Drill Down
- June 10, 2022
- Dakror
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Drill Down" is a mining and factory management game where you start by extracting resources from the surface and gradually dig deeper to discover new materials. With 100 different machines and 100 resources/products, you'll need to optimize your conveyor belts and processing chains to create highly advanced tech, such as computer chips. The procedurally generated world provides unique challenges and opportunities with each playthrough, offering about 30 hours of gameplay until you create your first chip.
PC
Phone
Windows
Xbox One
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Xbox
Reviews
- Drill Down offers a great value for an indie game, providing hours of engaging gameplay with a solid logistical optimization puzzle.
- The game features a unique 3D 'drill down' mechanic and a big tech tree, allowing for complex factory designs and resource management.
- The developer is responsive and actively working on improvements, with an active community and a sequel in the works.
- The PC controls and user interface are clunky and poorly optimized, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences with excessive mouse clicks required for basic actions.
- The game lacks polish, with basic graphics and a cumbersome menu system that can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- There are significant limitations in gameplay, such as no blueprints and a finite world space, which can lead to frustrating scenarios where players run out of resources.
- graphics16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as basic and functional, with a minimalist style that some players appreciate, while others find them reminiscent of older flash games. Although the visuals lack the polish and detail seen in similar titles like Factorio and Satisfactory, they are clear enough to support the gameplay. Overall, while the graphics may not impress everyone, they do not detract significantly from the game's core mechanics.
“The graphics could be a negative strike for some, but I enjoy the minimalist style of this one.”
“While the graphics are basic, everything is very clear.”
“The interface is crude, the graphics remind me of an old flash game, but the basic concept of factory building works fine.”
“If you put it head-to-head against the other games of this little genre (like Factorio and Satisfactory), then it doesn't have the graphical punch or the polish that those games bring.”
“Aside from the basic graphics, the UI can be pretty clunky.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Gameplay initially presents a challenge due to controls, but once players acclimate, it reveals a rewarding experience centered on factory management and logistical planning. While lacking external pressures or a strong narrative, the solid core mechanics developed by a single creator offer hours of engaging gameplay. Overall, perseverance through the early frustrations leads to a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
“Mind you, it was a bit frustrating to start, but after I got a better feel for the mechanics, man did this one end up shining up nicely.”
“On the other hand, this was developed by one person and the core mechanics are solid, providing hours of good logistical planning fun.”
“There are no gameplay reasons to worry (no external pressure like aliens), and there is no narrative structure to pull you along (just amorphous unlocking of techs).”
“There are no gameplay reasons to worry (no external pressure like aliens), and there is no narrative structure to pull you along (just amorphous unlocking of techs).”
- optimization4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its smooth performance and functional graphics, effectively presenting a compelling logistical optimization puzzle. Players appreciate the extensive tech tree and the engaging mechanics of moving products between fixed-size mining floors, contributing to a well-optimized experience overall.
“It presents a great logistical optimization puzzle.”
“It gets so many things right - a big tech tree, a nice hook (moving product between fixed size mining floors), runs smoothly, graphics are basic but functional.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is primarily focused on automation mechanics, appealing to players who prefer gameplay over narrative, as it lacks a significant story or enemies. It allows for a self-paced experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize gameplay over storytelling.
“It's a good automation game if you don't like story or enemies and instead want to work your way through things at your own pace.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is highly praised for its absence of advertisements, which enhances the overall user experience.
“No ads!!”
“No ads!!”
