I really liked the idea, but the execution is a bit off at points.
- the scavenge for other scavengers idea is cool and it's well done for the most part.
- the tech tree is pleasant (after you decipher what the requirements are, similar to all other recipes/costs, making an organized grocery style list with some clear readable icons with/without names of the resources required would be the best solution for this)
- while the overall gameplay is nice, it's lacking some important features:
1. (Most important) some other faster way to gather the nuts and bolts, I found it almost impossible to get them for advancing to the ravine, but I gave up along the way due to how painfully slow it was (the sole reason I stopped playing after 30-40 minutes), I suggest reworking or removing them entirely.
2. No way to stop the machines (this would be nice for making them retarget to crafting)
3. Automated crafting by machines (or player)
I liked the game until it became to frustrating/boring to keep going.
It's not bad it just needs more time in the oven and a some proper balancing. Good luck!