Mountaincore
- May 18, 2023
- Rocket Jump Technology
Mountaincore is a colony-building game set in a deeply simulated fantasy world, where you manage the needs and desires of your settlers while harvesting natural resources and crafting useful items. The game features dynamic weather and seasons, a deep crafting tree, and the option to battle monsters or play in peaceful mode. Twitch integration and future plans for adventuring parties add to the experience.
Reviews
- The game has a lot of potential and offers a charming colony-building experience reminiscent of Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld.
- The developers are active and responsive to player feedback, frequently releasing updates and addressing bugs.
- Gameplay is enjoyable and engaging, with a solid core loop that keeps players invested despite its early access status.
- The game has been abandoned by the developers, with no updates or communication since June 2023, leading to concerns about its future.
- Many players have reported significant issues with the game's mechanics, including a flawed priority system and complicated production chains that hinder progress.
- The tutorial lacks depth and fails to adequately guide new players, resulting in a steep learning curve and frustration.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its solid core loop, featuring a familiar tutorial and engaging mechanics typical of colony simulation games. Players enjoy the balance of exploration, survival, and industry management, with particular appreciation for the innovative import/export system that enhances logistics. Despite being in early access, the game shows promise with regular updates addressing gameplay issues, making it appealing to fans of similar titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld.
“Great start, nice gameplay loop.”
“So far I’ve been enjoying the gameplay of this early version.”
“It's when those mechanics come into play that things... break.”
“Pretty simple equation, and games have hammered this mechanic out where even an idiot should be able to get some crops started.”
“Even though the game is in early access, the core gameplay loop is solid: striking out with your 7 dwarves, building up and surviving your first winter to get migrants and managing an increasing complexity of industries, all the while anticipating the arrival of all sorts of fun.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics are reminiscent of titles like Prison Architect and RimWorld, featuring well-designed dwarves and environments. While the visuals are an improvement over the original Dwarf Fortress, some users suggest that the original game with a graphics pack may offer a better experience.
“With an art style very much in line with Prison Architect and RimWorld, you're introduced to some beautifully sculpted dwarfs and environments.”
“It's Dwarf Fortress with better graphics and no z-height.”
“Don't waste your money, buy the original and get a graphics pack.”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's story has been negatively impacted by the developer's announcement of bankruptcy and the cessation of updates, leading to concerns that it may never fully release. Users compare its narrative to an earlier version of RimWorld, suggesting a more engaging premise before the current issues arose. Additionally, the game is noted for its compatibility with Mac systems.
“This game is what RimWorld was before the war crimes took over the story - and it runs on Mac.”
“As of 1/14/24, there will be no more updates. The developer announced today that the new story about the publisher's bankruptcy means this game will never fully release.”
“This game is what RimWorld was before the war crimes took over the story.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding in the game involves a typical hunting and farming setup, with seasonal cycles influencing food production. This adds a layer of strategy to resource management, making the grinding experience feel more integrated into the gameplay.
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a deeply moving narrative that resonates with players, often evoking feelings of heartbreak and empathy throughout its development cycle.
“The game takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impact.”
“I was moved to tears by the depth of the characters and their stories.”
“The emotional weight of the narrative truly resonates with players.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as exploitative, with many users labeling it a cash grab that undermines its potential.
“Put a fork in the potential; this title is nothing but a glorified cash grab.”
“The monetization system feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, turning what could be a great experience into a constant money grab.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music, combined with the sounds of dwarves at work, creates a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the game's immersive experience and brings the world to life.
“The music mixed with the sound of the dwarves working is relaxing and makes the world feel alive.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of irony and dark comedy, as players find themselves laughing at their own misfortunes, particularly when their characters, like dwarves, face unexpected consequences.
“I'm both sad and laughing at my mistake, and that it was my dwarf that paid the price.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is currently in early access, leading to some bugs and optimization issues; however, many users still find it a worthwhile purchase despite these challenges.
“It is, obviously, in early access, so you will come across some bugs and optimization issues, but even so, it is a worthwhile purchase as it stands now.”
“It is, obviously, in early access, so you will come across some bugs and optimization issues.”
“The game suffers from significant performance problems that detract from the overall experience.”
“Despite its potential, the optimization is lacking, leading to frustrating gameplay and frequent crashes.”