Steamworld Dig

A Refreshing Change of Pace
Written by: Gyaoon

Instagram: @nindie.game.reviews

Steamworld Dig is one of those games that made it to my wishlist when I first got my Switch, but I only recently got around to actually playing. Boy, am I glad I got to it, because, despite some repetitive elements and leisurely difficulty, I found Steamworld Dig to be a worthwhile and fun little adventure.

I'm loathed to refer to Steamworld Dig as a Metroidvania as I have heard others do. It has a few of the elements, such as powers to be found and upgrades to be bought, but overall I'd say Steamworld Dig is more of a platformer. Progression is pretty straightforward in this game, and while there is a bit of backtracking to explore previously unreachable areas with new powers in the post-game, that isn't really a key activity for the most part.

Imagine Terraria, but without the building elements and more linear exploration and you've got a good idea of what to expect from Steamworld Dig. You explore a mine, collecting ore that you bring up to the surface in exchange for upgrades and supplies. The more minerals you collect and sell, the more upgrades become available on the surface, and the more the town above the mine grows. There's no wandering about, looking for the next big power-up here. In this game, if you're ever confused about where to go, just keep going down. There are challenge caves, where certain powers are earned, but they're found in sequence as you dig deeper into the mine.

One word of warning though: If you're one of those masochistic gamers who loves dying over and over again, this isn't the game for you. While the aforementioned Challenge Caves might make you sweat a bit, they never feel impossible. I know many of you enjoy cursing at your screen as you throw your controller across the room, but Steamworld Dig isn't going to give you much reason to do that. Personally, I don't feel like every game I play should make me hate my life. I thought Steamworld Dig's breezy pacing was refreshing. I give it 4.5 stars. It was worth the whole three dollars I paid for it on sale, but I would have been satisfied even if I paid the full ten.