The Dig Official Player's Guide

The format for this player's guide is one I haven't seen before. The walkthrough is a first-person narrative through the eyes of the playable character, almost like a detailed diary entry, illustrated with black and white screenshots from the game. The center of the book illustrates the game in color, using a combination of screenshots and original scenery paintings. Each section concludes with a checklist, and the more complex puzzles have close-ups with detailed instructions and diagrams. The book also includes a different, Q&A-based walkthrough, providing two hints for each question and the answer printed upside-down to make the section more accessible to those who don't want the answer given away.

In addition to the usual item show more inventories, maps and sketches and biographies of the main characters, the player's guide has a detailed section on the planet's animals, far more than is strictly required for game hints. Moreover, there's a history of the planet and its people, though it's strangely placed at the beginning of the book despite being an undeniable spoiler.

Another unique feature of the player's guide is the last chapter profiling the history and process of the game's development, and the people involved. What could easily have been a boring and self-indulgent section is made worthwhile by the fairly lively writing and the accompanying staff doodles.

All in all, The Dig Player's Guide stands as a solid example of a great tool that goes beyond its immediate purpose to be an entertaining read as well. Even though all the walkthrough and cheats are now available on-line, the book is still worth having if you enjoy the game.

(Q) show less