SteamWorld Dig 2 (PC) Review

"Bigger and better" is the standard mantra of a sequel, and SteamWorld Dig 2 holds true to it. Everybody who loved the first game has reason enough to pick this entry up immediately. Still, the previous statement means very little to those out there who aren't fans. Is there a convincing argument that can win over the fence sitters? Well, that depends on what they disliked about the original. Granted, this entry pushes the concept further, but it can also be considered more of the same.

Indeed, the first hour or so of this game does feel somewhat like a retread. In order to locate her friend, Dorothy must brave the mines. Wild beasts and crushing boulders are just a couple of the many dangers that will accost her. The lantern she carries only holds so much fuel, and the inevitable absence of light makes navigation nearly impossible. Despite these struggles, mining is still a generally profitable enterprise. Ore collected from throughout the caverns can be sold to purchase equipment upgrades. Also, the depths hide long-forgotten stations that bestow Dorothy with new powers, which allow her to explore onward (and downward).

Given enough time, players will realise that this sequel takes numerous strides in making improvements over its predecessor. While the foundation has been left untouched, a lot of effort has been spent on refining the core aspects, making for a game that's all-around more polished and entertaining. The world below El Machino is better crafted, allowing for lateral exploration that's very natural. Each area is not only visually distinct, but also loaded with unique traps and creative level designs. Altogether, this entry is a bit more involved. Although the "dig, loot, sell, repeat" formula is still alive and well, everything that happens in between is fun and exciting.

As would be expected from the sequel, Dorothy will come across stations that lend her new gear, such as a grappling hook and a grenade launcher. They are used throughout to great effect, rather than as mere keys for accessing the next area. Equipment can also be further augmented through the use of cogs; for example, when armour is upgraded for increased health, cogs can be spent to give the heroine a temporary reprieve from pools of lava. The shiny collectibles are well-hidden, or require a fair bit of puzzle solving to uncover. In any case, they are worth the trouble.

Despite the constant presence of fierce monsters, combat doesn't play a major role in this adventure. Rather, everything is structured to give Dorothy more indirect methods for dealing with enemies. It's always amusing to push fiends into lava or smash them with rocks. Thanks to the implementation of friendly fire, monsters are also liable to kill each other. This is especially handy when dealing with the spear-chucking cultists. There are also a few really good boss fights. Each battle is designed with respect to the game's design, pushing for creativity over intensity.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is almost twice as long as its predecessor. The increased length isn't the result of repetitive filler, either, as each area is filled with meaningful content and challenges to partake in. The increased emphasis on lateral exploration also can't be praised enough, and moving horizontally through the mine's many corridors helps to break up the monotony. It's actually surprising that simply digging sideways instead of downwards can add so much.

As far as graphics go, the improvements surpass expectations. This can be attributed to the more vivid colours and lighting, plus the locales are more diverse. Thankfully, it never gets to the point of being too "busy." The player can still easily follow all of the on-screen happenings. The lush visuals are also backed by an awesome soundtrack. As it's been stated many, many times before, great music can elevate any game, and the same holds true here. The composer really went above and beyond to create something fresh, with each tune perfectly accompanying the ongoing action.