SteamWorld Dig 2

When looking up lists of good indie games, I stumbled across one with SteamWorld Dig 2. $20 on Steam is definitely too much for this game but $10 on Humble Bundle Sale is a much more worthy value. The makers of the game, Image & Form, helped create a lot of games in this Steampunk SteamWorld Universe. In fact there is another card game that came out April 25th on Nintendo Switch called SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech that seems to be gaining a lot of popularity here recently. Chronologically, SteamWorld Heist (the company's second game) comes after SteamWorld Dig 2. Please be aware that it too is a whole different style of game. Though you can potentially buy the first game for $2.99 (70% off), it isn't necessary to play its sequel.

Unlike the first game that contains three main caverns that are procedurally generated, SteamWorld Dig 2 is built with certain logistically designed structures in mind (see fully spoiled map here). You have probably played countless "Dig" games before (Kongregate's Glean 2 comes to mind) but somehow this game does a spectacular job at it. It is advised to follow along with the story as it is vague enough to provide some sort of guide for several of the areas, though you can potentially ignore it for a time while exploring its unknown reaches. The developers have found ways to continue to challenge the player while providing every manageable comfort from this genre. One major difference to the series that will always be a limitation to the user is the inability to perform actions while "in the air." That means you can't swing your pickaxe while jumping or clinging to a wall. At a certain point, you are at least given the upgrade to shoot bombs from a distance.

The game is very polished. I can't tell you the number of times I was surprised by small design choices. When using the tunnels, you can press Y to highlight home on the map and Y again to teleport there. This also works in reverse by highlighting your last known location. The upgrades consistently make your experience easier. Certain usable upgrades are visible on the HUD. "Portal of Pardon" lights up when there are no enemies around. Although your game doesn't automatically save when exiting the game, it does save when making a transition between maps and actually shows you how much time has passed since you last saved. "Cog" upgrades can be switched (or toggled on/off for some cases) at the workshop. Small icons appear on the screen while in town whenever you have items that need to be turned in. There is a notice on startup that the game may be better played with a gamepad controller and that there is an option available to turn of flashing lights for ones who are photosensitive. Dropped minerals persist even if you return to town. The graphics and atmosphere have improved so great over the first game that I've found it effecting my mood and posture. "Caves" (puzzle rooms) will conveniently reset if you leave the room or fail a platforming test by falling into an abyss (without losing your inventory). Checkmarks will appear over the caverns if you successfully obtained all items contained within (most have one cog and one secret item).

The one complaint I've seen that I will have to agree with is how insanely difficult the Trials are. After playing 9 hours with 81% of the secrets, I discovered online there was a sort of super secret area you can visit to test your willpower. Ironically, I felt the same way about Hollow Knight's additional endgame content as I did about this. Do not attempt it unless you are willing to spoil your entire experience and perhaps die 40 times trying to pass. Your only reward for accomplishing such a feat is the "Proof of Completion" artifact (which technically is the 43rd artifact out of 42). Otherwise all the artifacts are fun to collect and provide some nifty blueprints for your workshop.

Summary: The game excels in every possible way, which is sad seeing it is such a short game. I highly recommend getting it if you ever find it on sale.

 

5-12-2019