An idle clicker with a massive skill tree
Keep on Mining! delivers an engaging, yet simple, incremental game experience that's perfect for anyone who loves the satisfaction of a slow, steady progression. Developed by EagleEye Games, this short arcade-style game features an easy-to-grasp core mechanic, where players hover their mouse over rocks to mine materials.
This game fits snugly into the idle clicker genre alongside titles like Idle Miner Tycoon and AdVenture Capitalist. While those games often have a strong business or city-building theme, Keep on Mining! sets itself apart with its deep, permanent upgrade system and the constant, gratifying action of breaking down rocks.
The gameplay loop of Keep on Mining! is designed to be both relaxing and rewarding. You start by simply hovering over rocks to mine them. As you progress, the game introduces more sophisticated mechanics, like the ability to craft new and more powerful pickaxes. Every new pickaxe you collect serves as a visual reward for your hard work and helps you clear rocks more efficiently.
More than just a grind
The most compelling feature of the game is its extensive skill tree. You can spend the materials you've gathered to unlock permanent upgrades that boost your stats, making every session feel productive. Although this system provides a clear sense of purpose and long-term goals, the late-game grind can become repetitive, as the pace of progression slows down and the new challenges can feel less novel.
Another great addition is the talent card system, where you get a choice of three random cards every time you level up. Each card provides a unique boost, but picking one also increases the rock's HP, creating a constant trade-off between power and difficulty. The inclusion of an idle mechanic, The Mine, which automatically mines for you, makes it so that you’re always progressing even when you're away.
Simple but gets it right
Overall, Keep on Mining! is an excellent example of a minimalist game done well. Its core loop is simple, but the added layers of crafting, a comprehensive skill tree, and talent cards provide enough depth to keep players engaged for a long time. The idle mechanic ensures you’re always moving forward, making it a great title to play in short bursts throughout the day.
