Review: DIG VR
Simulator games appear to be a perfect fit for Virtual Reality, and DIG VR is among the newest entries available on PSVR2. The game garnered a significant fanbase upon its initial release on Quest. Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with simulator games; some truly shine while others fall flat. However, given the positive feedback for the Quest version, I decided it was time to try it out on PSVR2.
Release Date: April 29th 2025
Developer: Just Add Water
Publisher: Wired Productions
Price: TBC
Reviewed On: PlayStation VR2
* Access Provided For Review *
Help The People Of Diglington
Creating a campaign in a simulator game requires some lore to explain your role and the location you are working. PowerWash Simulator excelled at this by incorporating humour, and DIG VR appears to have drawn from that success. In DIG VR, you assist the residents of Diglington in Digshire, all while enjoying a touch of British wit and tunes from Dig Radio. Your office is adorned with posters for the upcoming ‘Grasp ‘N’ Bury’ festival, and part of your mission is to help them get ready for the event – so get ready for plenty of digger-related jokes.
Light Simulation
DIG VR is fundamentally a lifelike light simulator designed for operating machinery. The creators have crafted a genuine experience with their control system for the digger. It allows for analogue movement and operation by using both sticks to toggle modes, but the motion controls are particularly noteworthy as the most efficient method of control. This configuration includes two levers for driving and two sticks on each side to manoeuvrer the arm and its current attachment. This method delivers the most engaging gameplay experience, although if you choose to avoid the manual motion controls, the analogue scheme is still a reliable option.
The game kicks off with an informative tutorial that effectively outlines the controls and gives you a chance to practice manoeuvring the digger and its arm. It guides you on how to dig, where to deposit the dirt when your bucket is full, and how to detach the bucket to use a different tool. This tutorial ensures you have a strong grasp of operating the digger before you embark on your mission to help the people of Diglington.
At the start of the campaign, the tasks are quite straightforward, primarily centred around basic excavation. It’s important to stay within the specified limits while digging or disposing of soil, as there are penalties for going overboard. The game offers various difficulty levels that heighten the challenge by imposing charges for any damage incurred while driving or digging, pushing you to complete missions profitably. DIG VR is crafted to be a leisurely experience that rewards meticulous and smooth task execution. Personally, I found myself returning to the game, although the pacing and a few issues caused me to finish after just one or two tasks.
I found the most frustrating part to be the exact aiming needed for the arm, which felt somewhat challenging with the motion controls. This made some elements of the game feel more laborious, especially when excavating dirt. It was particularly irritating to be left with just a small fraction of dirt to remove; attempting to clear those final bits without incurring any penalties became a minor source of annoyance.
As previously stated, you’ll gain access to new components for your digger as you unlock them through progression and purchase them with your earned money. This has allowed the team to enhance the gameplay experience, transforming your excavator into the most adaptable machine I’ve ever seen. You can now drill holes, fell trees, and prune bushes. I think this adds the necessary variety to the game; if it were limited to just digging dirt, you would have run out of content after only the first couple of tasks.
Alongside the primary campaign, they’ve added several mini-games such as bowling and hook-a-duck, plus a hidden treasure level where players can hunt for buried artefacts. Although these modes provide a refreshing diversion from the main storyline, I found that after a few attempts, I wasn’t motivated to return to them. Additionally, a Sandbox mode has been added, allowing you to hone your skills with the excavator and try out various tools.
Hazy Diglington
The team chose a bold colour palette and a vibrant visual style, resulting in a game that lacks some intricate details. While this decision fits the game’s concept and its light simulation theme, I find myself wishing for a more refined look, as it appears somewhat hazy due to its minimalist approach.
On the audio side, they excelled; the sounds of the excavator and tools are quite impressive. The highlight is undoubtedly DIG Radio, featuring eight stations across different genres, from lo-fi to classical, including a mix on DIG FM which includes parodies of +typical UK radio ads. However, there were times I opted to mute the radio and enjoy my own Spotify playlist, as the game’s music didn’t always match my mood.
One feature I really liked about the radio is that it requires you to interact physically; you have to turn it on, change stations, and adjust the volume by pressing buttons on the radio in your excavator, which adds to the immersive experience. Sometimes, it’s the little things that truly enhance the experience.
Comfort
The Verdict
Reviewing DIG VR has been a unique experience. While Just Add Water has crafted an enjoyable light simulation game, certain aspects detract from the overall fun. The game’s vibrant visuals align well with its intended style and humour, yet a bit more detail would enhance the experience, as it currently appears somewhat blurry. Additionally, the digging mechanics can feel tedious, especially when only a small portion remains to be excavated, often leading me to stop playing once the task is done. Personally, I find the slow pacing and controls more suitable for brief play sessions, but if you’re in the market for a light simulation that encourages a leisurely approach, DIG VR could be a worthwhile choice.