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- Thunderful
- Thunderful
- Thunderful
- Thunderful
SteamWorld Build
Released On: Dec 1, 2023
74
7.3
All Platforms
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 31 Critic Reviews
74
52% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
42% Mixed
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 31 Critic Reviews
74
52% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
42% Mixed
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Ultimately, SteamWorld Build was a lot of what I like about the original IP and city simulations. It smartly mixes concepts from throughout the SteamWorld series into your management such as mining and monster control. Between overseeing the mines below and the town above, you’ll have a lot on your plate trying to make sure all the robots are happy and safe as you dig deeper and deeper to find the tech you need to escape the planet. That said, it’s a good blend, fit to please anyone who likes SteamWorld and city builders alike. Make sure your robots are oiled and happy and they’ll gladly venture into the unknown where mysterious discoveries await in this unique city sim.
From the start, the game doesn't surprise experienced builders with anything and guides the inexperienced ones nicely. It's an unconventional builder, it knows how to overdo it, but at the same time it easily keeps you deep in the realm of fun. [Issue#332]
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 26 User Ratings
7.3
62% Positive
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
27% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
12% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 26 User Ratings
7.3
62% Positive
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
27% Mixed
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
12% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Good-
The space Western atmosphere is on point, with fun characters and a compelling narrative. Robust city-planning mechanics are rolled out at an even pace and intertwine well with the mines. Exploration and monster-slaying in the latter is also an interesting wrinkle. A great aesthetic, with detailed animations for citizens and buildings, backed by solid performance and a chill soundtrack.
Bad-
No hotkeys for things like the individual game speeds. Items in the train station can feel unreasonably pricey at times. It's a bit unwieldy to see how many buildings have been built for a specific type. The narrative lacks that central protagonist to anchor on.
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PC
"SteamWorld Build" offers players a multifaceted gameplay experience, blending elements of town-building and resource management with immersive visual storytelling. Set in a world inhabited solely by robots, players embark on a journey to construct thriving towns and efficient mines while striving to escape the planet's confines. The ground-level town-building mechanics are the heart of the game, allowing players to erect structures, establish pickup and delivery routes, and manage the economy from scratch. Each building exudes a unique charm, showcasing the developers' attention to detail in design and animation. However, strategic placement is crucial, as inefficient layouts can lead to longer travel times and hinder resource production. The mines present a distinct challenge, requiring players to construct efficient networks to extract resources and navigate treacherous terrain. Each level introduces new mechanics and obstacles, adding depth to the gameplay and weaving the story's narrative seamlessly into the player's progression. Despite its strengths, "SteamWorld Build" is not without its flaws. The AI behaviour in the mines can be frustrating, as combat robots often fail to prioritize threats effectively, leading to unnecessary losses and disruptions. Additionally, occasional bugs, such as pauses in in-game time and teleporter connectivity issues, detract from the overall experience. Visually, "SteamWorld Build" excels with its charming aesthetic, featuring rugged, makeshift structures and bustling robot activity. The mines offer a stark contrast, each level presenting unique biomes and challenges that enhance immersion and intrigue. Sound design plays a pivotal role in the game's atmosphere, with each building emitting distinct sounds based on its function. The soundtrack, composed by Ola Bäckström, complements the gameplay perfectly, setting the tone for exploration and discovery with its melodic compositions and subtle nuances. In terms of worldbuilding, "SteamWorld Build" excels in crafting a rich and immersive environment filled with mystery and intrigue. The abandoned world is teeming with hidden stories and secrets, inviting players to uncover its mysteries and piece together its history. Overall, "SteamWorld Build" offers a compelling and rewarding gaming experience, characterized by its engaging gameplay, captivating visuals, and atmospheric sound design. Despite its minor flaws, the game's depth and replayability ensure that players will find themselves returning to its world time and time again.
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PC
An interesting blend of two game mechanics that lacks a bit of creativity typical of the series yet overall works very well.
SteamWorld Build is a good game overall, But its hybrid nature sometimes holds it back a bit.
Although it lacks the complexity you find in Anno or The Settlers, it stands on its own with a unique setting and well-crafted game mechanics.
SteamWorld Build is a unique hybrid that entertains for a time. Its early hours are fun, thanks to how well it uses simplified genre staples to create a more arcade-friendly gameplay loop, a sentiment bolstered by a solid tutorial and intuitive control scheme. Regrettably, SteamWorld Build's campaign overstays its welcome. The lackluster story and rigid final objectives turn what was initially an engaging experience into a tedious grind.
Steamworld Build delivers an entertaining blend of city building and dungeon crawling, but the two pillars don’t completely gel and myriad annoyances taint the experience.
An incredible addicting and charming game, if fairly flawed. I love the SteamWorld series and am so impressed they keep trying new ideas for this universe. What I appreciate about this game is how easy it is to get into the mechanics while still telling a fairly compelling story for what amounts to a city builder mixed with the Dungeons franchise.
There's flaws. The UI is really not great and some quality life improvements like being able to get a full list of every place and item you built to jump straight to them would be a huge improvements.
But overall it's colorful, a great world to play in, lots of fun decorations, fairly intense game play loops as you get further and your resources get harder to manage. It's a blast and I highly recommend picking it up on Game Pass or Steam if you have the money for it.
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PC
Summary In SteamWorld Build, you must escape a dying planet by building a mining town to dig up vital long-lost technology. Meet the ever-growing needs of your citizens, trade resources and defend your mine from the creatures that lurk below.
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X
- PC
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: Dec 1, 2023
Developer:
- The Station
Publisher: Thunderful
Genres: