SteamWorld Dig 2

SteamWorld Dig 2 is what I want out of more games. A game that wants to be played, that doesn’t punish you for enjoying it your own way. You can tell that everything about this game is so deliberate and thought out, so much care went into this world, and you’re invited to be a part of it. So don’t wait, dig in!

Steamworld Dig 2 is bigger and better than its predecessor in every way possible, except for one - it's still a game that has to end. There is no multiplayer, endless or random generating modes you could enjoy after the credits roll. But for the length of the campaign, it is an experience only a masterful metroidvania can deliver.

SteamWorld Dig 2 takes everything fans loved about the original game and turns the dial up to eleven. It’s bigger, better, and even more addicting than its predecessor, and absolutely deserves a spot in every single Switch owner’s library.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is everything that you may want for a sequel. It takes the digging formula of its predecessor and makes it more fun to play, prettier to look at, and more pleasant to listen to. Fans of both platform and Metroidvania genres will be pleased by its enjoyable gameplay and, even if you’re not into those style of games, it may be worth a try - as it is one of the best indie games released on the Switch.

With its SteamWorld games, Image & Form have created an interesting universe united by common aesthetics but surprisingly diverse in terms of gameplay. Despite SteamWorld Dig 2 being a sequel, it retains this concept by adapting its predecessor’s unique mechanics into the otherwise familiar Metroidvania genre. This strange combination has resulted in a surprisingly successful and creative marriage of ideas that is made all the more appealing by the compelling atmosphere created by the beautiful visuals and pitch perfect music. For fans of previous games in the franchise, SteamWorld Dig 2 is an absolute must play that lives up to its siblings, and for everyone else it’s a perfect opportunity to see why these games have garnered so much praise.

I wish everyone who develops platform games understood movement mechanics as good as Image & Form. SteamWorld Dig 2 is a very good game in every aspect, but the cherry on top is the joy that comes from running around, jumping and climbing. [12/2017, p.62]

All in all, SteamWorld Dig 2 transcends and transforms the original game's blueprint. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 21]

Once again Image & Form continue to pour heart, soul and quality into their games. Steamworld Dig 2 is another near perfect entry in the Steamworld universe, and the enhanced art design makes me wish that they go back to both the original Dig and Heist and update them and release them on the Switch. I would be the first in line to buy them again.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a masterfully created exploration-platformer in a Metroidvania package. If Dig 2 could offer an additional difficulty level, introduce more boss fights, and capitalize on the potential of the world and story, this could've been extraordinary. As it stands, it's an incredible experience and excellent value for fans of the genre or video games in general. One has to bear in mind that we are talking about a $20 indie game made by a small team, so Dig 2 is far from a full-fledged AAA experience. What's astonishing is how the title manages to capture and entertain us during its runtime and beyond.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is no mere sequel by numbers, instead taking everything that was loved (and critiqued) about the original and building upon it considerably in every way possible. The sense of exploration is phenomenal, and those willing to dig deep will find the world down in the mines has so much to offer that a good 10-15 hours can easily be spent uncovering all of the secrets before even bothering to finish the main story. This almost out-Metroids Nintendo's venerable series - that is how good Image & Form's latest adventure is.

SteamWorld Dig 2 does everything the original did and outperforms it in every single measure. Thanks to its magnificent level design and very well implemented gameplay mechanics, Dig 2 is a compulsory purchase and anything that could ever be asked from a sequel.

For $20, Steamworld Dig 2 packs an immense amount of value and fun into a refreshing platformer with an interesting narrative, lots of explosions, and the satisfying feeling of exploration and constant progression. Really, what more could you want from something that costs less than a real-life pickaxe?

Steamworld Dig 2 is a bigger and better version of the first chapter, a metroidvania crafted with great taste, smartness and competence. A strongly recommended purchase.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is one of the greatest endeavors in excavation gaming has ever seen. It takes the core gameplay loop seen in the original and adds layers of extra ideas atop that make it a joy to play. If you play for 10 minutes, or choose to settle in for a whole hour or more, there is always a feeling that progress is being made. That’s a great bullet point for any game to boast yet few actually possess.

Steamworld Dig 2 is a fantastic introduction for new players to the Metroidvania genre and offers more than enough to keep seasoned veterans fully engaged. It's a must-have for anyone with a Switch.

With a flimsy-but-fun narrative premise and rock solid platforming gameplay backing it up, the rhythm of exploration and upgrading here is about as addictive and satisfying as they come. I'd go so far as to say Dig 2 out-Metroids Samus Returns, but on top of that its mix of free-form exploration and self-contained puzzle rooms makes for an original twist.

