Steamworld Dig for the Wii U is easily the best version

You may remember our review of Steamworld: Dig. We loved the game, hailing it as “full of little successes”. Those little successes are based on the loot we collect, the weapons and skills we develop, and the next level of loot that we unlock. It’s incredibly simple in concept, but addictive like nicotine. And because it plays well in short bursts, it’s a fantastic game to have on the 3DS for trips and couch sessions.

It started off on Nintendo’s portable, but has since made its way to Steam, Playstation 4, and PS Vita.

And now it makes its way to Wii U, in what is most definitely the best version yet. You may consider this as a sort of review addendum, then.

The original game on 3DS was terrific. The PS4 & Steam versions added incredibly clean HD visuals, with improved lighting and contrast, but squished the map onto the single screen. The Wii U version allows for modes of play found in all versions, and incorporates the updated graphic presentation and effects. The premise, tools, plot and characters are all the same. The play mechanic and controls are identical. This is a platform port, though a terrific one.

The biggest change is undoubtedly the ability to place the map and part of the inventory onto the Gamepad and let the TV image be completely free of clutter. For a game that requires a lot of precise jumping and awareness of obstacles and enemies in the environment, it is incredibly helpful. It also allows the cartoon-like visuals to pop off the screen, with crisp outlines and bright colors. The map also feels better-sized now, too, as its more zoomed in features show details and locations better. Using just a pro controller places everything on the big screen, like it does with the PC edition.

The added ability to post to Miiverse and grab screen captures is nice, and adds a bit more of a social aspect that the game was missing on the 3DS.

Really, the only issue I came across was more of a missing “want”: specifically, that I couldn’t switch around weapons using the touch pad. It’s not that it was ever promised, but it could have been a welcome addition to the format.

The game plays just fine on the Gamepad alone, too. In fact, thanks to the new updated Wii U operating system which allows for quick access to games with minimal loading, I often found myself grabbing the controller and playing on the couch for short spells without worrying about turning on the TV proper.

Steamworld: Dig for the Wii U is the best version of an already great game. It may not warrant a repurchase if you have it on another device, but if you don’t then it can fill a nice niche void that gives the console a game that provides an instant addictive kick.

Steamworld: Dig is available on the Nintendo eShop for Wii U, along with 3DS, Steam, and PSN for PS4 and PS Vita. This hands-on was based on an eShop code provided to SideQuesting by the Publisher.