We dig for diamonds, we dig for gold...
Galactic Miner was developed by William Anderson of Willie Wonka And The Software Factory. How ludicrously funny is that? This started life on the TI-99 4/A and is basically a Digger developed in STOS. However, it doesn't appear to be compatible with many models of the Atari ST/f/e; more on that problem later.
We begin with a terrain map that details the quality of possible mining locations: white areas are the best, brown is good, whilst green will yield poor results. Sadly, travelling costs money, and we don't have much to begin with, so it's best to keep things local. Once a decent spot is found, a fantastic animation shows us driving a cool truck before we stop to erect a mining shack. From here, we can lower ourselves into the mine.
Choose the location of our shack wisely. Here is a screenshot of the mining map...
We're the red block, and this is the map used to pick fertile lands for ourselves. In theory!
We're the red block, and this is the map used to pick fertile lands for ourselves. In theory!
Shack Attack!
Our shack wouldn't be complete without a credit-munching Vendomatic! This device not only has the best name I've heard for a machine, but it's also used to restock dynamite for clearing a path through the mines. Also, Droids can be bought to help protect us from sneaky thieves, and Clones (what??) aid with extra lives. The final option is another shack, which will be used at the next dig site. Sounds expensive, right?
Wait, that's not all the magical shack offers! There's a copy machine used to exchange mined ore for credits. Eagle eyes will notice a save game feature - which you should use regularly - please remember this! The doorway represents an exit to other sites, but I haven't used the computer, as I've never earned enough credit. Finally, use the hatch to return to the mine, but don't forget to turn out the light on your way out!!
Wait, that's not all the magical shack offers! There's a copy machine used to exchange mined ore for credits. Eagle eyes will notice a save game feature - which you should use regularly - please remember this! The doorway represents an exit to other sites, but I haven't used the computer, as I've never earned enough credit. Finally, use the hatch to return to the mine, but don't forget to turn out the light on your way out!!
Let's take a peep inside our shack, it's pretty cool actually...
Not your typical mining operation, but everything you need is available from inside your shack.
Not your typical mining operation, but everything you need is available from inside your shack.
Too scary for Miner Willy!
Once we've built ourselves a shack and have a fistful of dynamite, get inside the mine. Instantly, the gameplay feels familiar but with a few differences. Freely moving through the dirt is only possible when something collectable is within your grasp. Use dynamite when thick dirt or rocks block the way to the goodies. Dynamite has no effect on the larger rocks, which are too strong, so look for another way.
Beware of ugly creatures lurking within the depths! There are monsters that will roar onto your screen at intervals in random areas. Thankfully, these can leave behind a present to pick up. Also, it's a good idea to protect your shack from thieves by purchasing a Droid - it's expensive but has security. There's nothing worse than being underground whilst someone's on the surface robbing you blind (great to watch!)
Beware of ugly creatures lurking within the depths! There are monsters that will roar onto your screen at intervals in random areas. Thankfully, these can leave behind a present to pick up. Also, it's a good idea to protect your shack from thieves by purchasing a Droid - it's expensive but has security. There's nothing worse than being underground whilst someone's on the surface robbing you blind (great to watch!)
Check out these fantastic screenshots that detail my busy route while looking for stuff...
What's wrong with the world today? I'm working, and that no-mark turns up to rob me blind!
As you can see, each mine is always different, as is the quality of your dig with gold, gems, etc...
What's wrong with the world today? I'm working, and that no-mark turns up to rob me blind!
The attention to detail is pretty cool, and I love my truck. I want one!!
As you can see, each mine is always different, as is the quality of your dig with gold, gems, etc...
Grab as much loot as you can and run!
Each of our Dig Dug screens is randomly generated, including item locations, monsters and cave-ins. It's also possible to run low on dynamite, but you can return to the shack to cash in and restock. Deciding whether and when to do that is entirely up to you, based on how much of the good stuff remains. Also, bear in mind that detonating a stick of dynamite costs us money. There is more to this game than I first thought!
So, it's decision time: should you restock and return to the mine to collect what's left or move on to new pastures? It's up to you based on your finances and what remains to be collected, but if you do go back, then I advise using a Droid. Yup, there is actually a lot more to this game than just digging.
So, it's decision time: should you restock and return to the mine to collect what's left or move on to new pastures? It's up to you based on your finances and what remains to be collected, but if you do go back, then I advise using a Droid. Yup, there is actually a lot more to this game than just digging.
It's time for more screenshots, so keep on scrolling, ST Nutters...
Wait, a monster... at least he didn't bite me!
I forgot to clone myself... How often have I said that? And then this screen mocks you!
I've pretty much cleaned out the mine!
Wait, a monster... at least he didn't bite me!
I forgot to clone myself... How often have I said that? And then this screen mocks you!
Aesthetics?
Graphically, this feels oldskool and appealing thanks to its landscapes, good use of colour, well-drawn decals, and funny sprites. It's the cartoon animations that steal the show, and it's a blast watching your Ford Ranger (I'm daydreaming!) drive along the landscape before stopping to build a shack. Heck, even the truck's suspension rises as its cargo is removed!! So much effort obviously went into this, and I love it!!
The title screen has a neat chiptune, and in-game sound effects are all made from rough, crunchy samples, which I really enjoyed. Okay, I'm gutted that the STe hardware wasn't utilised (1992!!) as the samples sound rather STFM-y, but I love what there is. Watch out for those roaring monsters!
The title screen has a neat chiptune, and in-game sound effects are all made from rough, crunchy samples, which I really enjoyed. Okay, I'm gutted that the STe hardware wasn't utilised (1992!!) as the samples sound rather STFM-y, but I love what there is. Watch out for those roaring monsters!
Sadly, I couldn't get Galactic Miner to work on my Atari STe (TOS 1.62). It booted up fine but then appeared to hang on the title screen. Sadly, things didn't improve with Hatari on my Mac - using my usual default ST/STe configurations (TOS 1.02/1.04 and TOS 1.62).
I had better success using an ST (Hatari), but the miner lost his position on the screen, which got worse with every movement!! So, I went back to the basics and emulated the original ST (TOS 1.00) and everything worked. Looks like this game only works with that, but YMMV?
I love the neat touches, like being able to collect a dead clone's loot.
I never did get why the old shack needed to be blown up.
...but then I'm eaten alive. What a great day!
The CryptO'pinion?
Ignoring the need to emulate with TOS 1.00, Galactic Miner has a couple of other issues I didn't care for. The cash/credit system feels unbalanced. Everything is far too expensive compared to the rewards earned through mining. Also, we get charged for detonating dynamite and then charged again for supplies... Ugh!
Ignoring my sneaky plea for a credit cheat (any hackers reading this??) Galactic Miner is one of the silliest and most addictive games I've played in ages. Enjoy digging in the mud like a kid from the '70s.
