This sequel improves upon the original in leaps and bounds; the controls feel less stiff, the main digging mechanic is more fleshed out + more mobility options and fun gameplay additions. The moment to moment gameplay is super addicting, and the map is huge.

My one big gripe in the last game with it having linear progression has been fixed here with a well-realised menu where the options do really affect your actual gameplay and allow you to play the game in more ways than one.
I think it does such a great job of accommodating players who are both new to this genre as well as veterans.

The presentation is simply gorgeous, too. The last game was by no means ugly, but the art style here bounds off the screen and brings the environment characters to life with vibrant colours and meticulous polygonal cel-shading.

The soundtrack by El Huervo completes the picture with atmospheric, meandering melodies, reminiscent of the sprawling labyrinths you create underground.

The story is nothing amazing imo, but it does continue where the first game left off and has a satisfactory ending.

The only part where I think Steamworld Dig 2 really undermines (ha) itself is with the final boss, and that is something that the former game also had trouble with. It's mostly underwhelming, that's all.

Anyways, apart from that, Steamworld Dig 2 is an amazing game, and great example of the metroidvania genre.

Like one of the other reviewers here said, I'm genuinely impressed by just how much the developers were able to improve upon their game's formula and make something genuinely fun and exciting.

Really hope they make a Steamworld Dig 3 someday.