Hammerting

The grinding aspect of the game has received largely negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, laborious, and often frustrating due to poor AI, complex crafting systems, and micromanagement requirements. Many reviewers noted that the game feels excessively grindy, particularly in the early stages, and that the lack of engaging content leads to a sense of monotony. While some updates have improved certain mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the game still requires significant refinement to reduce the grind and enhance enjoyment.

The game's optimization is severely lacking, particularly in the late game, where performance drops significantly, leading to lag and unresponsive AI. Players report numerous bugs, stuttering, and issues with pathfinding and task management, making it difficult to maintain larger colonies. Overall, the game is described as unpolished and in desperate need of optimization and quality-of-life improvements, with many expressing doubt about future updates from the developers.

The stability of the game is widely criticized, with many users reporting it as unfinished and plagued by numerous bugs and glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players have experienced only minor issues, the overall consensus is that the game feels abandoned and is not currently in a playable state, with game-breaking problems and frequent crashes being common complaints. Despite its potential, many reviewers recommend waiting for future updates before considering a purchase.

The music in the game is generally praised for its calming and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall atmosphere and visual style. While some players find it repetitive and occasionally melancholic, many appreciate its pleasantness and how it complements the game's lighthearted setting. There are suggestions for a more diverse soundtrack, particularly one that aligns with the dwarven theme, to add variety over extended play sessions.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beautiful graphics and chill music, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of a Tolkien-inspired dwarven society. Players appreciate the art style and the engaging environment, which enhances gameplay elements like managing dwarfs and navigating different biomes. Overall, the atmosphere is described as enjoyable and conducive to a fun gaming experience.

The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky and often absurd situations, such as dwarves falling into voids or engaging in comical antics like running back and forth without purpose. Players find amusement in the unpredictable behaviors of their dwarves, which can lead to both hilarious and frustrating moments, enhancing the overall experience despite occasional gameplay inefficiencies. The inclusion of random events, both serious and humorous, is suggested to further enrich the comedic aspect of the game.

Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable and see potential for improvement with future content, many express concerns about the current lack of content, customization options, and pacing issues that hinder replay value. Despite these criticisms, a few users note that the game has become more playable and interesting in its early access state, suggesting that there is some inherent replayability.

The monetization of the game has been criticized as a potential cash grab, with concerns about the use of AI-generated art and unrelated advertisements. However, some players acknowledge the developers' active engagement and passion, suggesting that the early access approach is being handled properly and not purely for profit.

Reviewers note that the game features a strong emphasis on character development, drawing comparisons to "Oxygen Not Included" but with a greater focus on combat and interactions within a broader external world. This combination enhances the depth and complexity of character progression.