Exploring the Depths of Creativity in Gaming
After immersing myself in Donkey Kong Bananza earlier this month, I confidently proclaimed that 2025 was destined to be a significant year for the concept of “hole.” This declaration followed my experience with three games this year—four, if we count Netease’s Rusty Rabbit—that brilliantly harnessed the childlike joy of sandbox digging as a core gameplay mechanic. Today, that trend takes an intriguing turn with the timely release of Mashina.
Building on the foundation laid by last year’s visually striking Judero, Mashina emerges from the creative minds at Talha and Jack Co., continuing the studio’s exploration of stop-motion animation. The game features an egg-shaped robot on a mission to save her world by gathering minerals, and how does she achieve this? By digging holes, naturally. While Mashina is a lo-fi endeavor that stands in stark contrast to the expansive worlds of major titles like Nintendo’s, it offers a soothing experience that I found refreshing after the chaotic environmental destruction of Donkey Kong Bananza.
In terms of gameplay structure, Mashina draws its closest comparisons to Steamworld Dig. Players are tasked with entering a 2D mine to dig with a drill in search of valuable minerals. The challenge lies in fitting as many resources as possible into a puzzle-like inventory, transporting them back to the surface, and earning skill points that enhance digging efficiency. Simultaneously, players complete quests for friendly robots above ground, earning upgrades like more powerful drills and teleporters. This progression system echoes the appeal of A Game About Digging a Hole, yet it is delivered through the charm of endearing robotic characters.
There’s a unique satisfaction in the act of digging, as players create a network of interwoven tunnels beneath the surface. However, the experience is not without its challenges. I encountered a somewhat clumsy building system while crafting conveyor belts for mineral transport, and the gameplay began to feel repetitive as I entered a grind-heavy third act. Nonetheless, Mashina embraces its imperfections, evident in the lumpy landscapes, the rudimentary stop-motion cutscenes, and a cast of quirky characters reminiscent of a Primus album cover. Even when the gameplay feels a bit rough around the edges, it complements the surreal quality of its patchwork visuals.
What sets claymation apart as an animation style is the palpable human touch that infuses life into each creation. In Mashina, every element is marked by the fingerprints of its creators, reminding players of the scrappy effort that went into its development. You might even describe it as a blue-collar version of Bananza. The most memorable moments from my playthrough were those serene instances spent casually digging while a staticky radio station played hypnotic grooves, interspersed with DJs discussing the state of a poisoned world in soothing tones. It evoked the feeling of a trucker driving through the night, relying on whatever FM broadcast could be picked up along the desolate highway to stay awake.
While Mashina may not possess the emotional depth of Judero, it offers its own moments of transcendence. It resonates with those night shift heroes laboring into the twilight hours, ensuring that the world continues to turn while others rest. The game stands as a testament to the beauty of creativity, reminding us that even in its imperfections, there is a unique charm that captivates and engages.
