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Drilling in Lumencraft Is More Than Satisfying

7K View2023-03-21

On March 1st, the indie game Lumencraft ended its early access phase and officially launched. This game is a blend of top-down rogue-like shooting and base-building with tower defense elements. What sets Lumencraft apart is its drilling system, which adds a unique and satisfying gameplay mechanic.

Drilling through the underground, I was enjoying listening to the sweet sound of crushed rocks and Lumen, but all of a sudden, I knew I was doomed.

Lumencraft's drilling mechanics offer a familiar top-down digging experience, where players operate a drilling machine to excavate tunnels through terrains and gather valuable resources. The gameplay is straightforward yet engaging, with the drilling machine's tactile feedback allowing players to sense the varying hardness of the materials they encounter. As players advance through the game and upgrade their equipment, they can tackle tougher rocks and minerals as if a hot knife through butter, unlocking a satisfying sense of progression and achievement.

A gif shows the player is trying to stop the lava by using a foam gun.

One of Lumencraft's standout features is its seamless integration of drilling gameplay and base-building mechanics. As players progress through the game, they must construct numerous buildings, such as research labs for developing new technologies, workshops for crafting weapons, and turrets to defend their base. Building these structures requires more than just resources - players must also strategically clear enough space with their drill to accommodate them. With complete freedom to choose which direction to dig and expand their base, players have full control over the growth and development of their operations.

The base-building in Lumencraft has great freedom.

Expanding the base presents another challenge for players: every so often, a wave of enemies will charge toward the player's base, attempting to tear it apart. To defend against these attacks, players can construct walls and turrets. The tricky part is if they expand their base too quickly, they may find themselves lacking the resources to protect every line.

Furthermore, resources on the Lumencraft map are not infinite. Players must venture deep into the darkness to uncover more valuable veins of ore and a precious gem named Lumen. Along the way, they may stumble upon surprises. There might be treasure boxes with useful equipment or entire abandoned bases just behind the hard rough rock they dug through.

However, they must also remain cautious, the tunnel players dug can also be the attacking route for the enemies. And a greedy miner may unwittingly awaken a powerful monster or unearth a vein of ore containing devastating magma, sharing the same fate as the dwarves of Moria from The Lord of the Rings. This adds an element of risk to the game, encouraging players to weigh the potential rewards against the potential dangers before diving headfirst into their adventure.

Some monsters are tough and players better avoid them in the early stage of the game

Fortunately, Lumencraft offers a range of difficulty options to suit different players' preferences. Beginners can opt for easier modes that provide abundant starting resources and a bonus for digging. Meanwhile, the "Cave Overlord" mode awaits brave challengers who are up for a real test of skill. This mode offers no starting resources and imposes a significant penalty for digging. With these different options, players can tailor their gameplay experience to their own skill level and preferences.

Lumencraft is an exciting and challenging game that requires strategic planning, resource management, and a willingness to explore the uncharted underground. With its unique blend of mining, crafting, and tower defense elements, Lumencraft offers a gameplay experience that is both engaging and rewarding. The randomly generated map and the support of the workshop ensure that no two playthroughs are the same. So, gear up and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure deep into the heart of the Lumencraft world.

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