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MHRD

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

MHRD is a hardware design game, in which you design various hardware circuits in a hardware description language. The hardware circuits you design get more complex as you go until you create a fully functional CPU design.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Puzzle

Pros

  • Educational and instructive on digital logic and cpu design
  • Engaging logical puzzles with progressive difficulty
  • Freedom to design and optimize circuits
  • Retro aesthetic and immersive sound design
  • Leaderboards for solution comparison

Cons

  • Short gameplay length with limited replay value
  • Minimal user interface and editor limitations
  • Lack of debugging tools and visualization
  • No multiplayer or social features
  • Some lag and input issues reported

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over designing circuits and solutions, with freedom to optimize and revise designs."

  • Competence
    5

    "Strong emphasis on mastering logic design, solving progressively complex puzzles, and receiving feedback on correctness."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes leaderboards and comparisons of solutions (e.g. NAND count) but competition is secondary to learning and puzzle solving."

  • Continuation
    -2

    "Game is relatively short and some players finish quickly; limited replay value beyond optimization."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players create and refine their own circuit designs from basic components."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; respectful and individual-focused."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a mental challenge and distraction, enjoying focused problem solving."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation to learn and solve puzzles."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying new circuit designs, testing optimizations, and exploring hardware description language."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Focused on known tasks and puzzles in a fixed progression rather than open-ended discovery."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Uses standardized textual hardware description language; minimal cosmetic customization or self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    -5

    "Grounded in realistic digital logic and hardware design concepts; no fictional or fantastical elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly individual gameplay."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong focus on learning digital logic, hardware design, and personal skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity components."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and problem solving; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; individual puzzle solving only."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate increasingly complex circuit components culminating in building a CPU."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find the logical puzzles relaxing, though others find it challenging and intense."

  • Sensation
    -3

    "Minimal sensory stimulation; text-based interface with simple sounds and retro aesthetic."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards provide some recognition for efficient solutions, but social status is limited."

  • Story
    -4

    "Minimal narrative or plot; focus is on technical puzzles rather than story immersion."

  • Strategy
    5

    "High mental challenge requiring logical reasoning, planning, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "Low suspense or risk; steady intellectual challenge without emotional highs or lows."

  • Value
    3

    "Players perceive good educational and entertainment value for the price despite short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or destructive gameplay; constructive and educational focus."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat elements; stable, low-risk puzzle environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026