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CRITIK

SteamWorld Build

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SteamWorld Build
Item: SteamWorld Build
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresOpen World, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableDec 1, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperThe Station

Overview

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.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of SteamWorld Build are quite varied. Many reviewers appreciated the story for providing context and adding personality to the gameplay. Critics like Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo highlighted the post-apocalyptic setting and the quest for ancient technology to escape a dying planet, which added depth to the narrative. Additionally, critics such as Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming praised the charming and endearing tale of steambots trying to find a way off the planet, with Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentioning the intriguing underground secrets that the story uncovers. The Wild West-inspired theme and the humanity infused into the robots were also noted positively by reviewers like Movies Games and Tech and Gamereactor UK. On the other hand, some critics found the story lacking in depth and substance. Critics like XboxEra and Game Informer criticized the storyline for being weak, with XboxEra mentioning the lack of surprises and strong motivations for players to continue. Destructoid and GameGrin also felt that the narrative was shallow and lacked compelling elements, with GameGrin specifically pointing out the lack of substance in the overall story. Additionally, some critics, such as PC Gamer and New Game Network, mentioned that the story and characters felt like an afterthought, not matching the innovative nature of the game. Overall, while there were mixed opinions on the story of SteamWorld Build, the general consensus leans towards the positive side. Critics appreciated the world-building and the unique premise of robots trying to escape a dying planet through various means, such as building a rocket or unearthing ancient technology. The charm and personality infused into the narrative were highlighted as strengths by several reviewers. However, the lack of depth and compelling elements in the story were points of criticism for some critics. Despite the varying opinions, the majority of reviewers found the story to be engaging enough to complement the gameplay experience and provide a solid foundation for the player's journey through the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of SteamWorld Build. Some praise its post-apocalyptic setting, charming narrative of steambots seeking to escape a dying planet, and Wild West-inspired theme. However, others criticize it for lacking depth and substance, with some feeling it's an afterthought compared to the game's innovation. Overall, while there are differing views, most reviewers find the story engaging and a solid complement to the gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of SteamWorld Build are generally positive, highlighting various aspects that contribute to an engaging and enjoyable gaming experience. Critics like PC Games and Pure Nintendo praise the game for its intuitive controls, easy-to-learn mechanics, and engaging gameplay loop of building, upgrading, and managing resources. The combination of city-building and real-time strategy elements, as mentioned by Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport, adds depth and complexity to the gameplay. Press Start Australia and Push Square appreciate the balance between managing a mining town and exploring underground mines, with the latter mentioning the increasingly complex supply chains that offer a compelling challenge. The integration of city-building and dungeon-crawling mechanics, as noted by several critics such as Game Informer and TheSixthAxis, provides a unique and satisfying gameplay experience. On the downside, some critics point out limitations or areas for improvement in the gameplay of SteamWorld Build. NintendoWorldReport mentions that the linear upgrade-based progression restricts freedom in city-building, which may hinder player creativity and exploration. Destructoid criticizes the lack of dynamism and replayability, highlighting a potential issue with the game's long-term engagement. GameGrin notes that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it lacks innovation and substance in the balancing act between town progression and mining operations. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers a solid foundation, there are areas where it could be further developed to enhance the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that SteamWorld Build offers a compelling blend of city-building, resource management, and exploration mechanics that create a satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience. Critics like Push Square and GamesRadar++ commend the game for its engaging gameplay loop and the seamless integration of different gameplay elements. The accessibility and polish of the gameplay, as highlighted by XboxEra and Pure Xbox, make it enjoyable for both newcomers and genre veterans. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding the game's linearity and lack of innovation, the majority of reviewers appreciate the depth, complexity, and overall balance of mechanics in SteamWorld Build, making it a recommended title for fans of the city-building and management simulation genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise SteamWorld Build for its engaging gameplay loop, intuitive controls, and blend of city-building and real-time strategy elements. Some note limitations such as linear progression and lack of innovation, but overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with depth and complexity. Recommended for fans of city-building and management simulation games.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of SteamWorld Build, highlighting its charming, colorful, and visually appealing art style. Critics like God is a Geek and Pure Nintendo commended the game for its gorgeous and vibrant visuals, while Pure Xbox appreciated the wonderfully detailed city-building elements and the inclusion of various decorative items like animals, parks, and statues. The game successfully translates the series' aesthetic to 3D, as noted by GameGrin, with a steampunk-Western world that is visually inviting, pleasing, and entertaining, according to Gamereactor UK. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of SteamWorld Build. Nintendo Life mentioned that details can appear muddy when zoomed out, and Pocket Tactics noted that buildings on the overworld look a bit gritty around the edges. Press Start Australia highlighted the issue of small text size on TV screens, which could be a major accessibility oversight, affecting the overall visual experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of SteamWorld Build. The game's unique stylings, vibrant graphics, and cohesive art and presentation were widely praised, with critics like GamingBolt appreciating the impressive visuals and distinct character designs. Despite some minor issues such as muddy details and small text size, the majority of critics found the game's visuals to be charming, engaging, and well-executed, contributing significantly to the overall immersion and enjoyment of the gameplay experience. SteamWorld Build successfully captures the essence of the SteamWorld series in a visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing manner, making it a standout title in terms of graphics and visual design, as acknowledged by a diverse range of critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about SteamWorld Build's stunning graphics and vibrant art style, praising its charming design and detailed city-building elements. While some mention minor issues like muddy details and small text size, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game successfully brings the series' aesthetic to life in 3D, creating an immersive and visually pleasing experience that captivates players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Build are quite varied. Many critics praised the game for its positive aspects in this department. Player 2 appreciated the occasional Western sound effects that added to the overall experience, while Movies Games and Tech highlighted the fantastic character voices, upbeat soundtrack, and varied sound effects that added drama and energy to the gameplay. XboxEra specifically mentioned how the sound design, especially in the mines, enhanced the sense of mystery and impending danger, contributing to the overall atmosphere. IGN Italia also commended the well-executed sound design that enhanced the gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negative aspects of the Sound Design and Music in SteamWorld Build. New Game Network found the sound design and music to be basic and not particularly impressive, indicating a lack of innovation or standout features. This contrasts with Checkpoint Gaming's opinion that the sound design enhanced immersion but also created a sense of fear and tension similar to a horror game. This discrepancy suggests that while some critics found the sound design effective in creating a specific atmosphere, others felt it lacked depth or complexity. