SteamWorld Build Set to Launch in Just Over a Week
The latest game in the genre-fluid ‘SteamWorld’ series is being released next Friday- on December 1st and, judging by its trailers, its worth checking out. The game will be the first entry in its series in four years since the release of SteamWorld Quest back in 2019. Much like its predecessors, SteamWorld Build takes on an entirely new genre. This time, its a city-builder with some fun dungeon crawling elements sprinkled throughout.
Image by Thunderful Games
SteamWorld Build is nestled just between the underground exploration game of Dig 2 and the outer space adventure of Heist. If you haven’t played either of those games, you can still start with Build since, apart from some returning characters and references, the majority of SteamWorld games are standalone adventures. In this entry, you’re tasked with creating a community on the surface and below ground in different sections- making this a multilayered city builder that gives you more space and options than you may first expect. You're also going to be exploring the depths of the Earth to collect enough materials to escape the planet. That doesn’t mean that there’s a time limit, however, as SteamWorld Build appears to be on the more relaxing side of the genre rather than stress-inducing.
Image by Thunderful Games
The return of SteamWorld is being handled by the new studio ‘The Station’ as a part of the Thunderful Group. This contains many members of the previous handlers of the series, Image & Form Games, so the series is in safe, familiar hands. Considering the success and critical reception of its predecessors (SteamWorld Heist and Dig 2 especially), unless they completely drop the ball, ‘Build’ is sure to be another fantastic delve into a new genre. Somehow, these developers keep pulling off some of the best indie games in the respective genres before moving onto a new one entirely.
Image by Thunderful Games
If the art style or series is anything you’re interested in, SteamWorld Build is certainly a game worth checking out when it launches across all major consoles (including Switch) on December 1st. Alternatively, if you’ve never played the series or any games in the genre before, this is set to be a great first outing to ease your way into more complex city builders without overwhelming you. Considering the fantastic track record of SteamWorld as an IP, this looks to be a safe buy. What makes this even better is that its coming day one to Xbox Game Pass for Consoles- which is sure to reach more potential fans who may be put off by the often-intimidating genre.
