I played this after seeing it in GMTK's 100 Game Design Lessons video and remembering I had it through claiming random Prime Gaming games, and this was a truly pleasant surprise. It has a couple issues that hold it back, but I loved the couple of hours I spent with it before the credits.

SteamWorld Dig wears simplicity on its sleeve. It's a very accessible game, giving you the simple quest to dig for loot, then sell it for cash so you can buy upgrades and dig some more. It sounds boring on paper, but it's satisfying seeing yourself build up from a lone robot with a pickaxe to a walking toolbox of movement and destruction.

Its locales are also limited (due to the length) though quite diverse. Each one comes with its own loot, a handful of enemies, music, and a visual style that helps to set it apart. They also require you to consider your digging more carefully. You could dig the most direct route to minerals, but you may be making other minerals much harder to reach or impossible with your current tools.

As a cherry on top, it's got Metroidvania elements which reminded me of playing Metroid Prime for the first time earlier this year. It isn't perfect execution, but it helps to sustain what is otherwise an unchanged core gameplay loop.

However, its simplicity is also the one thing holding it back from being something more. Many of the mechanics such as throwables and even some of the new tricks you learn are rarely if ever useful, let alone necessary. Enemies are also a cakewalk once you get one tool about halfway through the game, and that doesn't change with new foes. Even the final boss proved to be simple due to the overabundance of health pickups. This didn't hinder enjoyment too much since I'm somewhat forgiving of easy games, but I can't help but wonder what a little more depth could've done.

If you're looking for a fun little Metroidvania to kill a few hours, I'd be hard-pressed to not recommend this. It frequently goes on sale for a buck or two and is worth that cash, especially for people who like to 100% games. Won't be playing it just yet, but I'm excited to give the sequel a go since I hear it's a welcome step up.