SteamWorld Dig 2 feels like a proper sequel

Some reassuring hands-on time before launch this month

Recommended Videos

I couldn’t be more thrilled that SteamWorld Dig is getting a follow-up. I loved its core loop of digging, collecting treasure, and heading up to the surface to buy upgrades that enabled you to delve deeper and more efficiently, opening up new areas and secrets. It all clicked. My main issue? The game ended too soon. I loved it, but it fell short of its potential, something Image & Form will readily admit.

SteamWorld Dig 2 won’t suffer that same fate.

At PAX, I was able to sit down and chat with Image & Form CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson, Nintendo Switch in hand. I was free to explore using an existing save file that had a bunch of far-off warp points and abilities already unlocked, allowing me to get a sense of scope (the map is varied, sprawling, and dense with secret collectibles) and traversal options (hover-boosting and hookshotting are a joy). Also, bosses. Plural! There thankfully won’t just be one confrontation like in SteamWorld Dig.

There’s a similar loop to the first game in that you’ll still be digging, collecting, and returning to the surface to sell in town, but it looks and plays better and feels all around more ambitious.

One change I’m particularly fond of: being able to pump collectible resources into your ability upgrades and then alter them on the fly to best fit your current situation and goals. As much as I’m a fan of the original SteamWorld, it’ll be tough returning to it after having just briefly tried the sequel.

It’s silly to get attached to earning collectibles in a game at a convention, especially one that’s due out in a matter of weeks, but SteamWorld Dig 2 got its hooks in me in that way. I couldn’t help myself. Completionists are going to have a hell of a time with this one, myself happily included.


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article How to get Sparkfire Shotgun in Remnant 2: Awakened King
Read Article Resident Evil 4 remake comes to new iOS devices and Mac just before Christmas
Resident Evil 4 iPhone
Read Article The PlayStation Plus November games lineup has been revealed
PlayStation Plus Logo
Related Content
Read Article How to get Sparkfire Shotgun in Remnant 2: Awakened King
Read Article Resident Evil 4 remake comes to new iOS devices and Mac just before Christmas
Resident Evil 4 iPhone
Read Article The PlayStation Plus November games lineup has been revealed
PlayStation Plus Logo
Author
Jordan Devore
Jordan is a founding member of Destructoid and poster of seemingly random pictures. They are anything but random.