Miner: Dig Deep
- November 27, 2020
- Substance Games
- 4h median play time
"Miner: Dig Deep" is a mining and exploration game where you dig deep to acquire valuable resources, upgrade your equipment, and build an efficient mine layout. Explore randomly generated worlds, avoid hazards, and collect various gems and ores. Featuring gamepad support, new visuals, and sounds, the game encourages you to find your zen and enjoy the journey of mining.
Reviews
- Miner: Dig Deep is a nostalgic and relaxing game that many players fondly remember from their Xbox 360 days, providing a simple yet addictive gameplay loop.
- The game features charming graphics and sound effects, making it a pleasant experience to zone out and enjoy while mining for resources.
- It offers a good progression system with upgrades that keep players engaged, and the addition of a peaceful mode enhances its accessibility for casual play.
- The gameplay can become repetitive and lacks depth, with many players feeling that it doesn't offer enough content or replayability after completing it.
- Some players have reported frustrating mechanics, such as cave-ins and the difficulty of navigating lifts, which can lead to unexpected deaths.
- The game is considered overpriced for its short length, with some players feeling that it should be cheaper given the simplicity and limited gameplay.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a simple and straightforward mining mechanic that some players find satisfying, while others criticize it for being limited and repetitive, particularly due to frustrating lift mechanics that require frequent trips to the shop. Although the game lacks depth and narrative, it offers a fun and addictive experience, especially for younger audiences, with a solid progression system and a unique fuel mechanic that enhances exploration. Overall, while the gameplay may not appeal to everyone, it has a charm that resonates with fans of the genre.
“The fuel mechanic is in the form of a light source, which illuminates minerals and dangers like rocks around you.”
“Super satisfying to make an efficient mine without being bogged down by too many game mechanics.”
“Miner Dig Deep has a terrific gameplay loop that sees you digging ever deeper in search of riches, pausing only to return to the surface and sell your treasures.”
“Very limited gameplay; you spend a lot of time going to and from the shop on the surface due to frustrating lift mechanics.”
“Nothing happens, no story, there's absolutely no replayability, and apart from how incredibly easy it is to fall and die, it is very mundane and simple gameplay with no satisfaction or payoff at any time.”
“It plays like a very simple, easy fun little game for young kids, and not only does the gameplay reflect it, but I think how most of these positive reviews are written reflects it as well.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simple and nostalgic, with some improvements in resolution and art style compared to its original version. While the visuals are clean and functional, many users express a desire for a more modernized look or the option to choose between original and updated styles. Overall, the graphics are adequate for the gameplay but do not impress beyond their basic appeal.
“So happy to see that it has made a return with some graphic improvements.”
“This is an absolute classic Xbox Live Arcade game that I put many hours into on the Xbox 360; this is the same great game but with a higher resolution and sharper visuals.”
“Graphics are clean.”
“The visuals are plain and boring looking, yet nostalgic.”
“I wish they had updated the visuals to give a new generation feel, but they still slightly improved the art style.”
“The graphics are nothing to be wowed by, but it's a simple game and you can see exactly what it is offering by the trailer.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and nostalgic, featuring old sound effects that enhance the experience. However, some users find the repetition of the same track monotonous, and there are reports of the music cutting in and out during gameplay, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The music is relaxing.”
“It even has the old sound effects and music - it's the full package.”
“Has relaxing music, overall.”
“The same song plays over and over and over.”
“However, I have heard that the music cuts in and out sometimes.”
“I must note, music randomly stops playing a lot when I'm playing the game.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed, with some players finding it limited due to a lack of depth, while others appreciate the potential for multiple playthroughs, especially with varying experiences in different generations. Overall, it offers a fun and addictive loop, but may not sustain long-term engagement for everyone.
“Replayability, in my opinion, is extremely high, especially since each generation is different.”
“It's (sorta...) infinite!”
“Peaceful and replayable.”
“There is limited replay value in the sense that you can start a new game from scratch if you enjoy the game loop.”
“I'm not sure it has a whole lot of replay value, but maybe I'll go back and play through it again down the line.”
“There is no replayability and it is easy to finish.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant lack of narrative depth, with many players noting that the game features no engaging story or replayability, resulting in a mundane experience. Comparisons to other mining games highlight the absence of a compelling storyline, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The story is a masterpiece.”
“The narrative is captivating and keeps you engaged throughout the game.”
“The character development and plot twists make for an unforgettable experience.”
“Nothing happens, no story, there's absolutely no replayability and apart from how incredibly easy it is to fall and die, it is very mundane and simple gameplay with no satisfaction or payoff at any time.”
“I dig mining games like SteamWorld Dig, Minecraft, etc. It has very similar mining mechanics as SteamWorld Dig, but with no story.”
“Story: n/a.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game; while some find it excessive, others appreciate it as a means to prolong their enjoyment and earn rewards like gems. Overall, the necessity of grinding varies based on individual playstyles, with some players opting to engage in it more than others.
“So... much... grinding.”
“It can be grindy if you make it out to be, but very little is required.”
“I enjoy grinding in this game for gems because I don't want the game to end.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find that the game effectively captures a wide range of emotional states, making it versatile and relatable, similar to the experience offered by Kiwi 64.
“This game perfectly captures a wide range of emotional states, making it a truly immersive experience.”
“The emotional depth of the characters and story left a lasting impact on me.”
“I felt a strong connection to the narrative, which evoked a rollercoaster of emotions throughout my playthrough.”
- stability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game runs smoothly and reliably, with particular praise for its performance on the Steam Deck.
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes or glitches, providing a seamless experience.”
“I appreciate how stable the gameplay is; it never lags or stutters, even during intense moments.”
“The performance on the Steam Deck is impressive, allowing for a stable and enjoyable gaming experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization model has been criticized for its excessive microtransactions, which many users find frustrating and detrimental to the overall gameplay experience.
“Horrible microtransactions to play!”
“The monetization system feels exploitative and frustrating.”
“It's disappointing how much you have to spend to enjoy the game fully.”