Some Zachtronics games are more genuinely programming like as they include literal programming languages, and at least space for comments (TIS-100, Shenzen I/O, Hexapunks). That said, there’s always an “artificial limitations of the system” factor, as they’re going for emulating a certain kind of old time experience of working with very low level programs (assembly or very limited microcontrollers). I like them though I must say I almost never finish them as after a whole work day coding, my general idea of fun doesn’t tend to coincide with “even more coding, but made more frustrating on purpose”.
Some Zachtronics games are more genuinely programming like as they include literal programming languages, and at least space for comments (TIS-100, Shenzen I/O, Hexapunks). That said, there’s always an “artificial limitations of the system” factor, as they’re going for emulating a certain kind of old time experience of working with very low level programs (assembly or very limited microcontrollers). I like them though I must say I almost never finish them as after a whole work day coding, my general idea of fun doesn’t tend to coincide with “even more coding, but made more frustrating on purpose”.