FACEMINER: Mining Faces and Nostalgia in a 90s Terminal
When your tech empire needs a retro reboot
Launch Day Larry
In a world where games often try to outdo each other with cutting-edge graphics and complex narratives, FACEMINER takes a bold step back into the past. This game invites players to manage a tech empire through a Windows 98-style terminal interface, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane. But does it deliver more than just a blast from the past? Let’s dive into the pixelated depths of FACEMINER.
Gameplay: Clicking Faces and Managing Chaos
FACEMINER’s gameplay is a love letter to the 90s, wrapped in a terminal interface that would make any retro enthusiast’s heart flutter. Players start by manually earning money, clicking on faces like a caffeinated office worker on a deadline. As you progress, automation becomes your best friend, allowing you to upgrade systems and handle more tasks efficiently. The game offers both a story mode and an endless mode, with three different speeds to tailor your experience. It’s like having a time machine with a speedometer.
While the mechanics are straightforward, especially for fans of incremental games, the early game can be as punishing as a boss fight in Dark Souls. Overbuilding without clear guidance can lead to a delicate balance that feels more like a chore than a challenge. However, the soundtrack is a saving grace, enhancing the experience and fitting perfectly with the game’s theme. The limited screen space due to CRT monitor boundaries might make you feel like you’re managing a tech empire through a keyhole, but the addictive nature of the game keeps you coming back for more.
Graphics: A Nostalgic Trip to the 90s
FACEMINER’s graphics are a standout feature, capturing the essence of late 90s computing with a visual style that screams nostalgia. The game looks and behaves like a Windows 95 desktop, complete with window management and interaction that feels both authentic and immersive. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, where the aesthetics are as much a part of the experience as the gameplay itself.
However, the commitment to this visual style can sometimes hinder gameplay efficiency. The CRT monitor effect, while enhancing immersion, reduces available screen space, making it feel like you’re trying to manage a tech empire through a porthole. Some visual elements, like the power/water overview, can be initially confusing, but once you get the hang of it, the graphics become a major strength of the game.
Story: A Dystopian Tale of Tech and Climate
The narrative of FACEMINER is a mixed bag, tackling themes of environmental destruction and corporate capitalism. The storyline critiques the AI arms race and the impact of big tech on climate change, presenting a politically charged message that some players find thought-provoking, while others see it as cliché and disconnected from reality. It’s like watching a dystopian movie where the plot is both intriguing and predictable.
Despite its shortcomings, the story is delivered in a drip-fed manner, maintaining player engagement and offering a unique twist on the incremental/idle genre. The analog horror style adds depth, though opinions on this are mixed. Some players appreciate the storytelling and atmosphere, while others criticize its perceived anti-environmental message. The game’s short duration might leave some players wanting more, but the concise and impactful message resonates with others, leaving a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
FACEMINER is a nostalgic journey into the past, offering a unique blend of retro aesthetics and incremental gameplay. While it may not offer the depth or innovation some players seek, its charm lies in its simplicity and commitment to its theme. The graphics and soundtrack create an immersive experience, even if the story doesn’t always hit the mark. For fans of obscure indie games and those who appreciate a good dose of nostalgia, FACEMINER is worth a try.
Score: 7.2/10