I especially like the asymmetry of movement. Both because of the costs of going through different rock, but also not being able to drill “up.” It creates a real sense of space, and you develop patterns for how to move efficiently. And the continuity between days creates opportunities for like “highways” you use over and over, and leaving resources for future days when you’re doing well, etc.
Speaking of highways, I wonder if there are opportunities to build things in the mine? That’s a core mining idea, and I could see that working really nicely here. An elevator, for example. Or you place a drill and the next day it has drilled out a direction. Or turrets that protect your core areas from enemies.
Good tutorialization, too. Love the just-in-time messages.