Fill Up The Hole
" Addictive indie simulation with satisfying incremental gameplay but frustrating restart requirements "
Fill Up The Hole Review
Fill Up The Hole is a charming and addictive incremental clicker/idler game that offers a satisfying gameplay loop centered around upgrading and managing resources to fill a hole. Players appreciate its unique mechanics, engaging visual feedback, and a blend of active and idle elements that keep the experience fresh. The game is relatively short, typically providing 2 to 5 hours of playtime, with some replayability through different upgrade paths and endings.
The developer is notably active, having added features like an Endless mode and quality-of-life improvements post-launch. However, a major point of contention is the forced complete restart to access alternate endings, which many players find frustrating and unnecessary. Despite some balance issues, minor bugs, and a lack of deeper endgame content, the game is widely recommended for its price point and enjoyable core gameplay, especially for fans of incremental games seeking a neat, bite-sized experience.
Highlights
Players praise the game’s satisfying gameplay mechanics, including the upgrade system and the balance between idle and active play. The visual feedback and cute art style are frequently noted as appealing and relaxing. The game’s progression system encourages experimentation with different builds and strategies, enhancing replayability. Additionally, the developer’s responsiveness and quick updates, such as adding an Endless mode, are appreciated by the community. The soundtrack and overall presentation contribute positively to the laid-back, enjoyable atmosphere.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the forced restart to view alternate endings, which disrupts player flow and enjoyment. The endgame is considered short and somewhat shallow, with many upgrades and buildings feeling underutilized or irrelevant by the late stages. Some players find the upgrade tree confusing and the mini-game mechanics clunky. There are minor technical issues like occasional UI annoyances, lack of a pause button, and performance drops in late game. Overall, the game could benefit from more content, better balance, and improved quality-of-life features to enhance longevity and player satisfaction.
Pros
- • Satisfying and addictive incremental gameplay loop with engaging mechanics.
- • Cute and relaxing art style with appealing visual feedback.
- • Developer is responsive and actively updates the game.
- • Good balance between idle and active play styles.
- • Affordable price for the amount of fun offered.
- • Multiple upgrade paths encourage experimentation and replayability.
- • Endless mode added to extend gameplay beyond main endings.
Cons
- • Forced complete restart to unlock alternate endings frustrates players.
- • Endgame content is shallow with many unused upgrades and buildings.
- • Upgrade tree can be confusing and hard to navigate.
- • Mini-game mechanics for good ending feel clunky and unreliable.
- • Lack of pause button and some minor UI annoyances.
- • Performance issues and FPS drops in later stages of the game.
- • No new game+ or persistent upgrades after finishing the game.
Rating Criteria
Turn trash into cash in a dystopian world! Fill Up The Hole is a short incremental game where you build a city, automate garbage production, and toss it into a magical hole for profit.