Previous Reviews:
Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp - September 17, 2010
Arkedo Series - 01 JUMP! - September 16, 2010
Soulcaster - September 15, 2010
Groov - September 14, 2010
Star Crisis - September 13, 2010
Title: Miner Dig Deep
Developer: Robir
Price: 80 ($1.00) Microsoft points
Miner Dig Deep
Perhaps one of the most aptly named games on the Xbox Live Indie Games Marketplace, Miner Dig Deep is indeed about digging deeper. The game is not limited to that, and its increasingly complex mechanics are what makes it so appealing, especially considering the price. While not the most beautiful game in terms of overall graphical design (particularly the font) and slightly floaty controls, Miner Dig Deep still succeeds at being a fairly unique upgrade focused game.The central goal of Miner Dig Deep is, indeed, to dig deeper. This is accomplished, however, by collecting minerals, upgrading tools, and employing the usage of tools such as elevators and ladders in order to more efficiently transverse mines.There are a variety of factors involved in Miner Dig Deep, such as your lantern (which must be replenished with fuel periodically, and provides light for a certain distance from the character), the type of pick-axe in possession of the player (some pickaxes can't dig as deep as others), and inventory capacity (which must be upgraded in order to hold more minerals). This all comes together fairly well, and ends up being a lot of fun. This constant feeling of accomplishment in finding new minerals and upgrading new tools makes playing the game a lot of fun.
Miner Dig Deep's approach to visuals leaves much to be desired. The game looks a lot like a flash game, and this doesn't help the physics either. The main character gets stuck on curved ledges, and reacts oddly to dips and ditches inside mines. The font choice in the game is relatively boring, and in some cases the color choice seems a little odd. The game's designers likely didn't have access to a better graphical style, but these issues are still prevalent.
The game's simplistic style is very well fit by the game's sublime soundtrack. Mostly accompanied by soft piano music, the soundtrack does a good job at complementing the graphical style and premise. While not anything ground breaking or indisputably wonderful, the soundtrack does a good job when looking at the game as a whole.
Miner Dig Deep isn't a game for everyone. The game is a lot of fun, but the graphical style will detract from the game for a lot of people. If the concept of exploration and expansion appeals to you, and you're able to overlook the graphical style, there's a relatively complex and rewarding experience underneath the rough exterior, and all for only a dollar.
Tomorrow: Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess
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