Matt Chat 73: The Dig

This episode features one of the best science fiction adventure games of all time, LucasArts' The Dig. Widely panned for its linear gameplay and short duration, I argue that The Dig is a triumph of masterful story-telling and drama. Warning: If you haven't ever played the game, try downloading it from Steam before watching the video.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• matt chat
• barton
• the dig
• lucasarts
• adventure
• games
• review
• videogames
• history
• dos
• cd-rom
• orson scott card
• spielberg

[Konuvis]

A little spoilerish in this review Matt.

I love this game, one of my favorite adventure games ever, so different from the rest.

I don't remember much from it but I love the Michael Land soundtrack, I listen to it often and it's one of my all time greatest soundtracks.

[blacklily8]

@Konuvis Yes, it's difficult to do an adventure game precisely for this reason. I guess I should put a warning at the start of them to play the game before watching it. :)

[inei9j43710hd83k34]

The music and the feeling when you play this game is so awesomme. I play this game every two years or so. I only play it late at night - when the game is most effective, because i feel isolated which is the perfect state of mind for this most excellent game.

[blacklily8]

@inei9j43710hd83k34 Yes, I remember some of these games would recommend that you play them in the dark with headphones on instead of speakers. That would really add to it, I think!

[starscreem777]

Matt you seem like the Bob Ross of video games. You have a very laid back peaceful way about you. Although I've enjoyed all of your videos I like it best when you feature underrated, hidden gems like this. I also like all of the behind the scenes info you give about these games. Not so much a review, but a history lesson. Keep up the awesome job.

[YugNotsnhoj]

Hey, just discovered your channel. Wow, your videos are really thought provoking, not like the mindless "reviews" on crap sites like IGN. You rock!

[Capeau]

these are awesome dude, allot of golden memories ...

Keep up the good work, you got an extra subscriber. :)

[ymarky7]

Maybe it's because I'm a casual adventure gamer, but i think The Dig did everything right, especially the fascinating story and atmosphere.

[DVAFP]

i was disappointed by the lack of characters in this game

[thejobloshow]

With all due respect Matt, the graphics were pretty phenomenal for their time. The rendered animations of the asteroid and the animation were truly amazing. Ran very slow on my 486 though.

[F2bnp]

Man you rock and just so right about this. I'm really crazy about The Dig, I love the game and it really captured my interest as soon as I first saw it on a friend of mine. I got to play it years later and I loved it to the end.

I got the novel a few days ago and if you're a really big fan it is an interesting read with a lot of details and backstory not seen in the game!

[herrkilman]

The Dig is one of my absolute favourites. It really has a unique feel to it, and as you say the excellent music is an important part of it. For me, it's the sense of extreme isolation and loneliness that stick out. Stranded in an alien place, the other people in your team are either crazy or really determined not to keep you company. And most importantly, the world is eerily silent. Dead.

There's a sense of loss and grief over this game that I really appreciate.

[RetroComputerMuseum]

Great review, I've not heard of this particular Lucas game. I'll have to check it out. :)

[vintagevideogamegeek]

Wow, never heard of this one. Interesting story, good voice acting...I'm impressed! They should make a movie out of this.

[Konuvis]

@blacklily8 Well especially for this one which is a very plot intensive game. If you did the same thing on Day of the Tentacle it would be fine.