SteamWorld Dig

Perhaps the game's brief length and unfulfilling conclusion wouldn't be issues if everything else about SteamWorld Dig weren't so good. Exploration and augmentation are a lot of fun, the setting is interesting, and the resource management adds some challenge and tension. Yet the game seems to be leading to more and more awesome things, only to have these elements--the setting, the combat, the skill upgrades--end just as it they get interesting. Nevertheless, SteamWorld Dig is an entertaining underground adventure worth digging into.

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.

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.

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.

SteamWorld Dig is easily the best eShop game of 2013, and just as good on PS4, Vita, and PC. With a core mechanic that's as simple to understand as it is fun to experiment with, an engrossing atmosphere, and exceptionally refined platforming action that lends itself to multiple play styles and playthroughs, this is an addictive cycle that makes the 3DS difficult to put down.

If you love Metroidvania games, you’ll love Steamworld Dig. It takes a little while to get going, but once you find your first upgrade underground, you’ll be hooked. It blends action-platforming with exploration very well, and manages to feel different enough from every other MV-style game while still feeling somewhat familiar. For under ten dollars, there’s a lot of fun to be had with SteamWorld Dig.

Short and simple; my near-complete first run took me about seven hours. I could definitely go for more, but at the same time this particular game feels complete as-is... and the secret ranking system revealed at the end just begs for speedrunning. Suffice it to say this is exactly the kind of game eShop needs more of: Simple, addictive, and creative despite wearing its influences prominently. Highly recommended.

At around four hours, SteamWorld Dig is a concise game that deserves credit for not outstaying its welcome. That said, if you griped about the length of Portal and Journey then you may find cause for complaint here too. SteamWorld Dig is an utterly phenomenal video game, with layer upon layer of remarkable gameplay to be found. This isn't simply the best Nintendo 3DS game you've played - it's one of the best games you'll play this year.

I finished the game in just under six hours (with a handful of upgrades still to buy), over two sessions that ran into the early hours - both times intended as nothing more than a quick go before bed. SteamWorld Dig is the best kind of surprise, then: a game with substance, challenge and no little charm that seems to have come out of nowhere. The 3DS is enjoying a particularly strong year for games, and eShop titles of this quality can only continue its hot streak.

Esta creación de Image & Form supone una grata sorpresa para los seguidores de las aventuras tipo Metroid o Castlevania en 2D. Sin llegar a cotas sobresalientes, la variada jugabilidad desemboca en un torrente de diversión muy intenso, arrastrando muy pocos inconvenientes importantes. Una opción de compra muy jugosa para los asiduos al servicio eShop de Nintendo 3DS.

Das ist ein einfacher, aber unterhaltsamer Platttformer, der das Graben und Einstürzen unter Tage mit Erkundungsreizen, Fallen sowie stets neuen Fähigkeiten verknüpft. Zwar entsteht mit der Zeit auch eine gewisse Monotonie hinsichtlich der Laufwege und die Gegner hätten etwas früher variieren dürfen, aber es macht immer wieder Laune, sich auf der Jagd nach Edelmetall ein paar Etagen tiefer zu buddeln. Der Held ist cool, der Spielrhythmus gemütlich – endlich mal wieder ein richtig guter Titel in Nintendos eShop.

Parte do que torna SteamWorld Dig numa experiência tão satisfatória e divertida é um certo factor que raramente acompanha o lançamento de um jogo hoje em dia: o facto de ser um título sobre o qual pouco ou nada se sabe e de não ter grandes expectativas à sua volta. Isto permitiu uma experiência mais genuína, envolta pelo desconhecido, e surpreendente.

Talvez por isso, a maior falha do jogo é mesmo a ausência de publicidade desta pequena gema digital que a Image & Form modelou com todo o cuidado, o que pode levar muita gente eventualmente interessada a passar ao lado. Sendo agora uma confirmação, a eShop tem na sua extensa lista de títulos digitais, mais um jogo que vale pelo magnífico sentido de exploração, plataformas, acção e puzzles, enquanto revela ligações a clássicos como Metroid ou Castlevania, embora com mecânicas exclusivas e surpreendemente bem afinadas.

Il vanto di Steamworld Dig, in ogni caso, consiste nel sistema di controllo perfettamente reattivo, nell'eccelsa fluidità dei comandi e nell'autentico piacere ludico che si prova console alla mano, guidando Rusty tra lunghe (e velocissime!) risalite, innumerevoli salti, esplorazioni cervellotiche e il desiderio di perfezionare le proprie tecniche e abilità.

Эта интрига сохраняется на протяжении значительной части прохождения, чем могут похвастаться лишь единичные игры. А когда открывается ответ на этот вопрос, сценаристы подкидывают новые. И в результате SteamWorld Dig не проседает почти никогда, до самого финала оставаясь вроде бы и сделанной из несложных и известных десятилетиями механик, но безумно увлекательной.

Wel is het leuk om de game tussendoor te spelen, een half uurtje hier en een half uurtje daar bijvoorbeeld. Let er vooral op hoe mooi de game eruitziet, grafisch is het namelijk één van de betere titels op de 3DS. Dat is een aangename verrassing voor een game waar veel mensen waarschijnlijk niet eens van gehoord hebben. SteamWorld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt kost nog minder dan een tientje en is zonder gekheid de leukste titel om momenteel uit de eShop te downloaden.