UnderMine

UnderMine is a roguelike dungeon crawler blending Zelda-like combat with roguelite progression elements. Players appreciate its charming pixel art style, tight controls, and engaging boss fights. The game offers a rewarding gameplay loop that can captivate players for dozens to hundreds of hours, especially at discounted prices. The gold collection and upgrade systems provide a sense of progression between runs, encouraging repeated play. However, many players find the grind for gold and upgrades tedious and sometimes frustrating, with some mechanics feeling more like annoyances than fun challenges. The RNG elements and repetitive nature of runs can diminish variety and excitement for some users. Technical issues like awkward hitboxes, inconsistent dodge mechanics, and minor bugs affect polish. While the story is minimal, the game’s atmosphere and music contribute positively to the experience. Overall, UnderMine is considered a solid roguelike with a good balance of challenge and charm, best enjoyed when expectations are aligned with its style and pacing.

Highlights

Players praise UnderMine for its beautiful pixel art and smooth animation, which create an inviting visual atmosphere. The combat is tight and skill-based, with bosses that require genuine effort and strategy. The game’s progression system through gold upgrades and permanent stats adds depth, rewarding persistence. Fans of Zelda-like dungeon crawlers find the gameplay familiar yet fresh, with enjoyable puzzles and exploration. The soundtrack and sound design complement the ambiance well, enhancing immersion. Many reviews highlight the game’s addictive nature and satisfying gameplay loop, especially when purchased at a discount. The charm and humor in the dialogue also add to the overall appeal, making it a hidden gem for roguelike enthusiasts.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game’s grind-heavy progression, which can feel repetitive and tedious over time. Some players find the RNG mechanics frustrating, with certain annoying hazards and traps feeling unfair rather than fun. The lack of variety in combat builds and item synergies leads to a less dynamic experience compared to other roguelikes. Technical issues such as inconsistent hitboxes, awkward jumping/dodging mechanics, and minor bugs detract from polish. The minimal storyline and repetitive dungeon layouts reduce narrative engagement. Some reviews mention that the game’s difficulty scaling and mechanics may alienate newcomers or casual players. Overall, many suggest the game is best purchased on sale due to these shortcomings.