Hydroneer

Hydroneer is a unique and engrossing mining sandbox game that puts you in the shoes of an industrious miner seeking to strike it rich. At its core, it's a game about digging deep into the earth, harvesting precious resources, and using those resources to build an increasingly complex network of machinery and structures to support your mining operation.

While the core gameplay loop is simple, it quickly becomes addictive as you strive to go deeper, dig more efficiently, and amass wealth. Also, something I haven't mentioned yet, is that Hydroneer is one of those sim games that likes to have a bit of fun with its subject. And by fun, I mean Powerwash Simulator levels of fun.

What immediately stands out about Hydroneer is its creative premise and the emphasis on hydraulic power as the driving force behind your mining empire. The ability to construct elaborate pipe networks to power your mining machines and tools feels novel and satisfying. Even the simple act of digging into the procedurally generated voxel terrain provides a surprising level of satisfaction that keeps you going hole after hole.

All in a Day's Digging

One of Hydroneer's biggest strengths is the ever-present sense of progression and the drive to expand your operation. What starts as a humble hole in the ground quickly grows into a sprawling industrial complex of pumps, pipes, filtering machines, and massive digging rigs.

The deeper you dig, the richer the rewards, constantly tempting you to burrow ever farther in search of rare ores and archaeological relics. It strikes a nice balance between simple resource gathering and the engaging complexity of optimizing your base of operations.

Like a less stressful take on games such as Factorio or Satisfactory, the fun comes from iterating on your designs and creatively solving the logistical challenges of shuttling resources from the mines to your base. Comparable to House Flipper in its sandbox-style gameplay, Hydroneer still carves out its own niche with its unique focus on hydro-powered mining.

Voxels and Jewels

The game's visual style is, for lack of a better word, rough. Though it's understandable why they had to go for a less detailed overall presentation, Hydroneer leaves a lot to be desired in the visuals department.

However, its saving grace comes in the form of glorious digital mud. Terrain deformation looks great, comparable to something like Snowrunner but with fewer stuck trucks. If you're a fan of physics-based games, Hydroneer is the sim for you.

Splash to Make Cash

While the mining and base-building aspects are excellent, Hydroneer's world itself could use a bit more personality and life. The environments, while pretty, can feel a bit sterile and lifeless at times. Some deeper interactions with the few NPCs or more dynamic world events could help liven things up when you need a break from digging.

Similarly, while the sound design is solid, with satisfying crunches as you drill into the earth, the soundtrack is a bit forgettable. A more atmospheric, dynamic soundtrack could add an extra level of immersion.

Despite these minor gripes, Hydroneer is an easy recommendation for fans of deep, creative sandbox games - especially those looking for something a bit different from the norm. It nails that sublime, addictive loop of gathering, crafting, and gradual escalation that makes this genre so appealing.

Pros

• Immensely satisfying digging and base-building gameplay
• Creative hydraulic power mechanisms
• Constant sense of progression

Cons

• The world lacks some personality and life
• Lackluster visuals
• Could use more gameplay hooks beyond mining

Please note that as I write this Hydroneer the game is still being worked on. I have spent many hours with this and it is easily the kind of game that I could see myself getting addicted to! It offers you some pretty interesting creative fun in a large open sandbox style world. This is the kind of game where you can turn it on with the intention of just playing it for 30 or so minutes and then the next time you look at the clock you realize two hours have passed!

The Gold Rush

A huge part of what made me want to try out Hydroneer was that it kind of reminded me of the Discovery Channel show, Gold Rush. Well, Gold Rush with bits of games like Factorio for good measure. The basics of what is going down here are that we are a simple miner that is looking for gold and other valuable resources so that we can sell them or make use of them so that we can grow our business and then find even more gold and resources so that we can sell and use those to make it even bigger. It is a very addictive loop, kind of like what Minecraft was like when I first played it all those years ago.

Digging For Gold

The actual digging and mining aspect of Hydroneer is pretty crazy. You can just start digging in the ground with your axe or pickaxe to start off with. However, you can eventually get really deep with large mine networks that feel like they go on forever. I do wish that the game offered a better tutorial here as I did learn a lot of what I did through trial and error. I will admit I used the shovel for way longer than I should have. Anyway, finding a pocket that is filled with valuable resources makes you feel amazing!

The Building Blocks Of Success!

Building and “crafting” is a huge part of what Hydroneer is all about. Remember how I name dropped Factorio a little while back? Well, in this game you can build these awesome hydro-powered machines that can make your mining life much easier by automating parts of it. I was very impressed by the vast number of things you could build in this game. I spent hours messing around with massive conveyer belts and all this epic mining equipment. The way you progress through the game is what ultimately makes it so very addictive to play. I will say that I did encounter the odd bug here and there, but as the game is still being worked on, I guess that is to be expected.

Pros:

• I love how you can create all these amazing “rigs”
• The progression of the game is very addictive
• Mining is a lot of fun and you never know what you are going to find next
• It is one of the more addictive mining/building sandbox style games I have played

Cons:

• As of writing the game is still being worked on
• I did encounter a few bugs, most annoyingly when a resource I had mined would not let me pick it up