Signal Simulator offers an interesting concept but falters with an obtuse, mind-numbingly slow gameplay loop. With scares and story events being too few and far between, the experience is more tedious than tense, and is largely overshadowed by its successor, Voices of the Void.
Signal Simulator places the player in the role of an operator at a remote desert research outpost. The primary objective is to search for, identify, and download anomalous signals from deep space using a complex array of equipment. This process involves multiple steps, from initially detecting a potential signal on a laptop to calibrating large satellite arrays to pinpoint its exact origin. The gameplay loop demands careful attention to coordinates, frequencies, and signal strength, simulating the methodical work of a radio astronomer.
The experience is defined by its deliberately slow pacing. Finding and capturing a single signal is a time-consuming endeavor, filled with moments of waiting for progress bars to fill or for massive satellite dishes to reposition. This creates a core loop of hurrying up and waiting, where moments of activity are punctuated by long periods of inactivity. While players can earn money to upgrade their systems and slightly speed up the process, the initial grind is substantial. The game even includes a feature to import video files, acknowledging that players may want other entertainment while they wait.
While the isolated desert setting and the mystery of the signals aim to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense, significant events are extremely few and far between. The tedium of the core tasks often overshadows the potential for horror, as scares and narrative developments are rare occurrences. This design choice makes Signal Simulator a polarizing title. It serves as a foundational concept for other games in the genre, most notably inspiring the development of Voices of the Void, but its own execution results in an experience that prioritizes methodical simulation over sustained engagement, appealing primarily to a niche audience that values realism and patience.
