Image & Form have been firmly in the Nindie corner since the launch of the original Steamworld Dig on Nintendo 3DS. While their games have ventured to other platforms since, Steamworld Dig 2 is launching this summer on the Switch. Nintendo UK recently sat down with the devs to discuss the upcoming game and they gave some interesting answers to some of the questions. Here’s a few snippets below.
NUK: So what attracted you to develop SteamWorld Dig 2 on Nintendo Switch?
JG: One big reason is that we have a great relationship with Nintendo. We’ve been supporting them for the past few years and vice versa. It’s mutual. Also, we love their stuff. Many of us play Nintendo primarily, so we’re huge fans, and just getting to work with unannounced hardware was reason enough. The core concept is so intriguing. I play most games on my handhelds and enjoy my home consoles. But having a console on the go that I can also play on my TV is a dream come true.
NUK: And how have the capabilities of Nintendo Switch helped you improve the sequel?
JG: The first SteamWorld Dig was made for Nintendo 3DS, so we made sure that you could play it on your daily commute. But we also wanted to make sure that it could be played for longer periods of time as well. And of course that carries over to SteamWorld Dig 2. Having a console that’s essentially both a handheld and a home console is the perfect platform for it.
Other than that, it’s a powerful machine, so we can make some really nice things with the graphics; like improved textures, cool lighting effects, really fluid animations and more. It’s a buttery-smooth 60 frames-per-second full HD when docked, and 60 frames-per-second in handheld mode too.
Perhaps the most interesting answer to all the questions asked is how HD Rumble will be showcased in the sequel. Apparently, the implementation makes it feel as though you’re actually digging into different materials according to what type of material you’re currently attacking. That seems like it could make the game feel interesting to play as well.
NUK: You announced during the Nindies Showcase in February that SteamWorld Dig 2 would make use of HD rumble. How’s that coming along?
JG: I quite like what we’ve been able to pull off with HD rumble. One thing is recreating the sensation of digging into certain materials. There’s so many cool things you can do. HD rumble will be a fabulous feature of SteamWorld Dig 2.
There’s still no release date for the game yet, but if you want to read the full interview with the folks at Image & Form, be sure to check out the Nintendo UK page. Will you be getting Steamworld Dig 2 when it debuts on the Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo eShop Card – $20
