SteamWorld Construct is the most recent title within the SteamWorld sequence, marking the sixth entry. The franchise is understood for the numerous gameplay of every iteration, throwing tower protection, platforming, technique, and deck-building into the combo alongside the best way. SteamWorld Construct continues this custom, introducing us to a simulation title for the primary time within the sequence.
As with earlier entries, SteamWorld Construct follows the adventures of steam-powered robots in a post-apocalyptic world. This time round, we’re working with Jack Clutchsprocket and his daughter, Astrid. This robotic household is trapped on a dying planet. Their solely likelihood of escape is discovering an historical technological artifact that’s buried deep underground.
Full disclosure: I’m not an enormous fan of simulation video games. But I’ve at all times loved earlier SteamWorld titles. Might this entry be a approach to introduce followers of the IP into a brand new style? I used to be cautious getting into, though I anticipated prime quality from the builders. It’s protected to say that I used to be not let down.
Simulation titles could be difficult, and whereas there are plenty of choices in SteamWorld Construct, I admire the tutorial that explains all of it. Because it eased me into constructing residences, factories, shops, and extra, I didn’t really feel overwhelmed. This is a vital approach to maintain gamers of all talent ranges and engaged.
It’s additionally rapidly apparent how tremendous satisfying it’s to construct homes and watch your little robo-workers trundle about finishing up their enterprise. The sequence is understood for its allure, and this continues in SteamWorld Construct. When your city is sad about one thing, it’s not solely easy to repair, however I need to repair it rapidly! I don’t just like the considered my villagers being sad.
The controls are intuitive. You swap between the edit and look at modes with a easy faucet of the Y button. In edit mode, your instruments are neatly lined up in classes on the backside, permitting you to scroll by means of and choose one with the A button. The grid-based structure of the land itself reveals you precisely the place buildings could be positioned, with an apparent pink/blue coloration system to point out when one thing can/can’t be constructed there.
Just a few management quirks could possibly be improved, like the best way you enter mines. To take action, you must maintain the R shoulder button and press down on the D-pad to enter, then R and up on the D-pad to get out once more. It’s not precisely troublesome, nevertheless it’s not significantly intuitive, both. A easy “enter mine?” field whenever you click on on the mine might need been simpler. Having mentioned that, you’ll be able to enter the mine at any level, and it masses rapidly.
Fortunately, as your city turns into larger and extra difficult, you’ll be able to zoom out and in to see what’s occurring. The factor is aesthetically pleasing, with vibrant and colourful visuals that maintain issues light-hearted regardless of the specter of robo-extinction. Issues aren’t as sharp as they could possibly be whenever you zoom in, nevertheless the great efficiency compensates for this lack of element. And also you’ll be zoomed out more often than not anyway.
The opposite primary characteristic of SteamWorld Construct is the variance in gameplay. Sure, plenty of your time is spent constructing and upgrading your city, encouraging an increasing number of robots to maneuver in. However that’s solely half the story. There’s additionally an in-depth mining factor, which modifications up the gameplay sufficient to maintain issues from rising stale.
Whilst you’re within the mine, you will have various kinds of robots to work with. These little guys are, naturally sufficient, the miners, and so they dig up all types of things to assist the city above. It expands quickly, with heaps to do. Other than the plain mining, there are shelters to construct, particular buildings to cease the ceiling from caving in, and even a fight factor. Sooner or later, you’ll come underneath assault from varied creatures, and also you’ll must defend your self someway. This shift in gameplay compliments the sim side, making a enjoyable outing throughout.
Total, SteamWorld Construct is one other nice entry on this long-running sequence. I really like that the builders change up the style every time (SteamWorld Dig 2 apart), holding us all on our toes. This newest outing inspired me to present simulations one other go, taking a sequence I take pleasure in and introducing me to a style I’m not normally keen on. The stress-free model, and intuitive and diversified gameplay make this an accessible and attention-grabbing title for all gamers.