FOUNDRY

Developer: Channel 3 Entertainment
Release: May 2nd 2024
Platforms:
Indie
Simulation
Strategy
Early Access
Addictive
Creative
Multiplayer
Clunky
Launcher
FOUNDRY Poster

" Addictive indie simulation with deep automation and galactic market but clunky building system "

FOUNDRY Review

FOUNDRY is a voxel-based factory-building game blending elements from popular titles like Factorio, Satisfactory, and Minecraft. Players control a space corporation aiming to expand their factory across planets and compete in a galactic market. The game offers addictive gameplay with deep automation mechanics and emphasizes relaxed, peaceful factory building without combat or survival threats. Multiplayer is praised for seamless cooperation and shared resources, enhancing the social experience.

However, the game is currently in Early Access and shows signs of being . The building mechanics are often described as clunky and tedious, lacking essential quality-of-life features such as blueprints and efficient logistics. The UI and tutorials are weak, making the learning curve steep for newcomers. Additionally, the forced Paradox launcher and intrusive data collection policies have frustrated some players. Despite these issues, the game’s core mechanics and unique galactic commerce system have garnered a dedicated fanbase excited for future improvements and content updates.

Highlights

Players praise FOUNDRY’s engaging automation gameplay and the fresh combination of factory building with a galactic market economy. The voxel world and destructible terrain add a unique twist, while the multiplayer system allows smooth collaboration with shared inventories and tech. The progression system and modular buildings offer depth and encourage creativity. Sound design and ambient wildlife contribute positively to the atmosphere. Many appreciate the game’s relaxed pace and lack of combat, making it accessible for players who prefer peaceful factory management.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on clunky building mechanics, including cumbersome loader and belt placement, lack of blueprints, and inefficient vertical transport options. The UI and tutorials are seen as inadequate, often leaving players confused about research and logistics. Performance issues such as graphical glitches and limited camera controls hamper the experience. The mandatory Paradox launcher and data collection practices are unpopular. Some players find progression slow and repetitive, with limited endgame content and no pause function. Overall, the game feels unfinished and less polished compared to genre benchmarks like Factorio and Satisfactory.

Pros

  • Addictive core gameplay with deep automation and factory expansion mechanics.
  • Unique galactic market system adds meaningful economic goals.
  • Seamless multiplayer with shared resources and tech progression.
  • Voxel-based destructible terrain adds creative building opportunities.
  • Relaxed pace with no combat or survival pressures.
  • Modular buildings and infrastructure offer customization and depth.
  • Sound design and ambient wildlife enhance immersion.

Cons

  • Clunky and tedious building system lacking blueprints and efficient logistics.
  • Weak tutorials and confusing UI hinder new player onboarding.
  • Mandatory Paradox launcher adds unnecessary friction.
  • Data collection and privacy concerns due to Paradox policies.
  • Limited camera controls and visual glitches reduce usability.
  • No pause function even in single-player mode.
  • Slow and repetitive progression with limited late-game content.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Build a sophisticated robot factory optimized to perfection in an infinite voxel world. Mine and harvest resources, automate your production lines and manage complex systems while researching your way to become the galaxy’s leading robotics megacorp.

Release Date May 2nd 2024
Publisher Paradox Interactive
Developer Channel 3 Entertainment
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (1,453)
80% Positive 20% Negative