Every Lucasarts Adventure Game: Ranked Worst To Best

12. The Dig

Lucasarts

Inspired by a Steven Spielberg concept, written by science-fiction doyen Orson Scott Card, and enduring a mammoth (not to mention expensive) six year development cycle, The Dig should rank much higher amongst Lucasarts' point 'n' click pantheon. Yet it never quite managed to appeal in the manner of its more-esteemed contemporaries.

The earnestly solemn mood which pervades the game's narrative and otherworldly locale set it apart from the humorous adventures of the day, and many fans of the genre expecting a witty jaunt akin to Monkey Island or Day of the Tentacle were left decidedly unsure by the serious, weighty tone. Perhaps The Dig was a little ahead of its time.

Nevertheless, it's a stellar - an interstellar - production. The presentation is spectacular, from the sweeping, majestic soundtrack to flawless ILM produced CGI, and whilst the puzzles lean more towards Myst than Maniac Mansion, its mysterious atmosphere and emotional maturity make it worth a look.

Benjamin Richardson

Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.

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