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Review of Power Shovel on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jan 1997
Cover image of Power Shovel on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1997
Genre: Simulation
Developer: None listed, but I'm guessing some sadistic genius
Publisher: GameCombobulator Studios

Introduction

Ever wanted to feel like a giant, earth-moving robot? Want to dig up dirt, debris, and maybe even your dignity? Enter the world of "Power Shovel," a game that makes excavation feel like an extreme sport where you're the main event. If you've ever dreamt of wielding a massive bucket on a stick-this is the game for you. Grab your hard hat, because things are about to get seriously deep.

Gameplay

First things first: let's address the gameplay. "Power Shovel" is a simulation game that allows you to control a giant pile of metal-in this case, a power shovel. The complex controls will make you feel like you're operating a real piece of heavy machinery, which is cool until you realize it requires ten times the coordination of your last FPS. You'll be hoisting, swinging, and crowding your way towards those world champion excavation titles, or at least a trophy that says 'I dug a hole!' The challenge lies in navigating the intricacies of the control scheme, which often feels like learning Morse code. You'll have to master four main digging motions: hoisting, crowding, swinging, and propelling. That's right-only four motions for controlling a robot that can literally move mountains-but each will throw you a curveball. If you think you can just point and click, think again. You'll quickly realize you're not just playing a game-you've stepped into the role of an overqualified dinosaur wannabe digging for treasure and dignity. Each digging cycle encompasses four phases: Digging (where you shove your bucket into the ground), Swinging (pompously moving your newly filled bucket to a dumping location), Dumping (because waste is fun!), and Returning (getting back for a refill). Complete these cycles while keeping an eye on your score, which really only exists to remind you just how incompetent you are at moving earth. Be prepared for obstacles like shifting soil, unexpected boulders, and other hazards that would push the limits of even a seasoned construction professional. You will feel like a hero one moment and then a total buffoon when your bucket catches on nothing at all, sending your mechanical monster into a spin worthy of the worst dance moves.

Graphics

Now let's talk about the graphics. Historically, this was a PlayStation title, and let's be honest-it's not exactly winning any awards. Characters look like they belong in a retro '90s cartoon, while the power shovel itself resembles a monster truck with a hugging problem. The environments could use some more polish too; they look about as dynamic as your aunt's backyard. But hey, you didn't log in for a visual feast, did you? If you want high graphics, just go watch a nature documentary and skip the mini excavator. Overall visuals may seem like a throwback to paint-by-numbers graphics, and it's exactly what makes it delightfully distracting. You'll be too busy controlling your machine and laughing at the absurdity of it all, while the background scenery serves as a dull, blurry canvas-perfect for pretending that you're in some epic construction battle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Power Shovel" achieves something really unique: it turns the art of digging holes into a competitive endeavor while providing the ultimate test of motor skills and patience. The game's challenge-mastering complex controls for digging-is worth the effort if you have a spare hour or two to throw away. If you find joy in absurd simulators, this one is a gem with a side of dirt. Summing it up, it might not be a game that would win 'Game of the Year'-more like 'Most Likely to Make You Question Your Life Choices,' but if you take it for what it is, you might just find digging holes strangely satisfying. Just don't expect compliments or followers with this career choice, okay? Happy digging!

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