Few would argue Google Stadia has had a stellar launch so far, and that widely held opinion is evidenced today by the service's addition of four new games which puts the library above just 30 total since it arrived in November. If it's any consolation, at least the four games are each critically adored. If Google isn't going for quantity, it's at least maintained a pretty high bar for quality thus far into its Stadia lifespan.
The four new games being added each come from the popular, genre-bending franchise SteamWorld. This includes SteamWorld Dig, SteamWorld Dig 2, SteamWorld Heist, and SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech. Though they each share a common story universe of steampunk and automatons, only Dig and its sequel share a genre. For Dig, it's a bit like Spelunky or for the older crowd, Dig Dug, mixed with some metroidvania elements.
SteamWorld Heist, meanwhile, is a turn-based RPG revolving around scavengers who dig through lost spaceships and fight off attackers. SteamWord Quest is totally different too, in that it's a deckbuilder that blends some more fantastical elements with the series' overarching steampunkish gears and brass.
The best endorsement one can make for these games is their OpenCritic averages, as they're all excellent. It's a sort of consistency that makes one wonder how they aren't much more popular. SteamWorld Dig has an 82 from 44 critics. Its sequel has a series-high 88 from 79 critics. SteamWorld Heist also has a "Mighty" score of 85 from 69 critics. Lastly, SteamWorld Quest has an 82 from 59 critics.
Collectively, it's a strong foursome of new games for the game-depleted Stadia, but hopefully it signals a corner being turned for the platform. Earlier this year, Google promised more than 120 new games are on their way to Stadia in 2020, with more than 10 that will launch as "Stadia First" timed exclusives in the first half of the year.
