SteamWorld Dig

 3DS
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 114 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 144
  3. Negative: 15 out of 144

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  1. BradSetzer
    Sep 6, 2013
    10
    I have to say I was a bit skeptical of this game when I first heard about it but I gave it a try due to all of the good things that people had to say. I'm glad that I did! This game is very fun and provides many hours of entertainment. I bought it for $8, less than the price of a movie ticket. I have played over 6 hours so far and I am nearing the end of the game. I just love theI have to say I was a bit skeptical of this game when I first heard about it but I gave it a try due to all of the good things that people had to say. I'm glad that I did! This game is very fun and provides many hours of entertainment. I bought it for $8, less than the price of a movie ticket. I have played over 6 hours so far and I am nearing the end of the game. I just love the digging aspect of this game. You keep digging further underground, looking for gems and precious metals to bring back to the surface to sell. By selling those items, you unlock upgrades that assist you in defending yourself against the enemies below as well as assisting you in digging much more quickly. There are plenty of puzzles to solve within the game whether it be finding secret passages to unlock a door or going back to previous areas with new powers to gain access to new places and more treasures. You get many different items in the game from a pick ax to a drill to a super-charge punch that blows through the dirt. You also gain abilities like steam-jumping and a electrical-charged double jump that can take out enemies with ease.

    This game may seem simple at first but there is much to offer for the price. I'm hoping for a sequel!     … Expand
  2. jimmer_winner
    Sep 7, 2013
    10
    This is definitely my favorite eShop title thus far. It's incredible how shallow the game seems at first (although I admit the gameplay doesn't change much as it progresses). And this may sound cheesy, but some of the moments I felt when I first encountered certain enemies and terrain were incredible. In the end, it's an incredibly enjoyable experience, and the well-tuned mechanics helpThis is definitely my favorite eShop title thus far. It's incredible how shallow the game seems at first (although I admit the gameplay doesn't change much as it progresses). And this may sound cheesy, but some of the moments I felt when I first encountered certain enemies and terrain were incredible. In the end, it's an incredibly enjoyable experience, and the well-tuned mechanics help make it extremely addicting. Great themes set throughout the game, it takes the tired post-apocalyptic setting and presents it in a lighthearted, yet intriguing way. I love it!… Expand
  3. Matesamo
    Aug 26, 2013
    10
    SteamWorld Dig is a platform game that seems like the illegitimate offspring of Dig Dug and Metroid, combining elements of both into one new and enjoyable game. You play as a mining steam-bot named Rusty who digs down into the earth in search of treasure and the hopes of finding the secrets that may be buried there. As you explore the earth you will create tunnels, fight a wide variety ofSteamWorld Dig is a platform game that seems like the illegitimate offspring of Dig Dug and Metroid, combining elements of both into one new and enjoyable game. You play as a mining steam-bot named Rusty who digs down into the earth in search of treasure and the hopes of finding the secrets that may be buried there. As you explore the earth you will create tunnels, fight a wide variety of enemies and collect rare metals that you can use back on the surface to create better equipment.

    When thinking about what makes a great game I think about control, graphics, and playability and this game nails them all. When I was moving Rusty around the screen he did exactly what I wanted him to, the controls were top notch and everything seemed tight and responsive. The graphics pop off the screen and the feature strong character designs and enemies. The game is full of little touches that the player will discover if they pay attention while playing the game and if there is ever an upgraded Wii U port then you can expect to have people just sit and watch you play it.

    The games concept is a great one, the mechanics of digging tunnels and slowly unlocking more and more of the world is awesome and well implemented. The game gets the pacing down just right; when I started to get frustrated with how many swings it took to kill an enemy I unlocked an upgrade to my weapon. When it started to become a chore to climb back to the surface to sell my goods and heal I unlock the transporters. Every time something started to grind on me the game had an option for me to purchase in game that resolved the problem, it is a genius bit of programing and is perfectly executed.

