Why it's on the list: I loved the first game, and I was pretty excited for this one.

How I played it: On Nintendo Switch

When I played it: Mid-2017

How far I got: Finished it, almost completely - but those Trials after the endgame had me beat.

What I thought:

The original Steamworld Dig leapt into my heart by combining the things I like about Motherload (digging for ore through squares of dirt and returning to the surface for upgrades) and Super Metroid (exploration gated by found abilities). This game took that even further, expanding the exploration and the playtime drastically and adding some neat progression features. I don't like how the main character (Dorothy) looks compared to Rusty, the protagonist of the first game; and the story, despite being extended, wasn't quite as neat; but the movement upgrades you earn Metroidvania-style make getting around the world a grand old time. The grappling hook and jetpack deserve particular mention for making the platforming a joy.

The Checklist