“SteamWorld Build,” the latest installment in the SteamWorld series, offers a unique blend of city building and underground exploration, set in a world of steam-powered robots. This game stands out with its original premise, charming aesthetics, and a gameplay loop that is both engaging and approachable. Let’s dive into what makes “SteamWorld Build” a refreshing addition to the city builder genre. Today, we are going to talk about Steamworld Build Review
Review of The Game Steamworld Build
“SteamWorld Build” is set in a frontier boomtown populated entirely by retrofuturistic steam-powered robots. This setting alone makes it stand out from the plethora of city builders available. The game’s world is richly detailed, drawing from a well-established palette of character designs, colors, and sounds that have become synonymous with the SteamWorld games. The result is a game world that is as stylistically distinct and engaging as more established franchises.
Gameplay Mechanics: Above and Below
The core gameplay of “SteamWorld Build” involves building a town above ground while simultaneously excavating a mine below. This dual focus adds a layer of complexity and enjoyment to the game. Above ground, players provide citizens with services and produce goods, progressing through tiers from Settlers to Engineers, Aristobots, and Scientists. This progression unlocks new buildings and opportunities.
Below ground, the game takes a different turn. Players recruit miners and mechanics to excavate and extract resources. This aspect of the game evolves from finding easily-removed chunks of ore to requiring expendable tools like pickaxes and drills for harder stone. The resources found underground eventually become crucial for the town’s survival, creating a satisfying loop of interdependence between the surface and the subterranean.
The Simplicity and Accessibility of SteamWorld Build
One of the strengths of “SteamWorld Build” is its simplicity. The game doesn’t delve into a deep simulation of each citizen’s needs, which can be a breath of fresh air for players who prefer a more straightforward approach to city building. This simplicity also extends to the game’s controller support, making it more accessible to a wider range of players.
Combat and Defense Mechanics
“SteamWorld Build” introduces security bots and defensive structures like traps and turrets to protect the underground mining operations. This aspect of the game is reminiscent of “Dungeon Keeper lite,” where threats are generally not a concern until deliberately unearthed, allowing players to engage in combat at their own pace.
Replayability and Variety
While “SteamWorld Build” offers a fun and engaging experience, its simplicity also means that there isn’t a significant variety in gameplay on subsequent playthroughs. The game features five maps with different terrains, but the core decisions and building options don’t vary much. However, each map can be played with a randomly generated underground layer, adding some freshness to the mining aspect of the game.
Our Verdict
“SteamWorld Build” is an enjoyable city builder that focuses on solid foundational gameplay without overcomplicating things with unnecessary padding. Its underground layer adds a cool twist to the city building genre, matching the laid-back pace of the surface gameplay. While it may not offer the depth that some city builder enthusiasts seek, it’s a game that’s well worth spending a few fun weekends on. However, its lack of deep, engaging puzzles might not make it a go-to choice for year-round play.
To Wrap it all Up
In conclusion, “SteamWorld Build” is a commendable effort by the developers, offering a unique and charming take on the city builder genre. Its approachable gameplay, combined with the whimsical world of steam-powered robots, makes it a refreshing experience for both veterans and newcomers to city building games.
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