    So, to wrap it up, just how good is SteamWorld Dig? It is so good that my review got delayed a couple of days because every time I popped it on to check something for the review I wound up playing it for an hour or two. It is one of the top five best original (non-VC or retail) games on the 3DS eShop and is probably the best nine dollars that you can spend on your 3DS this week. Pick it up and see what every one is talking about.    … Expand
  4. rodericrinehart
    Jan 1, 2017
    9
    Just a super fun game that will put a smile on your face. What an amazing game. Major replayability, incredible fun, just a nice gameplay feedback loop for 10 or so hours.
  5. asimons613
    Jan 18, 2014
    8
    Very well-made terria-esque sidescroller that keeps gameplay dynamic with new concepts and . Only complaint is it's length, you can beat this in about 4 or 5 hours, but for $9 I can't complain too much. 3DS owners might as well enjoy this one since it looks like we won't be getting Terraria ported over.
  6. padako
    Oct 24, 2013
    8
    the most fun you can have with 8 dollars. a relatively simple game that involves digging, looting and some action. essentially, you dig to find upgrades so that you can dig deeper but the formula is strangely addicting. combat is simple but well implemented. only about 4 or 5 hours of game play but, for 8 dollars, you could do a lot worse content wise. a great value and an awesome way tothe most fun you can have with 8 dollars. a relatively simple game that involves digging, looting and some action. essentially, you dig to find upgrades so that you can dig deeper but the formula is strangely addicting. combat is simple but well implemented. only about 4 or 5 hours of game play but, for 8 dollars, you could do a lot worse content wise. a great value and an awesome way to fill the gap in between other 3DS releases.… Expand
  7. Falcus
    Dec 1, 2013
    8
    SteamWorld Dig... Probably the most unexpected--and fun--eShop download of the year.

    The game focuses on mining--digging down into the depths of a destroyed world, while uncovering secrets and remnants of lost civilizations. The core mechanics are great, controls are solid, and it's very addicting. The characters are shallow, and the game ends far too early. Other than that, it's    SteamWorld Dig... Probably the most unexpected--and fun--eShop download of the year.

    The game focuses on mining--digging down into the depths of a destroyed world, while uncovering secrets and remnants of lost civilizations.

    The core mechanics are great, controls are solid, and it's very addicting.
    The characters are shallow, and the game ends far too early. Other than that, it's amazing.

    PRESENTATION: 7/10
    CORE GAME: 8.5/10
    VISUALS: 8/10
    AUDIO: 8.5/10
    GAMEPLAY: 9/10
    LASTING APPEAL: 8/10

    Overall: 8.2/10    … Expand
  8. rdoughan1287
    Mar 6, 2014
    9
    Excellent game, especially for the price. I read a lot of reviews on 3DS games and this one caught my eye. I really enjoyed the game play style. You basically dig through a mine with a couple of different digging tools that has a few internal dungeons collecting gems (game currency). Then you return to the surface to purchase upgrades as well as other items to make your adventure easier.Excellent game, especially for the price. I read a lot of reviews on 3DS games and this one caught my eye. I really enjoyed the game play style. You basically dig through a mine with a couple of different digging tools that has a few internal dungeons collecting gems (game currency). Then you return to the surface to purchase upgrades as well as other items to make your adventure easier.

    But there is more than that. The addition of light and water elements which you have to constantly balance make it a real challenge an add a sense of urgency to everything you do. You really can't do anything without light and the water powers your weapons (other than the pickax). I would definitely recommend this game to anyone looking for a great game that you will be able to complete in under 10 hours. That would probably be my only minor complaint; the game could stand to be a little longer.

    I also really enjoyed the art style. It was a very colorful game.

    9/10    … Expand
  9. lebonbon
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    Awesome game! Read a lot of reviews praising this game so I had to download it. Great controls, gameplay and graphics. Great mix of spaghetti western and steampunk. Gotta love those robots. Can't wait for the sequel!
  10. deilpotv
    Aug 16, 2013
    10
    Steamworld Dig is the first 3DS game from small developer Image & Form. You play as lonesome Rusty who arrives at the town of Tumbleton. You are swiftly informed that Joe, your uncle, has gone missing. Your job is bring the town back to prosperity and hopefully reunite with your uncle. The gameplay is simple but addictive blending cave exploration, mining and simple combat into a smallSteamworld Dig is the first 3DS game from small developer Image & Form. You play as lonesome Rusty who arrives at the town of Tumbleton. You are swiftly informed that Joe, your uncle, has gone missing. Your job is bring the town back to prosperity and hopefully reunite with your uncle. The gameplay is simple but addictive blending cave exploration, mining and simple combat into a small package. The game is tiny at only 348 blocks which translates to roughly 43mb. This is particularly impressive given the massive size of the caves, all of which feature extremely detailed and colorful backgrounds depending on the part of the cave you’re in.

