AutoForge
- March 27, 2024
- Siege Games
- 15h median play time
Get on Steam"AutoForge is a single-player simulation game where you play as Otto, a magical golem, and build an automated factory using Mana-powered machines and farming to progress through a vast tech tree. Expand your world region by region, explore dangerous lands to find new resources, and defend your factory from enemy invasions in this grind-heavy 2D automation sandbox adventure."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Unique and interesting take on the factory builder genre, combining elements of Terraria and Factorio.
- The game is fun and addictive, with a satisfying gameplay loop that encourages exploration and automation.
- Active developer engagement with the community, providing quick fixes and updates based on player feedback.
- Lacks automation logic and has some confusing mechanics, making it difficult to set up efficient factories.
- The game is still in early access and has numerous bugs and quality of life issues that need addressing.
- Some players find the pacing slow and the tutorial lacking in clarity, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- gameplay27 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its satisfying loop and enjoyable blend of mechanics reminiscent of Factorio and Terraria, offering a unique experience in a visually appealing world. However, some players noted issues with the tutorial and certain mechanics that could be clearer, as well as a tendency towards grind rather than engaging gameplay. Overall, the game shows promise with its automation features and expansive tech tree, though it may benefit from further development and polish.
“Very satisfying gameplay loop, looking forward to playing more.”
“A wonderful blend of Factorio and Terraria, with excellent art, pacing, and mechanics.”
“The gameplay feels smooth and watching your factory grow feels satisfying in a way I wasn't expecting when I started.”
“In its current state, it's good for a decent amount of time and is more grind than gameplay, but that is what I was looking for when I bought this.”
“Some mechanics around animal husbandry are a bit difficult to penetrate or just need development.”
“The tech tree is easily unlocked and the gameplay loop becomes extremely simple very quickly.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game feature a charming 8-bit aesthetic that appeals to fans of retro visuals, with many praising the art style as cute and visually pleasing. However, some users express disappointment over the lack of graphics options and the game's limited visual depth compared to inspirations like Terraria and Starbound. Overall, while the art style is generally well-received, it may not resonate with everyone, and the absence of customization options is seen as a significant drawback.
“Fun and addicting automation formula with very nice art style and modern pixel graphics.”
“I absolutely love the art style, combined with factory building and exploring.”
“Aesthetics: the visual style is appealing, the theme is nice, you can generally tell what's going on.”
“Game has no graphics or resolution settings.”
“It's unacceptable to release a PC game in 2024 with no graphics options.”
“The similarities to Terraria end at the 2D graphics and exploration, and I think that's a shame.”
- grinding10 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely viewed as tedious and repetitive, with players expressing frustration over the lack of polish and user interface issues that hinder efficient building and automation. While some appreciate the depth of the production and farming systems, many feel that the overall experience is bogged down by slow progress and monotonous tasks, making it less enjoyable. However, a few users noted that certain elements, like early-game farming, are not overly grindy, suggesting a mixed experience depending on the gameplay phase.
“So far it has been excellent, not too grindy.”
“Feels boring, you dig the same dirt and stone, fight the same couple of enemies, your automation is super tedious to build and still slow as hell.”
“But it's clearly still missing a lot of polish with a lot of UI weaknesses that often make building frustrating and with little in the way of scaling improvements like blueprinting, copy-paste, deconstruct/reconstruct, mass deconstruct, and the like that are essential to avoid these kinds of games becoming tedious.”
“Normally that would be fine - expand and become more efficient, but the problem is it's just so tedious.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is presented through exploration and worldbuilding, creating an engaging environment that encourages players to uncover its mysteries. However, some users have noted issues with quest progression not updating and a lack of clear direction, leaving them uncertain about the overall narrative. Despite these concerns, there is enthusiasm for how the story is evolving and anticipation for future developments.
“The worldbuilding and the way the story seems to be unfolding through exploration are fantastic.”
“Can't wait to see how the story evolves!”
“I'm excited to continue playing this and see how the story unfolds.”
“I had several instances where the 'story progress' or 'quest log' did not update.”
“No story to explain what you need to be doing.”
“The map exploration feels a little clunky, but I get what they were going for trying to force you to build out specific automation types first and to make a bit of a guided storyline environment.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong optimization, with users reporting no crashes and smooth performance even in early access. Many have noted its polished state and lack of performance issues, contributing to an enjoyable experience reminiscent of Factorio.
“No crashes, good performance.”
“Really well polished even in early access; I've run into no performance issues so far, and it scratches that itch I've been missing from Factorio.”
“So far it runs smoothly, and I haven't had any problems.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players praising its quality and sound design. While the overall gameplay may have some shortcomings, the music stands out as a strong and enjoyable aspect of the experience.
“I do feel the sound design is great and I especially enjoy the music.”
“Very promising; love the music.”
“The idea of the game is good, the sprites are interesting and the music is good.”
- stability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with many players reporting minimal bugs and crashes during gameplay. However, some users feel that it still requires additional polish to enhance the experience and reduce frustration. While some have encountered issues, others have enjoyed a smooth experience over extended play sessions.
“The game isn't buggy or crashing frequently, which makes for a smoother experience overall.”
“While the game runs well most of the time, it could use a bit more polish to enhance stability.”
“I appreciate that the game rarely crashes, but there are moments where it feels like it could be more refined.”
“Too buggy for me unfortunately.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as funny and silly, contributing to its charm, and it is noted as an underrated experience that adds to its appeal.
“A funny, silly, and underrated robot game! :D”
“The humor in this game is absolutely delightful and keeps you laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game blends clever jokes with absurd situations, making every moment entertaining.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a well-crafted atmosphere that enhances the overall experience, complemented by an informative and engaging tutorial.
“The game has a really nice atmosphere, and the tutorial is very well made and educational.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game's wholesome and cutesy art style contributes to its emotional appeal, suggesting that a peaceful mode could enhance the overall experience by providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