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side when it comes to the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Build. Critics like GameGrin appreciated how the soundtrack factor into the overall aesthetic of the game, with a country-western vibe that complements the experience. Additionally, Shacknews enjoyed the chill soundtrack that added to the overall experience. While there were some criticisms regarding the basic nature of the sound design and music from critics like New Game Network, the majority of opinions highlighted the positive impact of the sound design and music on the gameplay experience. The varied reactions indicate that while some aspects may not have resonated with all critics, the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Build is mostly favorable.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are divided on the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Build. Some praised its Western sound effects, character voices, and dramatic soundtrack, while others found it basic and lacking innovation. Despite mixed opinions, most critics appreciated how the sound design enhanced the gameplay experience, with a majority leaning towards the positive side.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics found SteamWorld Build to run smoothly. Nintendo Life noted that while there were occasional dips in performance, the game remained playable in both handheld and docked mode. Pocket Tactics and Pure Nintendo both praised the game for having no hang-ups with frame rate or load times, with Pure Nintendo specifically highlighting quick loading times and the ability to zoom in and out as the town grows. On the other hand, when it comes to the PS5 version, Press Start Australia pointed out some issues with small text size on a TV and difficulty in reading certain structures, which could be problematic for players. Despite these drawbacks, the game was commended for playing exceptionally well on a controller, with intuitive controls and flawless path-placing. Moving on to the Xbox Series X and PC platforms, the general consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive. Movies Games and Tech and Pure Xbox highlighted the well-polished visuals, excellent camera controls, and easy-to-understand UI on the Xbox Series X. XboxEra noted smooth performance on both PC and Xbox but mentioned an issue with the autosave feature. Destructoid, GamingBolt, and New Game Network all praised the impeccable performance and stability of the game on the PC platform, with no reported technical issues. Overall, the majority of critics were impressed with the technical performance of SteamWorld Build across multiple gaming platforms. While there were minor issues reported on certain platforms, such as occasional dips in performance on the Nintendo Switch and small text size problems on the PS5, the overall sentiment was positive. The game was described as fully-functioning, bug-free, and offering smooth gameplay experiences on most platforms, with commendations for visuals, controls, and stability. Critics like Pure Nintendo, Pure Xbox, and GamingBolt specifically highlighted the exceptional performance of the game, contributing to the consensus that the technical aspects of SteamWorld Build were very good.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise SteamWorld Build for smooth performance on Nintendo Switch and commend flawless gameplay on Xbox Series X and PC. Some minor issues noted on PS5 include small text size problems. Overall, the game impresses with polished visuals, intuitive controls, and stable performance across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of SteamWorld Build are quite diverse. Some critics, such as NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo, appreciate the varied gameplay elements and different strategies that the game offers, which contribute to its replay value. Eurogamer Germany and Movies Games and Tech also highlight the presence of multiple maps and randomly generated layouts that add to the game's replayability. Additionally, Game Informer mentions the option to start a new campaign with unlocked bonuses, providing an incentive for players to replay the game. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the lack of replay value in SteamWorld Build. Critics like Player 2 and Destructoid mention the absence of additional modes or different playstyles to experiment with, which may deter players from revisiting the game post-campaign. Gamereactor UK and New Game Network emphasize the lack of motivation to replay the game after completing one of the available maps, indicating a potential issue with longevity and structured content. IGN Italia also notes that the game may have slightly less longevity compared to similar titles, suggesting a limitation in replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards mixed feelings regarding the replay value of SteamWorld Build. While some critics appreciate the game's varied gameplay elements, multiple maps, and potential for different strategies, others point out its shortcomings in terms of additional modes, lack of variety in maps, and limited changes between runs. It seems that the game's replay value may vary depending on individual preferences and expectations. As highlighted by IGN, the decisions and building strategies in the game may not offer significant changes, which could impact its long-term appeal for players seeking extensive replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of SteamWorld Build. Some praise its varied gameplay elements and multiple maps, while others criticize the lack of additional modes and limited changes between runs. The game's replay value seems to depend on individual preferences and expectations, with concerns raised about longevity and structured content.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics praised SteamWorld Build for its charming visuals, unique premise, and enjoyable gameplay. Nintendo Life described it as a "triumph of mechanical marvelousness," highlighting the seamless blend of genres and polished presentation. Pocket Tactics highly recommended the game to fans of the franchise, emphasizing the satisfaction of building up a sprawling city. Push Square found it to be a "delightful and very satisfying" city-building experience with addictive gameplay and slick presentation. The game's accessibility and charming design were commended by XboxEra, making it a good entry point for players new to the genre. On the downside, some critics pointed out limitations in SteamWorld Build that affected their overall experience. NintendoWorldReport mentioned the lack of freedom in city-building and linear progression as drawbacks. Destructoid highlighted the lack of dynamism and replayability as major issues, making the game feel somewhat empty. IGN Italia noted that while the game successfully balanced city-building and mining exploration, it lacked depth in building strategies, limiting its replay value. Screen Rant mentioned missing quality of life features that could have enhanced the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that SteamWorld Build is a charming and enjoyable city-building game with a unique twist. While it may not bring significant innovation to the genre, it caters well to newcomers and maintains thematic consistency. Critics like Pure Xbox and GamesRadar++ appreciated the well-crafted mechanics and recommended the game for those looking for a different city-building experience. However, some critics, such as New Game Network and PC Gamer, felt that the game lacked longevity and substantial depth compared to other titles in the genre. Despite minor flaws and differing opinions on replay value, the overall sentiment leans towards SteamWorld Build being a solid addition to the SteamWorld series, offering a fun and engaging experience for players looking for a charming city-building adventure.

