Hah, I like that Chris picked the DSII Beta. I didn't expect that but I should've seen it coming. 53 days till launch, Chris. Then we all dine in Hell together.
Personal Picks for GOTY 2013
Winners in our hearts.
Steamworld Dig: A Fistful of Dirt
by Joaquim Mira
Steam-powered robots in a western setting, what more could you want? Well, the concept initially didn't really catch my attention, and the mining gameplay wasn't much of an attraction either. I took a chance on it, though, because it was getting some good praise and I became unexpectedly enthralled by its addictive, exploration-based gameplay.
You mine your way under the town of Tumbleton, searching for minerals that aid in upgrading the main character, Rusty, and his mining tools. Once you come back up to the surface you meet enchanting characters, even though dialogue only happens in order to push the plot forward when you discover a new area to explore.
Mining can't be done all willy nilly. You use a pickaxe at first, and as you get further into the game you gain tools to explore even further. Each tool is used on specific types of rock, which adds to the strategy of getting certain gems, and even leaves some gems to be fetched later on. The paths you create for quicker area retread are another part of the mining experience because your lantern will run out of fuel, and once it does you better know the paths you created, because it gets dark down there.
You also have to be strategic about water consumption. Certain tools use water, so you have to ration it and know where to go for a refill. All of this strategy might seem painstaking, but it's executed in a casual and non-aggravating manner. Traversing through the mined areas isn’t dull, but graceful and Rusty's sliding-wall jumps are as smooth as butter.
You would think that a game with such (subjectively) repetitive gameplay mechanics would have constant and tedious background music, but it offers a soundtrack that suits the mood for each area. From western to contemporary, the music compositions make you feel a better connection with the atmosphere of each zone.
A great soundtrack, polished gameplay, and quality art direction are all here in Image & Form’s debut on the 3DS, making Steamworld Dig one of my favorites from 2013.
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