SteamWorld: Dig is a hybrid of an action-platformer and a mining game in a 2D environment set in a Wild West setting. It stars a robot who is constantly evolving.

GAMEPLAY

As previously stated, SteamWorld Dig mixes platforming and mining gameplay. While slow to get into at the beginning, Dig has a very addictive style of gameplay. You will be caught playing for hours at a time and even failing to follow the tasks the game sets out for you. The mining aspect relies on you evolving by collecting plenty of ores and gems to level up and earn money so you can buy more and more upgrades and on its own has its merits and could stand alone as the game itself. However, there are platforming sequences where you explore areas to gain other upgrades that are not purchased but found and “assimilated” a la Metroidvania style. Also, unlike previous 2D mining games, Dig has enemies that will make drops and allow you to continue exploration without having to go to the hub world to fill up on lantern oil, health and water and the combat, while simple is very satisfying, especially when you can defeat an enemy before they break out of their fossilization.

GRAPHICS/MUSIC

SteamWorld is stylized with 3D models and backgrounds, but works on a 2D plane. Everything drawn is beautiful and bright and the lighting system allows you enjoy all the details in the underground and hub world where chatting with the characters, you see detail even put into the EYE animations on the robots, which was a great touch. The wide variety of environments are made with their own charms and the game always has something new to show you as you continue to explore. The music, while mainly ambient, always suits the situation. When exploring the hub world of Tumbleton, it feels like you are in a Western. When in the mines, you get dreary and environmentally driven music based on how your health and other supplies are.

ONLINE CAPABILITIES

This title has no online capabilities in it. However, it supports Steam’s trading card system with a set of five cards based on the inhabitants of Tumbleton.

REPLAY VALUE

The game itself randomly generates the map and material placement for each playthrough, so each playthrough is unique. The game itself can eat up hours of your time and is very enjoyable, whether or not you are exploring deeper or just finding as many ores as you can to upgrade your pickaxe, armor, tanks or drill. I found myself wishing I had a copy for the 3DS so I could play it wherever I was.

Final Verdict:

I’ve enjoyed every moment of it so far. The only major gripe I’ve had is with the controls (on the keyboard at least), which Image & Form says will be changed as you may map your own keypad controls or if you have a controller, use that because it throws that issue right out the window. I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoyed Minecraft or Terraria and no matter which version you buy, you will enjoy it and earns the Gold Game distinction.

Overall Score: 9.1/10

RGN Rating: Gold Game

Developer / Publisher: Image & Form

Available On: PC | 3DS | Mac OS X | Linux

Played On: Windows PC

Review Copy Info: A digital copy was provided to RealGamerNewz by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

(Bonus: Score Breakdown)

• Gameplay- 26/30
• Graphics- 5/5
• Online Capabilities – not applicable
• Replay Value- 10/10
• Overall- 41/45, a 91%