TL;DR

Critics praise SteamWorld Build for its charming visuals, unique premise, and enjoyable gameplay, calling it a "triumph of mechanical marvelousness" with addictive gameplay and slick presentation. While some critics noted limitations like lack of freedom and replayability, overall consensus is that it's a charming and enjoyable city-building game, offering a fun experience for newcomers to the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

78 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends the game to anyone looking for a chill game to pass the time.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Build is an excellent experience that challenges the strategic mind and is endearing in ways that only the Steamworld games can be, despite some areas for improvement.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes SteamWorld Build as a slick and addictive addition to the franchise, with elements from across the entire series working in harmony. It is praised for being well put together and addictive.

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Shacknews

Nov 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed the game and recommends it to fans of the SteamWorld series and city builders.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loved their time with the game despite its complexity and the need to consistently pay attention to every facet of the town.

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SECTOR.sk

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Build offers a unique blend of city-building and mining gameplay in a steampunk world, with the added twist of robot characters.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Dec 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Build is another great entry in the series, introducing players to a new genre with relaxing style and accessible gameplay.

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Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends the game to fans of the franchise and anyone who enjoys building up a sprawling city.

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Eurogamer Germany

Xbox Series X

Nov 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Build is a good choice for those looking for a less complex management sim or city builder. It offers an interesting mix of gameplay elements and provides an enjoyable experience.

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VideoGamer

Nov 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A unique city-building game with a fun and rewarding gameplay loop, but with unnecessary complexity in the later stages

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