Steamworld Dig 2

Genre: Platformer

Players: 1

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Review:

Steamworld Dig 2, much like its predecessor, is a Platformer where players take on the role of a robot in a Wild-West-themed world of robots, digging into a cave to uncover its resources and hidden secrets. The gameplay for this sequel shares a lot in common with the first game, and since much of my review of that game applies here, I’ll be copying over parts of it.

Like the first Steamworld Dig, this game has a lot in common with Terraria (which itself was like a 2D Minecraft), except Steamworld Dig’s scale is smaller, and instead of being an open world, it’s more of a Metroidvania, as each new area you progress to is gated off by an upgrade you need to acquire.

However, there’s also a Roguelike element to the game as well, since your limited inventory and dwindling lamp fuel means that you’ll be making frequent trips back to base camp. While this might seem like an annoyance, it’s usually a good opportunity to make purchases and beef up your character, and it helps to set the pacing of the game.

Steamworld Dig 2 greatly expands on its predecessor in multiple ways, though. Firstly, there’s a new cog system that allows you to customize your experience with optional character modifications that allow you to get more experience points from enemies, automatically dodge falling rocks, and other useful upgrades beyond the returning equipment upgrade system.

This game also expands on the length of the first game, and uses a portion of that time to tell a more elaborate and interesting story that builds on the first game while introducing a whole new cast of characters and diving deeper into the Steamworld lore. I believe that those who enjoyed the first game but felt like it ended too soon will find this game to be exactly what they felt they were missing.

Just like the first game, the presentation here is cute without being too cutesy. The robots are cartoony and make unintelligible robotic noises when they speak, and the juxtaposition of high tech and the faux-historic setting makes for a pretty memorable overall feel. However, this time around, there’s a lot more variety in the environments, and a lot more detail as well, which really helps to make this experience feel less repetitive and really helps with the feeling of progression.

In summation, while Steamworld Dig was an excellent platformer well worth getting, Steamworld Dig 2 improves on it in just about every way imaginable. It retains the first game’s unique blend of 2D Minecraft-esque digging, Metroidvania elements and Roguelike elements while giving players more options, more interesting locations to mine in, and a longer campaign with a better story. This is an absolutely fantastic game, and fans of Platformers should absolutely be playing it.

tl;dr – Steamworld Dig 2, like the first game, is a Platformer about a robot in a world of robots digging for treasures in an old mine shaft. It makes good use of Roguelike and Metroidvania elements, and has solid platforming and a unique presentation. However, this sequel improves on the first game in just about every way, with more player options, more varied environments, and a longer campaign with a more interesting story. This is a must-have for fans of Platformers, and a no-brainer for anyone who enjoyed the first game.

Grade: A

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