Super Motherload
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Super Motherload
Super Motherload is perhaps PS4's strangest launch title, but far from being its best.
Super Motherload's premise of digging for richs on a lonely planet sounds about as boring as actually digging for richs on a lonely planet. But stick with it long enough, and you'll find an eerily soothing adventure with addictive strategy elements that make for a wholly enjoyable next-gen gaming experience.
The Mars underground is a rich sandbox, but the repetitive nature of digging and climbing back to refuel gets tedious
Super Motherload offers a peaceful respite from the cacophony of civilization.
Super Motherload is just about long enough for what it is, wrapping up before getting tedious while still providing plenty of gem and mineral harvesting action. There's no real reason for it to be on PS4 versus any other system, of course, but that doesn't prevent it from being a fun bit of digging with an excellent soundtrack.
The visuals may make even Knack look like a system seller, but there's a quiet pleasure to Super Motherload's simple but addictive gameplay.
In the end, XGen's writing is entertaining enough, the digging puzzles are devious, and with co-op and Hardcore mode anyone can find an experience they'll enjoy.
And what a fantastic experience it is, despite its flaws. Super Motherload is simple enough so that anyone can pick it up and play, but complex enough for mining veterans to keep coming back to fully upgrade characters or even risk playing in hardcore mode. The sci-fi '80s vibe is delightful and the perfect setting for this ridiculously addicting game. I find myself coming back to it at the end of every day, ready for a new adventure underground.