    As you progress you will level up and unlock upgrades, allowing you to become an even more badass miner. Dynamite, drills, super punches will all be within your grasps within a few hours of play. Your hard graft will allow the town to bring back some of its former vendors allowing you to purchase even more tools and supplies.

    The art is absolutely gorgeous and greatly detailed. Everything from the swing of the pickaxe which kicks up dust is displayed in amazing fashion. The enemy design is great too, but they do tend to repeat too much. The game is also consistent and will constantly save your game every time you return to the surface, everything you did in the mine will be saved allowing you to venture back to the depths to finish off collecting any forgotten treasures.

    The music is good, nothing spectacular, it keeps the mining sessions from getting tedious. The mines are huge, On my playthrough my character reached 800 metres and there was still more below.

    The game can get quite difficult when you’re stuck miles from a teleport to the surface and have no water, forcing you to reset and attempt to recollect your treasures This really only applies to how you dig. Leaving wide open spaces is almost impossible to scale up without the water jump giving you almost no option but to reset. The game can get a bit repetitive during extended play sessions but its clear this isn’t meant to be the way to play, while it is certainly possibly to complete the game in one session your enthusiasm may be diminished after a few hours of endless mining.    … Expand
  11. CobraKaun
    Aug 26, 2013
    9
    As a big of dig games (Terraria, Minecraft, etc) I really enjoyed this game. The art style, minimized storyline and action platformer game-play made for an incredible enjoyable experience.

    The only complaint I can think to make about this game is that at 5 hours to complete (and a couple additional hours for full completion) I did feel like the experience was a bit short and due to to    As a big of dig games (Terraria, Minecraft, etc) I really enjoyed this game. The art style, minimized storyline and action platformer game-play made for an incredible enjoyable experience.

    The only complaint I can think to make about this game is that at 5 hours to complete (and a couple additional hours for full completion) I did feel like the experience was a bit short and due to to lack of randomization the re-playability is fairly low.

    That being said however this game was a blast and at the low pricetag even the brevity of the game isn't enough to stop me from recommending it to anyone.    … Expand
  12. signz
    Aug 25, 2013
    10
    Do you like games like Minecraft, Terraria, Dig Dug or Motherload? Is your second home in the underground, mining and digging minerals? Are you a robot? Well, if all 3 questions apply to you, you should go see a doctor. But if you are said yes to the first 2 questions, then SteamWorld Dig is the perfect game for you.
    In this game you will dig deeper and deeper, finding scary and awesome    Do you like games like Minecraft, Terraria, Dig Dug or Motherload? Is your second home in the underground, mining and digging minerals? Are you a robot? Well, if all 3 questions apply to you, you should go see a doctor. But if you are said yes to the first 2 questions, then SteamWorld Dig is the perfect game for you.
    In this game you will dig deeper and deeper, finding scary and awesome stuff and, of course, minerals to bring back home.
    I do not want to spoil too much, BUT I can assure you, you will love this game (if you are a fan of games like this) and enjoy every second of it. Go on now, go get it on the Nintendo 3DS eShop!    … Expand
  13. JJfromTexas
    Sep 15, 2013
    9
    I could not put this game down. It's one of the very few games that has gripped me so much, I played nearly nonstop until I completed it. As most other reviewers have suggested, it's an amalgamation of Metroid and Dig Dug Mr. Driller, with a lot of fun exploring and an interesting if thin story. My only complaint is the length it's fairly short, and there's not a ton of replay valueI could not put this game down. It's one of the very few games that has gripped me so much, I played nearly nonstop until I completed it. As most other reviewers have suggested, it's an amalgamation of Metroid and Dig Dug Mr. Driller, with a lot of fun exploring and an interesting if thin story. My only complaint is the length it's fairly short, and there's not a ton of replay value if you collected all items and treasure the first time through (as I did). That aside, this is a must-play title for any 3DS owner.… Expand
  14. Plasmaneedle
    Mar 29, 2014
    9
    A fresh new take on the Metroidvania subgenre. The new digging features add depth and mix great with the Metroidvania formula. Very addictive. I recommend it to all Metroidvania fans.
  15. ricklongo
    Sep 23, 2013
    8
    The latest 3DS e-Shop darling is a metroidvania-style platformer that's filled to the brim with action, charm, and great gameplay ideas.

