The Dig – PC Review

RADAR STATION – SOMEWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA – 15:03, JUNE 22, 1995

The Dig: Not even the flicker of a new greenish signal could catch the attention of Michael Forrester, a young radar operator. While talking on the phone with his girlfriend, nothing could distract him from her babbling, her absurd responses to his own almost equally absurd remarks. But that signal had to be addressed. Hanging up on his girl in a rude manner, he began fiddling with the data, visibly alarmed. Unidentified object approaching Earth. Imminent impact. This did not sound good.

WASHINGTON – ONE WEEK LATER

A crowd of journalists waited in the press room at NASA headquarters. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Out of nowhere, the Secretary of Defense had called us in without explaining a single reason—something journalists both hate and love at the same time. It could mean a flop of an article or a bestseller. Unfortunately, this time, there would be no scoop. We were all in that room. A man announced the arrival of the Secretary of Defense, and the recording equipment started rolling. That stiff, one of the most hated men in the country, gave us yet another reason to despise him.

With feigned calm, while adjusting the suffocating grip of his tie, he announced what could very well be the end of humanity. A massive meteorite was heading toward the planet with unclear intentions—a hunk of rock capable of creating tsunamis with waves up to two kilometers high and hurricane-force winds strong enough to topple the Capitol. But they had a plan. Two men and a woman entered the room and were immediately recognized by almost everyone. The tall, strong, dark-haired man was a military officer with experience in space missions, a seasoned NASA veteran. Right now, he was smiling more than anyone, as if the meteorite was about to land on his creditors’ house.

The other man, a lanky, skinny guy, looked German—basically because he was German. A renowned expert in archaeology and historical sociology, famous for his recent discoveries in France. Finally, one of the most prominent women in the public eye, a former journalist and newly elected senator. The three of them would be part of a space mission with one clear objective: to stop the meteorite using a powerful explosive that would alter its course.

And so begins The Dig, one of the most surprising and innovative graphic adventures LucasArts has ever released, based on an original idea by Steven Spielberg.

Gameplay

Explaining how a graphic adventure from George Lucas’s studio plays isn’t too hard. Controlling the main character—the aforementioned military officer—with a pointer and an action menu, in The Dig, you must investigate and solve certain puzzles to escape the dangerous situation the three main characters find themselves in. Interacting with Maggie, the young senator, you’ll have to tackle challenges that, for once in the history of graphic adventures, are completely and utterly logical.

Truth be told, The Dig’s puzzles are packed with scientific and mathematical elements, but that doesn’t make them any harder than usual. Sure, you might get stuck fairly easily, but you’ll also be able to get out of most situations just by racking your brain a little—without breaking the pace of the (thrilling and mysterious) story.

Graphics in The Dig

As usual with the folks at LucasArts, The Dig’s graphics are simply excellent, with a polished, adult-cartoon aesthetic that greatly benefits the story’s pacing—so much so that sometimes you’ll just stop and admire the beauty of the scenery. In a way, it reminds me a bit of Titan A.E., Fox’s (underappreciated) animated film released less than a year ago.

Another standout graphical aspect, alongside the meticulously crafted alien environments, are the intros—wonderfully cinematic and of immense quality. Special mention goes to the opening sequence I just described, a marvel comparable to any (good) Hollywood movie.

Music & Sound

While the brilliant soundtrack by Michael Land mostly plays during cinematic sequences, The Dig’s sound effects are present in every scene, showing a level of care and effort worthy of praise.

Ben Burtt, the sound expert who always works with George Lucas (and who has a few Oscars lying around in his bathroom), collaborated with the LucasArts team to create some of the trickiest effects—like those for space sequences or the more complex moments in the adventure, such as the puzzle involving the regeneration of the galactic turtle and its subsequent consumption by a creature of slightly larger proportions. Lastly, as usual, the superb dialogues are translated and dubbed into Spanish flawlessly.

The Dig Gameplay

Conclusion

Some graphic adventures are good or even great, while others simply revolutionize and redefine the genre. And the same goes for other genres. The Dig belongs to the latter group, with a more mature approach than usual at a time when Monkey Island, Simon the Sorcerer, Curse of Enchantia, and Sam & Max were everywhere—games packed with humor but lacking logic, which could sometimes wear anyone out.

The Dig’s script is fantastic, full of unforgettable moments and clever dialogue, the graphics are meticulously crafted, and the music is outstanding. What more can I say? Well, that you should definitely revisit a game that’s been re-released more than once, always at great prices—and that LucasArts would do well to ease up on the Monkey Island sequels (they’re getting stale) and make more games like The Dig.

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