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Out Of Ore Review and a few suggestions:

First of all, I want to say a big thank you and give a proud pat on the back to the small development team! Even with a small team, they’ve achieved something truly impressive. I really appreciate those teams that are passionate and dedicated, and I believe NMC and their main game, Out Of Ore, are exactly one of those projects.

I persuaded my brother to buy the game during the Steam Sale. He installed it at 9pm, and we didn’t go to bed until 5am. The game totally drew us in, and we ended up building a small coal mine that we just couldn’t stop working on. We were back on the site at 10am the next morning.

I love games that evolve and develop over time, and our little mining operation was the same.

That said, it’s clear the game still has a way to go before it’s perfect as a simulation of mining and production. For example, the arcade-style experience points (XP) and level system don’t fit well and can spoil the immersion.

If the game had a skill tree focused on specific trades—like a Trade Branch—it would make each player’s abilities in different areas grow naturally. For instance, a skilled driver could use less fuel and cause less wear and tear on vehicles. Or an electrical apprentice could progress to become a full electrical engineer, unlocking better benefits, higher production speed, and lower costs once on-site. This would make multiplayer play more interesting and rewarding, as players could combine their special skills.

Creative mode is pretty straightforward, and arcade mode basically offers an XP-based system like many other mining games. But I think “Hardcore mode” should be the ultimate challenge—where you combine all your skills to battle the elements, race against the clock, and face penalties if you fail contracts. This risk-and-reward element could add a new level of intensity, where poor decisions might even threaten your entire company.

In the latest beta version 0.35.550, I’ve noticed some hints towards this. For example, the new Company HQ cabin on the Moivaara map shows potential. The interactive screens display commodity prices and show how well your company is doing compared to competitors—that’s a promising start.

The base game offers a wide range of vehicles, and the attention to detail is really impressive. As someone who works as a hydraulic engineer in the steel industry, I went wild when I saw hydraulic hoses, pumps, and cylinders listed as replaceable parts on vehicles. The wear and tear system is spot on, and I think it’s fantastic for a game like this. If there were a workshop with a lathe, pillar drill, and repair bench, I’d gladly repair those parts myself—honestly, I’d be all in!

The Hidden Gems

I really believe this game has a lot of potential that hasn’t been fully unlocked yet. Imagine different mining operations tailored for various types of ore, setting up supply lines across vast wilderness areas of 400,000 km³. Overcoming lead times, finding solutions, and meeting contracts could all be part of the challenge.

There’s also the exciting possibility of competing in and dominating the market for minerals and goods. Building factories to process ore into different quality materials or parts, managing budgets to improve efficiency, and boosting profits—all of these could make the game incredibly engaging.

Most importantly, bringing players together to work on these complex tasks could truly make this game everything I’ve ever hoped for.

Keep up the great work, NMC!