Full Bore: The First Dig
Gameplay - 8.5
Presentation - 8
Story - 7
Lifespan - 8
7.9
Full Bore: The First Dig, is currently gaining support through Steam Greenlight and is available for purchase through wholehog-games.com/fullbore. Upon completion, the game is expected to be six to eight hours in length and judging by the first half, the game is an enjoyable adventure packed with intricate puzzles. This indie game is definitely worth supporting, whether it is through a simple vote on Steam Greenlight or buying the game itself as fans of puzzle-platformers will not be disappointed.
Full Bore: The First Dig, the first development of a two part saga, is an impressive development for Whole Hog games. In this puzzle-platformer, the player assumes control of a boar named Fredrick (or by alternative choice: Hildi, a sow) who is forced to work for Gullinbursti’s Full Bore Mining Company after being discovered in his empty vault. The use of digging, one of the games central mechanics, develops it into a full-fledged metaphor throughout Fredrick’s journey. As the player uncovers the map, they also uncover bits of the story (through character interactions and computer logs) ultimately leaving the player piecing together information and constantly digging deeper for answers.
The introductory puzzles introduce the player to the basic mechanics. WASD controls where the boar moves, which includes digging through some blocks and pushing others, or even jumping on top of them, while the space button is used to stomp. The tutorial also reveals that the boar has limitations. For instance, he cannot jump across gaps. Consequently, if the player mindlessly digs through a puzzle, the boar will get stuck. Therefore, it is important to think critically and analyze the surroundings before venturing forward.
As the game progresses the player learns how to interact with the environment and how the environment interacts with the boar. For example, discovering how each block behaves will allow the player to determine the most suitable way to manipulate the surroundings to complete their objective. Dying is by no means a vice in this game and it may take several tries to complete an area. Solving each puzzle, whether the goal is to collect a gem or find a door, always proves extremely rewarding.
As a platformer, there needs to be a mechanic that will drive the game and make it unique. In this case, the game plays on the word bore, a boar being the main character, and surrounding miners, and boring being the main mechanic. As the player creates openings throughout the different levels they also uncover bits of the world which are then updated on the player’s map. By incorporating puzzles with free-roaming level design, the player can choose to come back to an area they have trouble solving when they feel more educated.
The overall design of the game is extremely professional. The puzzles are challenging, while the colour schemes compliment the cavern-like atmosphere. Even the music fills and drives the game effectively. In addition, the map is an extremely useful tool that allows the player to retrace their steps and return to areas they did not fully complete. Symbols representing doors, gems, lore or mysteries will remain on the map until the player discovers them. To signify completion of a location, the area on the map will turn yellow. Although the map is not the most appealing sight, it is highly informative, and thankfully, throughout the player’s journey, he/she will spend more time looking at a hog, who proves to be a surprisingly attractive protagonist.
The overall story is not complete and the fragmentation leaves the player with a feeling of unease and suspicion. Just like the style of gameplay, there is no linear story telling but the content provided is interesting and allows the player to make their own assumptions about what is to come.