    The game takes place in a steampunk western setting where everyone is a robot. You play as Rusty, who arrives at the town of Tumbleton to inherit your deceased uncle's mine. As such, the core gameplay has you digging through said mine, looking for a    The latest 3DS e-Shop darling is a metroidvania-style platformer that's filled to the brim with action, charm, and great gameplay ideas.

    The game takes place in a steampunk western setting where everyone is a robot. You play as Rusty, who arrives at the town of Tumbleton to inherit your deceased uncle's mine. As such, the core gameplay has you digging through said mine, looking for a plethora precious minerals and upgrades to your system. Each upgrade (including better digging tools, boosts in basic abilities, and even a mineral-finding radar) is found on dedicated sublevels, offering new ways to help you keep on digging. The minerals help you get money and develop the town, which attracts new storeowners to settle there as a result.

    The digging mechanic is very well-executed. The mine is basically your oyster; you can dig almost wherever you choose to look for those elusive minerals, but you always have to make sure there's a way to climb back to Tumbleton when your lamp wears off. It's the sort of gameplay that can get really addictive, and you'll often find yourself unable to resist the urge to get back to the mine for some more digging after returning to the town, cashing in your gems, and purchasing new goodies at the local stores.

    The game's three worlds (each a subsection of the gigantic mine) will offer plenty of challenges, with new enemies, abilities, and minerals hiding at every corner. The characterization is spotless, and the game's simple plot even succeeds in making you actually care about the mystery of what actually happened to Rusty's uncle.

    Of course, being an e-Shop title, SteamWorld Dig falls victim to some of the usual letdowns of downloadable games. It's a relatively short affair, clocking in at about five hours, and the addictive nature of the gameplay means that it will feel even shorter. It also lacks the oomph of epic boss battles, and each new upgrade feels rather less satisfying without some gigantic monster guarding it. Finally, there's so much creativity on display here that the game just begs for at least a couple extra worlds to explore.

    Nevertheless, SteamWorld Dig is a game that's easy to fall in love with, and however much time you put into it will be amply rewarded by tons of fun.

    Rating: 8.5 (rounded down)    … Expand
  16. epicdude12302
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    stemworld dig is a minecraft style 3ds game except you can't build. I like how the game is open world and how you can dig for gems and upgrade your town. it's a little pricy but I got it when it was on sale for 7$. if your willing to spend the money, it's worth it
  17. Rtheom
    Sep 30, 2017
    9
    This is an excellent little game that offers rewards for careful planning and creative puzzle solving. If you like to explore and collect things, this is your game. If you're looking for a combat-based Metroidvania type game, this isn't the game for you. If you found the most rewarding part of Metroidvania to be exploring the levels and finding secrets, this game has you covered in spades.
  18. Kenseiden
    Jun 12, 2015
    9
    Excellent game. Fun, deep (no pun intended) and well polished. Controls and game mechanics are easy to understand. You wont miss your 10 bucks thats for certain.

    That said, I find it a little short though, and it also lacks boss fights. I find the final boss a little lame and easy; it could certainly be the first boss.

    Happy digging.
  19. johnnyrio
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    This game surprised the heck out of me. For people complaining that "all you do is dig", it pretty much says so right in the title, Steamworld Dig. Uh, duhdoy? It's not Steamworld Call of Duty or Steamworld Final Fantasy. You are going to dig and explore and figure out puzzles and level up your tools and do more digging. Love it.
  20. allo_ver
    Dec 27, 2015
    8
    Lovely game, that easily surpassed my expectations. The game goes for some very interesting aesthetics, mixing steampunk robots with spaghetti western - including a very Morriconesque soundtrack - to some very charming results. Speaking about aesthetics, the game made great use of the 3D feature of the Nintendo 3DS, adding some subtle depth to the scenery that makes it more pleasant toLovely game, that easily surpassed my expectations. The game goes for some very interesting aesthetics, mixing steampunk robots with spaghetti western - including a very Morriconesque soundtrack - to some very charming results. Speaking about aesthetics, the game made great use of the 3D feature of the Nintendo 3DS, adding some subtle depth to the scenery that makes it more pleasant to look at.

    There is a small plot going on as you dig and return to town. It hints at a far greater story that makes me wonder if the game will have a sequel. The vendors in town all have their own small personalities, so it's nice to follow the story as you progress.

    The game itself is fairly short - I finished it in 9 hours - but it can probably be finished in half the time if the player just rush through the game. The puzzle elements are fairly easy, although all the enemies and different terrains and blocks offer their own surprises.    … Expand
  21. BackToTheTruth
    Apr 20, 2018
    10
    Amazing game. It will pull you in with Metroidvania + RPG elements and make you happy by delivering a completely bug-free, incredibly polished, perfectly fine-tuned and creative variation on a jump'n'run. This is the core of video gaming condensed.

    I totally loved it. Such an amazing, rewarding experience to play through and find all secrets. I just hope after part 2 they will do    Amazing game. It will pull you in with Metroidvania + RPG elements and make you happy by delivering a completely bug-free, incredibly polished, perfectly fine-tuned and creative variation on a jump'n'run. This is the core of video gaming condensed.

    I totally loved it. Such an amazing, rewarding experience to play through and find all secrets.

    I just hope after part 2 they will do part 3, 4 5 and 6!    … Expand
  22. Akatito
    Nov 2, 2018
    8
    Steamworld dig es un breve y sencillo juego en el que tomamos el papel de Rusty, un robot minero bastante majete el cual llega a un antiguo pueblo minero en búsqueda de su tío. Por lo que nos cuentan los aldeanos del pueblo se ve que nuestro tío estaba todos los días en la mina, buscando algo... Y un día desapareció y no lo volvieron a ver, mas o menos nos explican esto aunque de unaSteamworld dig es un breve y sencillo juego en el que tomamos el papel de Rusty, un robot minero bastante majete el cual llega a un antiguo pueblo minero en búsqueda de su tío. Por lo que nos cuentan los aldeanos del pueblo se ve que nuestro tío estaba todos los días en la mina, buscando algo... Y un día desapareció y no lo volvieron a ver, mas o menos nos explican esto aunque de una manera algo mas sencilla. Y con esta presentación te meten en la mina a cavar, no hay mucho que decir de las mecánicas ya que todo es bastante sencillo.

    El juego tiene una ambientación rollo oeste con una banda sonora que acompaña bastante bien y hace que el ambiente sea bastante hogareño, incluso cuando te encuentras en la mina te sientes a gusto, es como si el juego te dijese: Esto va a ser una breve aventura, tampoco te compliques mucho la vida, disfruta jugando.

    El juego no es que tenga mucha complicación, se pilla bastante rápido desde el principio, y la verdad es que a pesar de que pueda sonar típico o aburrido... Debo decir que no es así en absoluto, el juego es super entretenido, su sencillez es lo que hace que sea divertido, ni si quiera tiene historia, es decir la tiene pero basicamente es lo que os he contado al principio, tu tio se ha perdido y tienes que ver que ha pasado con él y eso es lo que ocurre hasta el final del juego, no diré nada para no hacer spoiler pero vamos basicamente la historia es esa. Y esto es steamworld dig, bajar a la mina a pillar minerales, subir al pueblo a mejorar tu pico para poder cavar mas rápido, bajar a la mina para poder bajar aún mas profundo, volver a subir... Volver a bajar, y esto es todo hasta que acaba.