If you didn’t like the gameplay loop of Steamworld Dig, then there are probably not enough changes here to massively alter your opinion. But for those of us who did enjoy it, then Steamworld Dig 2 will happily suck us right back in, the refinements made creating the perfect balance between familiarity and freshness.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a fantastic addition to the franchise which uses everything we loved about the first game and builds on it, whilst also taking into account what fans have asked for. It's strategic, exciting, fun, utterly enjoyable, and a must-have for the average Switch owner. Whether you've played the first game or not, you'll have a blast with this one.

Every advancement Dig 2 makes to its story and mechanics strengthens your initiative to progress. There's an overwhelming sense of momentum that runs through the adventure; as if developer Image & Form sifted the original in a pan, removing its redundancies while expanding upon what made it so fun to persistently play. In your quest to acquire every upgrade and explore every nook and cranny, there's no shortage of hidden collectables to discover.

Dorothy and Fen’s adventure is a brilliant slice of zen gaming, a treat. Image & Form have knocked the it out of the park with this sequel.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is another confident effort from Image & Form, and a worthy successor to a game that's a treasured part of many eShop collections. Stylish and good-looking, it also has the series' trademark humour and, yes, a pretty good soundtrack. It refines and expands upon the qualities of the original and hits some delicious high points, albeit some of the smartest segments and ideas appear only briefly. It sets the scene for more content and games, too, which is pleasing to see. For fans of SteamWorld Dig we suspect the recommendation isn't needed as they'll buy this anyway. For those that skipped the first game, however, Dig 2 is a must-have - its charming aesthetic and cast set the scene for a tightly designed and clever exploration game.

Steamworld Dig 2 is a great sequel. Everything from its predecessor has been improved making the experience funnier and even more addictive. The exploration feels so natural that it doesn't matter if you play some minutes or several hours, it will still feel great. A must have for those looking for an awesome metroidvania.

Action, exploration, platforming, beautiful visuals... SteamWorld Dig 2 improves on everything from the original game, adding some metroidvania elements, and making it one of the best indies for the Nintendo Switch.

SteamWorld Dig 2 retains the original’s addictive resource-gathering gameplay, but supplements it with a gorgeously detailed, handcrafted world. Its heady mix of exploration, combat, platforming, and puzzle solving, alongside an expansive set of abilities and mods gives it plenty of variety and a great gameplay rhythm. I wish there was more to do once the campaign ends, but that’s a testament to the fact that what is here is just about pitch perfect.

I expected a nice mining action adventure. What I didn’t expect is that SteamWorld Dig 2 turns out to be that good. Charming design, great puzzles and a well thought out and executed upgrade system make this a very polished and thoroughly entertaining gaming experience.

You'll find yourself far more invested in your new grappling hook than the fate of the world. [Nov 2017, p.80]

Steamworld Dig 2 makes you dig like Minecraft, while exploring away like Castlevania. This solid adventure gets even better thanks to the cool dungeon levels and its duration.

Steamworld Dig 2 builds a solid metroidvania explorative game upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. Better combat, better level design, better graphics and more in depth gameplay makes this one of the best indie titles available on Nintendo Switch.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is impeccably paced, with new powers and options opening up just when you were getting comfortable with your current loadout. The world is fun to move around, the characters are charming, and the process of gradually increasing your efficiency is airtight. Even with some lackluster combat, more intuitive controls and focus on mobility make it even better than the original.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a game that — much like the original — has no issue reveling in its simple yet undeniable gameplay loop. Fans who expect much of the same will be surprised by the polish and excellence that a hand-crafted world, power ups, and more dynamic art bring to the table.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a worthy addition to any library, but stands out on the Switch because it works great as a portable game and also looks amazing on a big TV.

Steam World Dig 2 is one of the very best side-scrolling games on the Nintendo Switch, and it is the perfect game to play in between the system’s masterpieces.

It's like the original, but prettier, deeper and with more details. So that's amazing. A great "metroidvania-ish" title you should play.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a textbook sequel. It is bigger, nicer and more addictive, but still without a good story. Despite the shortcomings, this is still a funny game. [Issue#279]

SteamWorld Dig 2 feels a bit like the beginner’s guide to sandbox games with its relative simplicity, but it maintains a sense of grandiosity and proves nonetheless entertaining with its Metroidvania-style adventuring and its marriage of both linear and nonlinear gameplay elements.

The SteamWorld franchise digs deeper than ever and comes up with another charming mix of Metroidvania and Boulder Dash.