In the universe of the acclaimed SteamWorld games, each installment seems to mark a new genre shift. SteamWorld Build emerges as another interesting addition to the series, offering a fresh take on the popular city-builder genre. Developed by The Station and published by Thunderful, it offers a mix of city-building and underground exploration, set against the backdrop of a dying world and the quest for ancient technology. We played the PlayStation 5 version.
At its core, SteamWorld Build weaves a narrative that is both quirky and endearing and adds to the worldbuilding of the entire franchise. The robots, still embodying a charming steampunk-meets-western aesthetic, embark on a mission to escape their dying planet. The goal is to dig up spaceship parts from an abandoned mineshaft, providing a unique twist to the city-building experience. The game’s milestone progression system stands out in that sense, gradually introducing complexity and new mechanics as you expand your population and unlock new buildings.
Visually, SteamWorld Build brings the steampunk charm to life in a 3D space after earlier games started as 2D games. The cartoonish yet detailed art style is a testament to the series’ consistency in design over the years and progression system gradually evolves, keeping the player engaged with a consistent flow of new (visual) content. The forgiving design philosophy, with features like full refunds for destroyed buildings, adds to the accessibility and enjoyment for both casual and new players to the genre – this certainly isn’t a hardcore city builder.
The standout feature of SteamWorld Build is the introduction of the underground mine. Unlike the static surface world, the mines offer dynamically generated levels, providing a sense of exploration and the thrill of uncovering new resources. However, the inclusion of hostile forces in the mines, while initially intriguing, could be perceived as an inconvenient distraction rather than a truly enriching gameplay element for those who are mainly interested in the city building aspects. For those coming from other SteamWorld titles, this shouldn’t pose too much of an issue.
The narrative takes center stage as the robots, led by characters like Jack Clutchsprocket and his daughter Astrid, navigate the challenges of survival and the mysterious intentions of “the Core”. The diverse and colorful cast of robots adds flavor to the story, with each character bringing a unique touch, though the absence of a central protagonist may leave some players yearning for a more immersive connection to guide them through the game.
The gameplay mechanics seamlessly blend city-building with underground exploration. From basic worker housing to complex production chains, SteamWorld Build allows players to create and manage a bustling town. The interconnectivity between the surface city and the underground mine adds depth to the strategic elements, requiring players to carefully balance both aspects to ensure overall progress – sometimes reminding us a bit of the Dungeons games in that sense.
Visually, SteamWorld Build is smooth as silk, with smooth transitions between seeing your growing city, building out your mine and zooming in on detailed animations of the robot denizens whenever you want to. The game’s Wild West-inspired soundtrack complements the thematic elements as well, providing a relaxed yet immersive experience. The five distinct maps, each with its own unique details and challenges, contribute to the overall variety of the game.
In summary, SteamWorld Build stands as a worthy addition to the franchise, offering a unique city-building experience with a twist. It successfully captures the essence of the Wild West robot capitalism theme, combining an interesting narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, and charming visuals. While it may not introduce groundbreaking innovations to the city-building genre, the game still provides an enjoyable and well-rounded experience, making it a worthwhile venture for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Score: 7.5/10
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