From the moment you jettison into Star Ores Inc. aboard its quiet, abandoned space station, it’s clear that BlackBeak Games and publisher Three River Games are steering you toward a particular rhythm: slow, deliberate, and methodical. This isn’t the kind of high-octane sci-fi adventure that slams you out of hyperspace with flashing lights. Instead, it invites you to carve your own path by turning an interstellar derelict into a well-oiled mining empire – a premise that taps into that niche craving for simulation and resource management, where patience is as integral to the experience as any laser drill.
Playing the game on PlayStation 5 generally mirrors what dedicated players have come to enjoy on PC: the core loop of mining raw ore, refining it, and building out automation systems is deeply satisfying. There’s a tangible joy in watching conveyor lines hum and robots dutifully ferry minerals from drill to market, and the sense of progression – unlocking new sectors, upgrading your tools, reactivating old terminals – steadily layers fresh goals atop an already rewarding foundation. However, that slow unfolding is a double-edged sword: what feels meditative to some can feel like a slog to others, especially when the routine of clearing debris and directing bots begins to blur into repetition.
Mechanically, the game delivers a solid suite of systems for those who like to tinker. The controls are generally approachable, and on PS5 the transition between menu navigation, laser mining, and automation management feels intuitive once you’ve settled into the pace. As automation becomes more central – when you start chaining machines together and trying to optimize routes – there’s a hint of complexity that rewards experimentation and planning. That said, this is not a deep management sim in the vein of larger titles; it keeps complexity accessible rather than intimidating, and players seeking sprawling economic intricacies may find the systems comparatively modest.
Visually and aurally, Star Ores Inc. opts for functional simplicity rather than spectacle. The art direction prioritizes clarity over flair, with a pared-down palette that lets the important elements – ores, tools, and production lines – stand out clearly. On PS5 the performance is smooth, but the overall aesthetic remains utilitarian, and the soundscape, while fitting the laid-back space theme, does not leave a memorable imprint beyond its ambient undercurrent. Fans of bold graphics and cinematic scores may find this one subdued, but there is a certain coherence to how visuals and audio reinforce the game’s calm, system-driven atmosphere.
Where Star Ores Inc. truly shines is in its addictive loop of incremental improvement. There’s a compelling satisfaction in drilling just a bit deeper, automating just one more belt, and watching your station grow bit by bit into a thriving intergalactic hub. At its price point, the PS5 version offers good value for players who enjoy this blend of mining, crafting, and automation. There’s enough depth to keep systems engaging, and enough progression to keep the experience from feeling static for a long time.
Yet the experience is not without its frustrations. The repetitive nature of resource collection and grinding (even at later stages) can wear thin for players who prefer dynamic, action-oriented gameplay, and the modest production values – both in assets and interface polish – occasionally remind you you’re in an indie title rather than a blockbuster. Balance quirks and occasional early decisions that feel uneven may deter those looking for razor-sharp optimization challenges.
In the end, Star Ores Inc. on PS5 is a thoughtful, enjoyable mining and automation sim with a clear audience: players who delight in crafting efficient systems and letting them hum. If you crave kinetic storytelling or high drama, this tranquil orbit may feel slow; for those who like to lose themselves in lasers, belts, and bots, it’s a satisfying frontier worth staking a claim in.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 