Diggles: The Myth of Fenris
- December 14, 2020
- Spieleentwicklungskombinat GmbH
- 238h median play time
Get on Steam"Diggles: The Myth of Fenris" is a strategy game where you build and manage an underground dwarf colony, tasked by Odin to defeat Fenris, the hound of hell. Develop your Diggle clan's skills and keep them entertained, while managing resources and technology to expand your colony. Expect sassy Diggle attitudes and conflict with other unique clans in the depths.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Diggles is a nostalgic and charming colony sim that offers immersive gameplay and unique mechanics, such as skill inheritance among characters.
- The game has a rich tech tree and engaging story, with humorous elements that keep the experience light-hearted and enjoyable.
- It runs well on modern systems, allowing players to relive their childhood memories with improved stability compared to the original release.
- The game suffers from significant AI issues, leading to inefficient task management and frustrating gameplay, especially as the game progresses.
- Many players report numerous bugs and technical problems, including savegame issues and audio glitches, which detract from the overall experience.
- The pacing is very slow, which can make the gameplay feel tedious, especially for those accustomed to faster-paced strategy games.
- story42 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is a central element, featuring a humorous and engaging narrative that unfolds through a series of quests and cut-scenes, reminiscent of classic colony builders like "Oxygen Not Included" and "RimWorld." Players can explore a dynamic map with varying layouts, although completing all quests is optional for victory. While the story is praised for its charm and wit, some players noted gameplay issues that can hinder mission progression.
“The main campaign of the game is very story-centric.”
“Hard main story, hours of fun, tons of building, amazing dialogues within diggles. I wish we could still get games like this nowadays!”
“I recommend playing this game; it has a good storyline, excellent addictive gameplay, and most of all, it's fun.”
“Cant do the missions because you get stuck and the contest where you dig a tunnel then supposedly chop mushrooms then put them in front of a brewery where the caps sit and despawn doing nothing.”
“Cant make a tent, cant make food, brewery doesn't work so the missions end within the first 15 or 20 minutes of gameplay.”
“Overall, I think the game is not as good as subsequent releases in the genre, with RimWorld providing more emergent storytelling opportunities, and Oxygen Not Included refining the side-on strategy formula and providing better gameplay mechanically with higher replayability.”
- graphics25 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its 2002 release, yet they maintain a colorful charm that many players appreciate. While some users note bugs and a slow pace, others highlight recent upgrades that enhance visual appeal and performance. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they complement the game's engaging mechanics and humor, making it enjoyable for those who can overlook their age.
“Fun, quite addictive, nice graphics and art style, looks innocent but with plenty of adult humor.”
“The graphics have been upgraded and I have played almost 3 hours without a stutter, bug, or crash (those who have the physical version will know that is a massive upgrade - heh), plus it runs as soon as you hit play (le gasp!).”
“But what we did get was an unfinished, buggy mess with an aesthetic and idea that still to this day has yet to be matched.”
“The game is extremely complex but rewarding; if you can look past the outdated graphics, slow pace, and minor bugs in sound design, you've got tons of content.”
“While a bit dated on graphics (released in 2002), the game still has its same charm and is still very playable.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a slow pace and a 2.5D perspective, which some players find charming despite the outdated graphics and occasional audio bugs. While the mechanics are easy to learn and the game features a well-balanced tech tree, many reviewers feel it lacks the depth and replayability of more recent titles in the genre, such as RimWorld and Oxygen Not Included. Overall, the unique concept and humor can still provide an enjoyable experience for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.
“Loved it as a kid, still one of the only games with a great balanced tech tree and unique gameplay.”
“If you can get past the dated graphics, the style and mechanics offer a certain feel that other subterranean colony builders just didn't manage to capture.”
“The mechanics are easy to pick up and master.”
“Gameplay is very slow and there are constant audio bugs.”
“It was a very painful experience made of poor jokes and the slowest gameplay ever.”
“Overall, I think the game is not as good as subsequent releases in the genre, with RimWorld providing more emergent storytelling opportunities, and Oxygen Not Included refining the side-on strategy formula and providing better gameplay mechanically with higher replayability.”
- humor21 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of innocent charm and adult wit, featuring absurd elements like dwarves using mushrooms as wood and hamsters as mounts. While many players find the humor to be funny and engaging, some critics argue that it can feel outdated or cringe-worthy, especially for those who have matured beyond its original appeal. Overall, the game offers a blend of snarky dialogue and quirky characters that contribute to its addictive nature.
“Fun, quite addictive, nice graphics and art style, looks innocent but with plenty of adult humor.”
“There are so many funny elements in the game that make no sense, like the fact that your dwarves use big mushrooms as wood resources or that you can use hamsters as mounts (if you don't eat them first).”
“Real chill strategy game, with a hilarious story.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its instability, with numerous users reporting persistent bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay. Many players recall their fondness for the game but express frustration over its unfinished state, suggesting it feels like a direct port from the early 2000s. Overall, the technical issues significantly detract from the experience, leading some to abandon the game altogether.
“But what we did get was an unfinished, buggy mess with an aesthetic and idea that still to this day has yet to be matched.”
“This is a beloved game of mine, but I had to quit due to all the glitches.”
“But be warned: it is very buggy and you will likely encounter some technical issues as it seems like a direct port straight from the early 2000s.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, providing some incentive to revisit but falling short compared to genre peers like RimWorld and Oxygen Not Included, which deliver more depth and emergent storytelling. While it features unique elements, it lacks the in-depth mechanics that enhance replay value in other titles.
“While it isn't as replayable or in-depth as 'Oxygen Not Included', it still is very unique and did some interesting things I haven't seen in any games since.”
“Overall, I think the game is not as good as subsequent releases in the genre, with 'RimWorld' providing more emergent storytelling opportunities, and 'Oxygen Not Included' refining the side-on strategy formula and providing better gameplay mechanically with higher replayability.”
“While this does not give a ton of replayability, it gives at least some reason to play it again.”
“While it isn't as replayable or in-depth as Oxygen Not Included, it still is very unique and did some interesting things I haven't seen in any games since.”
“Overall, I think the game is not as good as subsequent releases in the genre, with RimWorld providing more emergent storytelling opportunities, and Oxygen Not Included refining the side-on strategy formula and providing better gameplay mechanically with higher replayability.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious as the campaign progresses, particularly when trying to unlock advanced technologies. However, many appreciate the depth of the tech tree and the engaging mechanics, which help offset the repetitive nature of grinding. Overall, while it can be overwhelming, the charm of the game keeps players invested.
“It starts as a very simple colony sim, but as you progress, the amount of grinding needed to discover advanced techs will make your head hurt.”
“It gets a bit tedious in the course of the campaign, but its depth and tech tree, along with the love for your wiggles and training, is just so lovable.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music, particularly the piano score during the cut sequence in the brain settlement of the crystal world, is noted for its impact; however, it is marred by technical issues, as players report frequent crashes associated with this segment.
“Unfortunately, the game crashes every time I enter the brain settlement in the crystal world with a runtime error (in the cut sequence with the piano music).”
