SteamWorld Dig 2 (Nintendo Switch) Review

Starting up SteamWorld Dig 2, you might be forgiven for wondering what has actually changed. After all, despite the main character being Dorothy rather than Rusty (she is on the hunt for her missing friend, you see), it is pretty much business as usual, with the aim being to talk to people in town before diving into the mines below, digging deeper and deeper, discovering treasure galore before your trusty lantern's light gives out and returning to town is required to resupply before venturing south once more. It is a very basic concept at its core, as it was first time round, but the way it is executed is simply astounding.

For this sequel, there is a stronger feel of classic Metroid or post-Symphony of the Night Castlevania releases, with expansive areas to explore using a mere pickaxe at first, hacking through the dirt to reach new places, before hitting certain roadblocks that require upgrades or extra pieces of kit, which can all be acquired in exchange for coinage. That means gathering as many jewels as possible - either from despatching enemies or unearthing them along the dig route - in Dorothy's rucksack (tiny to start with, but expandable as the game goes on) whilst making as much progress as is reasonable given the lifespan of the lantern's flame (rummaging around in the dark is possible, but also potentially lethal, and again, the life of the lantern can be extended further into the adventure - the scope for kit advancement is vast indeed!).

The game allows for traversing the underworld in all manner of ways, with so many forms of equipment expansion that some might be forgiven for being overwhelmed by it all. However, the beauty of SteamWorld Dig 2's construction is in how the development team gradually drip-feeds players with what they need when they least expect it. Starting to get frustrated that heading back upwards always involves tiresome wall jumping? Well, here is a handy grapple hook to drag you towards the nearest structure it can extend to. How about getting fed up of only being able to dig through certain types of dirt at a slow pace? Well, here comes the handy pickaxe upgrade and additional powerful fist-punching mechanic to break tougher dirt swiftly and even burst through brick walls!

Exploration is rewarded, and then some. There is a chance of powering through the main story in a few hours, if so desired, taking shortcuts and upping the challenge by not methodically obtaining the array of hidden cogs that can be used to unlock new features of weaponry and armour. However, those wanting to get the most out of this masterful adventure will want to savour every last second. Image & Form is a very talented group and this is its baby, and you can definitely tell. From the intricately detailed gorgeous visuals that make you feel like actually being down in the depths of the Earth, to the sumptuous soundtrack that evokes such strong emotions when progressing from area to area, backed up by sometimes chill-inducing sound effects, and the way the map has been expertly crafted - every inch of SteamWorld Dig 2 is sheer perfection.

Just one of the many fantastic elements that stands out as an absolutely amazing inclusion is the slew of challenges for finding new cogs that allow for objects to be augmented. The development team has gone to town on crafting some devilishly enticing treats for those that love uncovering every possible corner of the gaming world, no matter how tricky it is to do so. Just as Metroid: Samus Returns recently proved, an intricately crafted landscape filled with secrets will grab the attention of keen gamers, and this Dig sequel has them aplenty. Some easy-to-find caves will be home to crafty courses that must be navigated, whilst other areas are invisible to the eye, with only a soft sound of cogs turning being a hint that something in the nearby vicinity is lurking, ready to be exposed. How to get to it, though, is another matter entirely. So much of SteamWorld Dig 2 leaves you with a fantastic feeling of wonderment and joy!

The narrative may be one of the weaker elements, along with the small selection of boss encounters that are a touch too easy to overcome, but these are miner…sorry, minor qualms. Overall, though, despite hinting that this will be a short escapade downwards, find Rusty, stop the earth tremors, and that is that, the truth is totally different. Do not be deceived as there are depths to Image & Form's latest waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to do so. Uncovering new areas, discovering warp points to bring Dorothy back to the surface to deposit jewels before delving back into the mines, navigating the labyrinthine underworld to seek out cave networks filled with treacherous hazards, both natural and of the monster variety, and more - the game can just go on and on for intrepid explorers. There is also such a massive sense of satisfaction spotting what looks like an area that can be mined but is just out of reach, and then finally figuring out how to blow it to smithereens to gain access. There are so many 'wow' moments that it is hard to think of what the team could have packed in to make the whole experience any better, other than the aforementioned story and boss battles. SteamWorld Dig 2 is not just a labour of love, it is an absolute masterpiece.