A Game About Digging A Hole

Developer: DoubleBee
Release: Feb 7th 2025
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
Addictive
Relaxing
Charming
Short
Grindy
A Game About Digging A Hole Poster

" Charming indie adventure with addictive digging and cozy atmosphere but short, repetitive gameplay "

A Game About Digging A Hole Review

A Game About Digging A Hole is a short, simple, and charming indie game centered on the relaxing and oddly satisfying act of digging a hole in your backyard. Players enjoy a cozy gameplay loop involving excavation, selling ores, and upgrading gear, with a lighthearted tone and humorous ending. The game typically takes between 1 to 4 hours to complete, with some players spending more time for achievements or exploration. While the graphics and sound design are modest, they effectively support the game's calming atmosphere. The game shines in its straightforward, addictive gameplay and smooth mechanics, with UE5 terrain technology praised for performance.

However, many players express disappointment over the game's brevity and limited content, wishing for more maps, decorations, upgrades, and challenges. Some technical annoyances like imprecise digging physics, minor clipping bugs, and a grindy upgrade system were noted. Despite these flaws, the game is widely considered worth its low price, especially during sales, and recommended for those seeking a relaxing, casual experience.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's simple yet addictive digging mechanics and the satisfying gameplay loop of excavation and upgrading. The use of Unreal Engine 5 terrain tech delivers smooth and stable performance, enhancing immersion. The game's cozy and quirky atmosphere, along with its humorous and surprising ending, adds charm. Achievements are accessible and encourage replayability. Many find the game relaxing and a great low-stress diversion, with some appreciating the nostalgic nod to classic mining games like Motherload. The sound design complements the mood well, creating an engaging, meditative experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's short duration, with many players completing it in under 3 hours and feeling it lacks sufficient content or depth. The upgrade system can feel grindy and expensive, detracting from enjoyment. Some report technical issues such as floating dirt pieces interfering with movement, dynamite clipping through rocks, and occasional bugs in item pickup. The ending, while humorous, is seen as abrupt and unsatisfying by some. The lack of resolution settings and limited map variety also reduce replay value. Several players expressed a desire for more varied gameplay elements and longer playtime.

Pros

  • Simple, addictive digging gameplay loop keeps players engaged and relaxed.
  • Smooth performance with Unreal Engine 5 terrain technology enhances immersion.
  • Accessible achievements encourage replayability without frustration.
  • Charming, cozy atmosphere with quirky humor and surprising ending.
  • Satisfying progression through upgrades and excavation.
  • Effective sound design complements the meditative gameplay experience.
  • Low price point makes it a worthwhile casual purchase.

Cons

  • Game is very short, often completed in under 3 hours.
  • Upgrade system is grindy and can feel expensive with limited payoff.
  • Floating dirt pieces cause imprecise digging and player frustration.
  • Dynamite mechanics sometimes buggy and less useful than expected.
  • Ending is abrupt and leaves some players unsatisfied.
  • Limited map variety and lack of additional content reduce replay value.
  • No resolution settings and minor technical annoyances reported.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

A minimalist game about digging a hole in the garden of a newly purchased house. Collect resources, sell them, upgrade your equipment and discover a mysterious secret. Costs you only one coffee!

Release Date Feb 7th 2025
Publisher rokaplay Bou·tique, Drillhounds
Developer DoubleBee
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (8,891)
91% Positive 9% Negative