SteamWorld Dig

I admit that I felt pretty fed up with the game on a number of occasions precisely because of these shortcomings. Even so, the allure of what lay hidden beneath the surface compelled me onward. Soil gives way to a long-lost subterranean civilization, which then gives way to evidence of a world much more advanced then the one on the surface. Every hundred meters is some new surprise, some new revelation.

The story is good, the visuals are charming and the sound is understated but evocative of the theme. Difficulty, pacing and flow are well-judged, and the game is short enough to leave you wanting more whilst leaving you satisfied that you’ve got your money’s worth. In every single area that matters, Steamworld Dig is a masterclass of game design. Although the gameplay is kept simple and it isn’t about to cause a revolution, from start to finish it is an absolute joy to play. You could say that they’ve mined a rich vein of creativity.

SteamWorld Dig represents a strong coming together of concept and execution, with relatively simple mechanics impeccably layered to coax the gamer through its story. It's demanding and perhaps too punishing for some, but the mix of basic platforming, puzzling and action works well, with a beautifully balanced leveling system underpinning the whole undertaking. Beyond the initial thrill of exploration it's questionable whether much else can draw you back, but this is a game that achieves its goals with some panache and plenty of style.