Steamworld Dig is a satisfying little bite-sized adventure with a great sense of style.

The Steamworld games all seem to have nice worldbuilding. Whatever gameplay style each new game has, they’re all about steampunk robots, in this case struggling in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Our hero Rusty has inherited a mine and so, you get digging. The playing area is relatively narrow but goes deep.

As you delve through the layers, hazards and enemies become more dangerous, the ground becomes harder, and the minerals more valuable. To keep up, you must frequently return to town to buy new upgrades for your robot body and tools. It’s a fun loop with a bit of risk and reward involved.

As a vertically-downwards oriented platformer, it’s easier to dig down than it is to return up, at least until you get the amazing double-jump later. So finding teleporters is important to alleviate the tedium of backtracking.

Not that I would characterise this game as being tedious very often at all. Navigating the tunnels is a constant challenge as you juggle your water (for advanced tools) and Rusty’s limitations against the terrain and the search for more ore. You do have to be careful not to be hasty with your excavation, but your light also runs out over time!

This makes it sound rather intense, but there’s actually a good flow to Steamworld Dig. And each new enhancement you find feels significant in expanding your abilities, making you feel powerful indeed when the game requires a revisit to the upper levels at the eleventh hour. It’s really a well-crafted experience, lovely stuff.