Maze platformers had a popular boom in the 80s and early 90s but have since morphed into Metroidvania games with a focus on action over puzzles. Miner Open Chests is a throwback to a very simple platforming era, merging platforming, Boulder Dash mining physics and lots of tools to find and use.
The principle of Miner Open Chests is that almost every single block in the level can be mined, clearing a way for you to progress. There are about 10 different types of material you can dig but you’ll need the exact appropriate tool to do so. A shovel can break up dirt but nothing else. A sledgehammer can break concrete but not wooden boxes. Whilst the real-world physics of each item doesn’t translate across game logic, you’ll quickly know which item relates to which material. Each level is structured in a way that places all the different tools in distant locations. The first thing you’ll need to do is work out what tools you can get to with your starter shovel. Along the way you’ll jump or dig across the mine to reach that tool, which will now open new routes. This is how each level opens up over time, eventually allowing you to access a selection of treasure chests usually dotted along the edge of the level. Open all the chests to complete the level. There are 30 to complete, ranging from 15-30 minutes in length because of how back-and-forth fetch quest focused they are designed.
Controls are currently keyboard only and the physics are basic but predictable. Some materials can be dug underneath and become ceilings but boxes and some rubble blocks will fall down. This can create steps for you to use, but don’t get caught underneath as you’ll be killed and respawn at the level entrance again. There are no lives in Miner Open Chests. Instead, each death adds a score penalty. Whilst falling blocks are a hazard, it’s fall damage you’ll need to watch out for. Miner comes from the school of Spelunker and Montezuma’s Revenge in that your character cannot fall beyond two spaces otherwise they’ll die. It takes a while to get used to and it slows down the gameplay as you move lifts and trolleys around to make sure you won’t die on a fall. Two tools can help with this. A parachute can be used to break your fall if you can pick it up on a level. A booster shoe can also help you jump higher too. A boomerang is also available for hitting switches on walls and those switches are often on the edge of large drops. It isn’t quite precision platforming but you must be careful as all mistakes are punished.
This game is slow, methodical and somewhat boring to play – but it has a certain retro charm to it. As you drill, dig and smash your way around each level, carving your own route and clearing the mine out, it’s quite satisfying to meditative to play too. The graphics don’t help add spice either because each mine looks identical to each other. Level design is subtly decent because of how each level forces you to collect tools in a specific order. You can’t shortcut a level but that also removes most creativity to speedrun a level too. Occasionally you can get totally stuck too and if you can’t kill yourself to respawn, you have to restart the level from scratch.
If you enjoy mining, digging and simple platformers of yesteryear then this might be a game worth checking out. There is a lot of game for the price too. Just be aware going in – this is not a game that offers any thrills, spills or surprises. It is designed to be a chip-away-at-it experience instead, and that’s appealing for a niche crowd only.
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