SteamWorld Dig 2 is a perfect sequel to this Metroidvania series. It takes everything the first game was and improves on it while adding some neat bells and whistles to the formula all it's own.
First of all the game is just gorgeous with this really interesting painterly art style. Big bold colors and fun shapes are used everywhere. It all perfectly sells the town of El Machino, the incredibly detailed main hub (including it's denizens) of this adventure.
It picks up where the first game ended and you're playing as Dorothy searching for Rusty, the previous main character, who vanished at the end of 1. The game breadcrumbs you story bits every now and then to keep you intrigued and wanting to further dig up this mystery. The story was kind of bare bones in the first one so I'm surprised they cared enough to expand it but I'm glad they did.
Don't let the extra care to the story fool you though, the main draw here is still the core loop from the first game. That being to dig up as much ore as you can carry, haul it to the top, and sell it to kit yourself out with upgrades that will let you carry even more and mine even further. Along your descent you'll find challenge rooms that will test your ability and reward you with various treasures, upgrade stations, and a new resource: cogs.
Cogs are one of my favorite additions to this game that adds a lot of depth and replay value. As you naturally upgrade your gear to be more effective you'll also unlock optional mods. That's where the cogs come in. Some mods cost 1, 2, or more to activate but they're not permanent. If you find that a mod isn't useful anymore and want to spend upgrade cogs elsewhere, you can slot them out and put them in the new thing. This essentially gives you total control of your play style and the freedom to experiment. You never have to worry if a weird upgrade will ruin the experience for you, just take your cogs elsewhere.
There are some great additions to your arsenal and gear that I don't want to spoil, just know that the developers keep things fresh and the gameplay ever evolving. There's always a new upgrade to learn, a secret to find, a challenge room to conquer.
The level design is in top form too. With all the options the game gives you it kind of has to be and they don't let things go to waste. There are some levels I'm never going to be able to forget and I'd reckon you won't be able to either.
All in all SteamWorld Dig 2 is one of the best Metroidvania titles I've ever played and I urge you to try it yourself if you like the genre. I'm surprised they gave this away for free. From the goofy steampunk western setting to the gorgeous artwork and the addictive gameplay you're spoiled for choice at finding something to like here. As for me, I eagerly await SteamWorld Dig 3 but I bought the spin-off SteamWorld Heist to tide me over.
First of all the game is just gorgeous with this really interesting painterly art style. Big bold colors and fun shapes are used everywhere. It all perfectly sells the town of El Machino, the incredibly detailed main hub (including it's denizens) of this adventure.
It picks up where the first game ended and you're playing as Dorothy searching for Rusty, the previous main character, who vanished at the end of 1. The game breadcrumbs you story bits every now and then to keep you intrigued and wanting to further dig up this mystery. The story was kind of bare bones in the first one so I'm surprised they cared enough to expand it but I'm glad they did.
Don't let the extra care to the story fool you though, the main draw here is still the core loop from the first game. That being to dig up as much ore as you can carry, haul it to the top, and sell it to kit yourself out with upgrades that will let you carry even more and mine even further. Along your descent you'll find challenge rooms that will test your ability and reward you with various treasures, upgrade stations, and a new resource: cogs.
Cogs are one of my favorite additions to this game that adds a lot of depth and replay value. As you naturally upgrade your gear to be more effective you'll also unlock optional mods. That's where the cogs come in. Some mods cost 1, 2, or more to activate but they're not permanent. If you find that a mod isn't useful anymore and want to spend upgrade cogs elsewhere, you can slot them out and put them in the new thing. This essentially gives you total control of your play style and the freedom to experiment. You never have to worry if a weird upgrade will ruin the experience for you, just take your cogs elsewhere.
There are some great additions to your arsenal and gear that I don't want to spoil, just know that the developers keep things fresh and the gameplay ever evolving. There's always a new upgrade to learn, a secret to find, a challenge room to conquer.
The level design is in top form too. With all the options the game gives you it kind of has to be and they don't let things go to waste. There are some levels I'm never going to be able to forget and I'd reckon you won't be able to either.
All in all SteamWorld Dig 2 is one of the best Metroidvania titles I've ever played and I urge you to try it yourself if you like the genre. I'm surprised they gave this away for free. From the goofy steampunk western setting to the gorgeous artwork and the addictive gameplay you're spoiled for choice at finding something to like here. As for me, I eagerly await SteamWorld Dig 3 but I bought the spin-off SteamWorld Heist to tide me over.