Gate

By: Derek Yu

On: January 23rd, 2009

In Quinn Dunki’s Gate, which is based on the classic PC game Robot Odyssey, the object in each of the 30 levels is to design circuitry to navigate a robot from its starting point to the exit. The robot has thrusters and sensors on all four sides – these can be connected to each other and to the various logic gates (AND, OR, etc.) that are introduced as you progress. It’s a great way to learn basic digital logic and an entertaining puzzle game, to boot. (The game also comes with a level editor.)

As was mentioned in this TIGForums thread, Gate suffers from a notable absence of any kind of audio, as well as a slightly unintuitive interface. It’s not terrible, but it could be improved substantially with a few small changes. Personally, I would like to be able to drag n’ drop logic gates onto the screen, and be able to rotate a gate immediately afterwards. A “Clear Circuit” button and a more obvious indication of how to delete gates would be nice, too (you have to drag them to the menu bar).

Regardless, I had a great time with the game, and for fans of logic puzzles, it shouldn’t be passed over. I think Gate should be requisite homework for introductory Electrical Engineering courses. Show your professors!

TIGdb: Entry for Gate