A Game About Digging a Hole Switch Review: Surprisingly Satisfying Fun?
Let's be honest, when you first hear the title A Game About Digging a Hole for the Nintendo Switch, your mind probably jumps straight to "Is this a joke?" Or maybe, "Is this another one of those hyper-minimalist indie games that's trying to be profound?" Well, the truth is, it's exactly what it says on the tin. But don't let the utterly simplistic premise fool you, because while it's not a grand adventure, this $5 title actually delivers a surprisingly satisfying, albeit repetitive, experience for a specific kind of player.
So, grab your virtual shovel, because we're about to delve deep into whether this peculiar digging simulator deserves a spot on your Switch.
Welcome to Your New (Dirt) Empire
The premise is deliciously straightforward, almost bordering on absurd. You buy a house for a mere $10,000, not for its charming curb appeal, but for the rumored buried treasure hidden beneath its pristine yard. Your mission? To dig that treasure up, no matter what it takes. Naturally, you start with nothing but a dinky little shovel, capable of making equally dinky little holes. But as any aspiring virtual prospector knows, the real fun begins when you start uncovering what lies beneath.
As you dig, you'll unearth a bounty of resources:
- Stones: The most common, but always useful.
- Coal: A step up, and more valuable.
- Iron: Deeper, rarer, and brings in the big bucks.
These resources are your lifeblood. Sell them, and you earn the precious cash needed to improve your digging prowess. The deeper you go, the more valuable the resources become, creating an addictive loop that pulls you further and further into the earth.
The Upgrades That Keep You Digging
This isn't just about endlessly scooping dirt. A Game About Digging a Hole wisely incorporates a robust upgrade system that directly impacts your efficiency and reach. It’s what transforms a chore into a progression fantasy.
Here’s what you’ll be sinking your hard-earned cash into:
- Shovel Upgrades: Bigger shovels mean bigger holes, faster digging, and reaching new depths. Essential for any serious excavator.
- Inventory Upgrades: Your pocket isn't bottomless! Early on, you'll find yourself running to the surface constantly to sell off your findings. Upgrading your inventory capacity drastically cuts down on travel time, keeping you in the dirt longer.
- Shovel Battery: Ah, the twist! Your high-tech shovel runs on a battery. Let it drain completely, and it explodes, sending all your hard-earned resources scattering. This adds a crucial layer of strategy, forcing you to manage your energy and make tactical retreats.
- Jetpack Upgrades: As you descend deeper, climbing back to the surface becomes a laborious task. Enter the jetpack! Upgrading it makes those trips back a breeze, consuming battery but saving significant time.
Beyond the core digging mechanics, the game sprinkles in a few other delightful surprises. You’ll find devices that help you detect hidden mines (which you can detonate for fun, or peril!), locate valuable money bags, and even discover two mysterious keys that open a secret chest in your shed. Need to break through tougher rock formations? Buy some dynamite. Lost the sunlight? Invest in lights to illuminate your subterranean endeavors.
The Highs and the Lows of Deep Earth Exploration
For a game that asks you to simply dig, A Game About Digging a Hole manages to be surprisingly engaging for a few hours. The controls are incredibly simple, making it a perfect pick-up-and-play title. The graphics, while not groundbreaking, are charming and functional, contributing to an overall vibe that’s often entertaining, satisfying, and genuinely rewarding.
However, no hole is dug without hitting a few snags. My biggest gripes were twofold:
- Performance Hiccups: I experienced noticeable lag spikes and freezes, especially when digging deeper. While not game-breaking, these brief stutters definitely pulled me out of the immersive, rhythmic flow of digging.
- The Upgrade Wall: Perhaps the most significant flaw is that I found myself maxing out all my essential tools long before reaching any truly significant depth or finding the fabled treasure. This quickly stripped away the primary motivator for digging, leaving me in an even more repetitive cycle with nothing meaningful to spend my wealth on. The joy of progression was lost, replaced by a simple grind.
Despite these issues, for $5, it's hard to be too critical. It delivers exactly what it promises – a straightforward digging simulation with enough mechanics and strategy to keep casual players entertained.
The Verdict: Dig In, or Pass?
A Game About Digging a Hole is not going to win any Game of the Year awards, nor is it trying to. If you're searching for an epic quest, a challenging combat system, or a rich narrative, you will be sorely disappointed. This game is a prime example of a niche simulator, perfect for those moments when you just want to zone out.
However, if you're someone who enjoys the meditative rhythm of repetitive tasks, the satisfaction of incremental upgrades, and the simple joy of mindlessly gathering resources to see a number go up, then this little Switch title might just be your next guilty pleasure. It’s a quick, satisfying, and easy game that offers a few hours of rewarding digging for a minimal investment. Don't expect depth in story, but certainly expect to dig a lot of depth in the ground!
FAQ: Your Digging Queries Answered
Is "A Game About Digging a Hole" worth $5?
For players who enjoy slow-paced, repetitive simulators and the satisfaction of upgrading tools, its $5 price point offers a few hours of entertaining, mindless digging, making it a decent value.
Are there any major issues with the game?
The primary issues are occasional lag and freezing during gameplay, as well as the progression system peaking too early, leading to all tools being upgraded long before the ultimate goal is reached, making later gameplay feel less rewarding.
What kind of player would enjoy this game?
This game is best suited for players who appreciate simple, repetitive gameplay loops, resource management, and incremental upgrades. It's ideal for those looking for a relaxing, low-stress experience rather than a challenging adventure or complex narrative.