Drive robot mechs underground as you search for treasure in Mining Mechs.  It’s a 2D action adventure game and kind of reminds me of Steamworld Dig mixed with elements of Terraria.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on PS4 here.

You’ll start the game on the surface, and can talk to some people there.  One guy will give you missions, although they are usually to reach a certain depth when you dig.  As you dig, you’ll collect dirt.  Once your dirt meter is full, another person can help you empty it.  Sell ores you find to earn money so you can upgrade your mech and buy new ones, or purchase items like bombs and such.

To dig, simply press down on the control stick to drill down.  You can also dig left and right, but not up, so plan your moves accordingly.  Aside from digging for treasure, you can also do things like connect mine shafts with pipes, although I found that side mission to be a bit confusing.  That’s a small problem I had with the game is that they don’t always explain how to play as well as I’d like. I also didn’t notice much of a difference in the upgrades.   Another problem is the text is too small, and finally, the action is just way too slow.  Digging takes forever and once your dirt or treasure meter is full, you have to fly back up to the surface, which gets tedious especially when you are digging very deep.  I’d say just play Steamworld Dig instead.

Kid Factor:

Mining Mechs is rated E for Everyone with ESRB descriptors of Mild Fantasy Violence and Mild Language.  You can use bombs to blow up dirt, but that’s the only violent thing I saw.  I didn’t notice any bad language either but there is a bit of toilet humor in the text.  Reading skill is needed and younger gamers may get bored with the tedious gameplay.

Tags: Game Reviews