    Obviamente vamos pasando por diferentes zonas, cada vez se va complicando más, van apareciendo distintos enemigos con distintas mecánicas, nos ponen distintos rompecabezas que tienen cierta gracia y obviamente conforme avancemos vamos obteniendo materiales de mas valor. ¡No hay mas que contar! Como ya he dicho en su sencillez esta la grandeza de este juego, te hace sentir muy a gusto cuando lo juegas, todo es muy tranquilito. Incluso como ya os he comentado cuando estamos en la mina también es bastante relax, yo sinceramente lo veo el típico juego para ponerte en el sofá o en la cama a jugar tranquilamente cada noche y aislarte de todos los problemas y solamente minar. Aunque quiero añadir una última cosa, no veo nada mal que el juego sea tan sencillo es decir lo veo una buena elección y si no me equivoco creo que es una empresa indie que acababa de empezar y para ser su primer juego no está nada mal, han acertado de lleno... Tanto es así que ahora han sacado una segunda entrega y un juego extra con la ambientación de steamworld pero en shooter táctico (Steamworld heist).

    Pero... Creo que ya que hacen un juego pues podrían haberlo hecho un pelin mejor, es decir haber puesto un poco mas de profundidad. Quizás haber añadido algún que otro diálogo en el poblado, algún encuentro con otro robot de la mina o por ejemplo haberle dado mas complejidad al asunto de minar.
    Ya que todos los minerales que obtenemos durante el juego son exactamente iguales, obviamente cambian el nombre y la imagen del mineral y todos tienen su distinto precio al venderse pero realmente te da igual encontrarte un diamante que un rubí que un trozo de cobre ya que simplemente pues lo vendes y ya, uno te da mas dinero que otro... Pues sí, pero creo que podían haber aprovechado esto y haber puesto algunos minerales mas especiales que otros, que pudieras craftearte determinados objetos con determinados minerales.

    Pero bueno, tampoco vamos a darle mas vueltas al burro, el juego es como es y creo que es un total acierto, ademas su duración no es que sea demasiado larga, a mi personalmente me ha durado 5 horas y creo que la media ronda mas o menos por ahí 5-7 horas de juego. Lo cual es una duración muy exacta para que disfrutes con las novedades que te van poniendo durante el juego sin llegar a aburrirte de las mecánicas, de hecho incluso me quedé con ganas de más, al acabarlo me quedé bastante choff buscando juegos parecidos a este pero claro, obviamente cada juego es único.

    ¡Una cosa más! Lo he jugado en 3DS pero quiero añadir que me he estado mirando vídeos en youtube conforme lo iba jugando para ver como era el juego en PC por si acaso la versión de 3ds estaba recortada o me perdía algún detalle del juego original pero la verdad es que es un port bastante bueno, se juega muy bien, muy fluido y apenas se distingue mucho de la versión de pc excepto por detalles de interfaz y las fotos de los robots del poblado, pero vamos es totalmente disfrutable en una 3ds, que nadie se preocupe que es practicamente la versión original.

    ¡En definitiva, es un juegazo y me lo he pasado en grande con él, muy sencillo pero muy divertido! ¡Espero que os haya servido, un saludo!    … Expand
  23. huntams
    Sep 13, 2022
    10
    cool addictive and without any tightening metroidvania. game in an interesting western punk setting. perfectly adjusted economy of the game, in which there is no need for grinding.
  24. janwe04
    Apr 10, 2022
    10
    I love this Game. I played this so much as a kid. I also looking forward to buy the 2 part for the switch because i fell in love with the fiirst one!

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best 3DS Game of 2013
19
#19 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
25
#25 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Everyeye.it
    Oct 21, 2013
    85
    SteamWorld Dig is a great example of how the catalog of e-Shop is always more deserving of attention.
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  2. 3DJuegos
    Oct 16, 2013
    80
    A compelling 2D adventure game that resembles the beloved portable incarnations of cult franchises such as Metroid or Castlevania.
    Read full review
  3. IGN Italia
    Oct 1, 2013
    85
    Steamworld Dig is a great game, a tiny masterpiece, with a sublime gameplay which works perfectly, thanks to an intuitive and extremely fluid control system. One of the best for the eShop.
    Read full review
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