The Great War is over, the Age of Diesel has dawned, and a new peace is more fragile than ever in Ad Fundum.
A new mech-mining adventure, Ad Fundum is tasking you with a vital mission. This new title from developer Oldbut Gold and publisher Samustai is now available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S for just £7.49.
Prepare to take control of a colossal drilling mech, dive into the depths of the Earth, and find the resources needed to avert the next great conflict.
Haven’t We Dug This Hole Before?
It’s a fair question. The 2D mech-miner is a niche but familiar genre on the Xbox. In fact, we just recently reviewed Super Mining Mechs, a game with a very similar premise. In our 3.5/5 review, we found it to be a decent, relaxing “zone out” game, but ultimately concluded that the “lack of challenge or complexity” made it “feel redundant shortly into its runtime.“
So, the big question for Ad Fundum is: can it provide the depth and danger that we’ve been craving? The answer seems to lie in its detailed management systems.
The Perils of the Pit
This is not just a game of digging and selling; it’s a game of survival, where your mech is your lifeline.
In Ad Fundum, you have to manage your machine. Your mech isn’t invincible, and it doesn’t run on air. You must keep a close eye on your control panel to manage:
- Heat: Pushing your drill too hard will cause it to overheat.
- Cooling: Conversely, some environments may overcool your systems.
- Fuel: Your mech needs fuel to operate, adding a constant layer of resource management.
- Damage: Beware of falling stones! Your machine’s hull won’t withstand too much damage.
The ground you’re digging through isn’t stable either. The world will shift, triggering earthquakes that change the terrain. This is a dangerous time to be collecting resources, but when it’s raining minerals, how can you resist not grabbing some ore? This adds a fantastic risk-versus-reward loop to the entire experience.
From Rusty Relic to Technological Marvel
Your progression isn’t just about getting a bigger bag. Ad Fundum features a deep upgrade path for both your base and your mech.
The thing is, your base has seen better days. You’ll need to use the immense profits from your mineral sales to restore it to its former glory (and beyond). Upgrading your base will enhance your mining performance and unlock powerful special abilities for your mech.
You can also upgrade every single part of your mech individually, transforming it from an outdated prototype into a technological marvel. You can experiment with different builds to create the ultimate mining machine that is perfectly suited to your playstyle. You can also find hidden artifacts from previous, failed expeditions to unlock special upgrades with unique effects.
Your Mining Manifest
Here’s what you can expect from this new diesel-punk adventure:
- A Deep Mech-Mining Adventure set in the “Age of Diesel.”
- Intense Resource Management: You must manage your mech’s heat, cooling, fuel, and hull integrity.
- Survive Dynamic Earthquakes: A high-risk, high-reward mechanic.
- Deep Mech Customisation: Upgrade every part of your mech individually.
- Base Rebuilding: Restore your base to unlock new abilities.
- Explore 8 Diverse Locations: Each with its own style, mechanics, and threats.
The depths are dark, dangerous, and full of resources. If you’re a fan of mech-miners and are looking for an experience with the complexity and challenge to match its premise, Ad Fundum is ready for your drill on the Xbox Store right now.
Will you save the world, or vanish in the darkness below? Perhaps you’ll do both…
Ad Fundum Description
Dig deep, collect valuable minerals, upgrade wisely, explore diverse locations, uncover ancient secrets, and try not to explode!
