We have already taken a look at SteamWorld Dig when it was released for the 3DS, and it’s been considered one of the best independent titles to hit a Nintendo system in quite some time. A year after its 3DS release, the high-definition Wii U version is now out for all to enjoy. The question this brings is this: does the Wii U version lose anything in the transition? The answer is no. SteamWorld Dig on the Wii U is a fantastic game, full of fun platforming goodness and clever puzzle solving that cements it as one of the best overall games to hit the Wii U this year.

The premise is relatively simple. You play as Rusty, a robot who has travelled to a western-esque locale called Tumbleton. His uncle recently died, and it’s now up to Rusty to help rebuild the town and discover whatever secrets may be lurking below the surface. Gameplay wise, it’s a combination of platforming and backtracking akin to Metroid. Rusty digs below, finds ores to sell, then re-appears on the surface to sell them. There are also caves to explore that allow Rusty to be upgraded with new abilities while solving platforming puzzles. Money obtained from selling the ores allow players to go around town and upgrade the pick axe, as well as obtain other items that help the player along the way. It’s a relatively simple process, just like on the 3DS, and it’s a fantastic gameplay loop.

Overall, SteamWorld Dig is a great addition to the Wii U library. It takes a while to get fully into the meat of the experience, as the digging drags a bit at first. But once I started upgrading, the gameplay grew addictive as I discovered the right ores to sell and bought the right type of pick axe needed to advance. The platforming bits require some thinking in a great way. SteamWorld Dig is a highly recommended game for those who enjoy platformers with an interesting and unique experience.