lambda Spellcrafting Academy - Learn to Program! was released on Aug 9, 2024.
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