SteamWorld Dig 2

A big step up from the first SteamWorld Dig, which was already a very fun game. Unlike its predecessor, which had a randomly generated world (except the puzzle rooms), this game has a huge, fully designed game world, filled with enemy encounters, puzzles, and lots of secrets. The game follows the familiar formula of digging out treasure to sell, and earn money to buy upgrades, which enables you to dig deeper and explore new areas. Some upgrades are locked away behind difficult challenges, and others require collectible cogs, which can be distributed freely for a bit of customization to your gameplay.
The story ties into the SteamWorld universe, and follows the side-character Dorothy from the previous SteamWorld Dig game. It might therefore be a good idea to have played the first game, if you want to dig into the lore of the games. However, I think the game can be enjoyed on its own as well, since I enjoyed the story a lot without remembering much of the first game.
As usual, the SteamWorld games work great on Linux, and I hope to see another Dig game, as these are my favorites of the SteamWorld series.

Just finished SteamWorld Dig 2 (though I didn't come close to finding all the secrets - I'll need to go back and visit), and overall I really loved it. This is definitely one of my favorite metroidvania games - I was pleasantly surprised how much exploration and upgrades there are in this game (both required and optional). The gameplay is really smooth and well done too (especially when played with a controller - this is MADE to be played with a controller), the developers did a great job in this regard. It feels right at home with console titles of this genre. The art is really detailed as well, and along with all the digging for gemstones, makes the exploration part of the game a lot of fun.
I don't have much bad to say about this game. If I had to find a complaint, it's only that the default mode is pretty easy, the enemies aren't challenging at all (even bosses). However, there are some things you find later that let you increase the difficulty, so the developers addressed this issue as well.
I never played the first SteamWorld Dig, but this absolutely makes me want to go back and play it (especially since the events of the first game lead into the second one, but with a quick glance at the first game's storyline, it's pretty easy to understand what's going on). This is a pretty easy recommendation to make, as it has so many different things to offer - metroidvania style upgrades/exploration, digging and resource collection, and action/platforming. No matter what kind of games you like, SWD2 has something for you!

If you played and enjoyed SteamWorld Dig 1, then this 2nd game is a no-brainer. The addicting gameplay loop of spelunking for resources, secrets and upgrades had me unable to put my controller down. This platformer is smartly designed and constantly rewards curiosity with fun new gameplay mechanics.

Fun game, similar to Steamworld Dig 1.
The character grows stronger over time, gets cool abilities. Fighting isn't hard. Music and sound effects are OK.
Some parts seem to be added just for inflating play time for dedicated players (some achievements and trials).
Overall: simple, fun, polished game. Easy to beat, hard to complete (100% achievements).

Steamworld Dig 2, the successor to one of the most awesome indie games of the last couple of years makes everything better than its predecessor. Better handling, higher difficulty, more biomes, some puzzles, boss fights, more dialogue, more whacky characters, more distinguished art design and a polish of the already great mechanics of the original game.
Steamworld Dig 2 has a truly great flow when it comes to whacking away rocks and dirt while collecting all the shinies.
Content wise it can a very long or a very short game, depending on playstyle, but either case it is absolutely worth its asking price. While there's no true reason to replay this apart from challenge achievements, it remains a lot of fun even in subsequent playthroughs.

Imagine a Metroidvania game for people who hate Metroidvania games (like myself). That is SteamWorld Dig 2. Exploration and backtracking, as is traditional, are large focuses of gameplay, but the game boasts build-in reminders, markers that let you know when you've fully-cleared an area or are forgetting something, smoothing over one of my largest personal grips about the entire Metroidvania genre.
Otherwise, just a lot of digging, looting, goofy robots, charming visuals and decent music. An excellent follow-up to the original SteamWorld Dig.

If you ever played Motherload as a kid, you'll love this.