SteamWorld Dig 2, the gem of indie platformers

 

A few years ago, in 2010 to be exact, an independent developer called Image & Form released SteamWorld: Tower Defense, a real-time strategy game that placed us in an alternate reality where Charles Babbage developed ideas for improving computers and technology in the 19th century, and where robots were eventually created with that technology, leading to the creation of very powerful weapons.

In the 20th century, humans would eventually devolve and end up in caves, while steam-powered robots, known as Steambots, would conquer the surface world. This is where SteamWorld: Tower Defense begins, where, as the city sheriff, you will experience the war between Steambots and humans up close.

Then, in 2013, the company released SteamWorld Dig, a game based on the same world as the first game, but instead of being a real-time strategy game like the previous one, it will be an excavation platform game with Metroidvania touches where we will take on the role of Rusty, a lone steambot miner. In that game, we'll have to fight against Vectron, a technological super-machine.

Then, in 2015, SteamWorld Heist was released, a game that featured a rather large flash-forward and took us to the cataclysmic future of SteamWorld, where the Earth has been destroyed. The game was neither a real-time strategy game nor a platformer, but a turn-based combat video game in which Captain Piper Faraday will fight against all kinds of space creatures.

In 2017, the company released the sequel to SteamWorld Dig, SteamWorld Dig 2, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and PS Vita, returning us to the mines of the 20th century and to platforming after going back to the future in 2015. The game later arrived on Nintendo 3DS and Xbox One in 2018; today we analyze the latter version.

The story begins with our new Steambot character, Dorothy, who is friends with the previous protagonist, Rusty, and is scared because he hasn't returned after fighting Vectron in the previous game. Dorothy sets out on an adventure in search of Rusty and ends up in a robot town called El Machino, where she meets Mayor Mic Yorker, a lazy politician who only wants money; Mama Yorker, the mayor's mother who wastes no time criticizing her son; and many other bots.

On the journey to El Machino, Dorothy passes by the Temple of the Council, where some madmen worship a giant robot statue, and it destroys them. Dorothy fights the robot, and when she defeats it, Fen emerges, a small ball of blue technology. Rather than stay in the temple, she goes on adventures with Dorothy, becoming our only companion who will always be there. Fen as a companion is one of the best things the game offers throughout the story.

During the adventure, in addition to investigating where Rusty ended up, we'll have to investigate who is creating earthquakes that make the mines dangerous for robots and, if they continue, will end up destroying the entire Earth. In this story, we'll also discover The Oasis, a village inside a cave. In that village, there are humans, including Rosie, the leader of The Oasis, who will help us stop the earthquakes one way or another. Additionally, Rosie and the Oasis villagers will help us stop a cult of destruction.

The game's story is very interesting, starting off simple and evolving little by little, shaping a fairly complete narrative. The search for Rusty will become another quest throughout the story, with Dorothy, Fen, El Machino, The Oasis, and the earthquakes as the main focus of the story, and Rusty as a mere addition, but necessary to the plot.

Not everything will be as it seems in the story, and the most overlooked characters may be the ones who save the day, and vice versa, as in the case of Rusty, who seems very important to the plot but isn't. Furthermore, the story will connect with the story of SteamWorld Heist, creating a fully connected universe. It's a perfect plot for the game and very good for this type of platformer. The references to series, movies, and other games are also very interesting.

Gameplay-wise, the game is basically a 2D platformer with mining aspects. In this game, we'll have to go to the mines/caves and collect minerals, sell them for money, and use that money to improve our skills in El Machino. In addition to skills, there are gold gears and artifacts that can only be found in the mines. The gears will be used to upgrade purchased upgrades, and the artifacts will be used to unlock special abilities.

The items used in the adventure will be obtained from steam-powered machines that will improve your skills, including exclusive upgrades that will give you some of those machines that aren't necessary to progress through the story. There will be many ways to mine, from minerals that fall by themselves, to the more classic pickaxe, or by exploding everything with missiles. On the other hand, it won't all be a bed of roses, as enemies will emerge from eggs, mushrooms, and other artifacts in the mines and attack you, requiring you to fight them with your pickaxe and items.

Speaking of the mines, in addition to the health meter, two very important things are light, which is necessary to see something while mining, and water, which will be used for various combat/mining items. Both, and health, can be obtained from enemies or items, or by returning to El Machino. The latter option will fully restore you. In the mines, there will also be pipes that serve as fast travel points, which you can unlock as you find them, and special caves that include valuable minerals, steam engines, gold gears, or artifacts.

For all the reasons I've mentioned, the gameplay will be very rich and fun, and it will be completely integrated with this incredible story. The only problem is that some fast travel points are far apart and others are very close together, leaving areas very far from each other. On the other hand, not being able to attack or mine while jumping or flying is a rather big problem.

In terms of graphics, the game looks very good, with graphics leaning towards a retro style but with modern touches that are very reminiscent of the current animation of some animated series, and the game's music is fully adapted, from necessary silences before a boss or during earthquakes to calm music in El Machino.

For all these reasons, SteamWorld Dig 2 is a remarkable game, a 2D platformer that breaks the mold with a rich, emotional story and gameplay you'll never tire of. The graphics are just the style the game needed, and the music fits perfectly with each moment of the story and each cave. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED game, now available for Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, and PC for just €20—even less thanks to Image & Form's constant sales—so take advantage and enjoy it.

Worst parts of the game

• There are fast travel points that are far apart and others that are very close together, leaving some areas very far from each other.
• Not being able to attack or mine while jumping or flying is a major problem.
• Some other minor gameplay issues.

Best parts of the game

• The game's story is very interesting, starting out simpler and evolving gradually, shaping a fairly complete narrative.
• The 2D platforming gameplay is very rich and fun.
• The graphics are pure contemporary animation, which is appreciated.
• The game's music is perfectly adapted.
• The many references to popular culture are appreciated.

Score

9