I'm not usually a fan of this genre, and I don't particularly enjoy crafting-focused games, but playing this one with friends was amazing. The game offers plenty of events and even has a decent storyline behind it. It's not very deep, and you can't expect it to perform like a story-driven game, but it still manages to keep you engaged.
At first, you dive into caves expecting them to look alike, just looting with not much going on. However, as you play, you realize the mines can grow to incredible sizes, and you end up spending hours progressing through the story. What's more, you'll find yourself trying to remember where you've been and where you haven't, especially when you get lost in a cave. Despite the absence of jumpscares and the ability to play online with friends, the caves still manage to create a sense of tension.
I wasn't really into the building aspect-my friends mostly handled that-but even without blueprints, the game lets you use your imagination to create amazing things. The crafting system isn't too complicated, and you have a helpful assistant who can gather resources all day on your command, which is a nice touch. That said, I especially enjoyed the events after exploring caves. These events not only push the main story forward but also add a lot of fun, with the final section being particularly challenging and satisfying.
Using weapons feels a bit tricky, and the game doesn't do a great job of making you feel the impact of killing a creature. The death effects, in particular, could have been more satisfying. It's not a game I'd replay after finishing once, but for crafting enthusiasts who enjoy building camps and setting traps for zombies at night, it's a game they'll love coming back to.
