Miner Dig Deep released on Xbox Live Community Games on February 4th 2009. You play as a miner whose sole responsibility is to excavate the local mine. The deeper you dig the more valuable the gems and ore you will find. For $2.50 (200 Microsoft Points) you would expect a quick little game, but Miner Dig Deep can easily take you ten or more hours to fully explore your mine in just a single game.

What makes Miner Dig Deep so much fun is that there are no enemies to worry, no preset goals, and no permanent deaths. Yes, you can fall to your death, but when you do you just restart back at the top of the mine without any of the resources that you were carrying. So, the key to playing Miner Dig Deep is planning a good strategy for how you want to progressively dig deeper and unlocking additional tools. As you dig through the mine you collect ore and gems that you then sell back on the surface. The money you make from these resources is used to buy stronger digging tools, oil for your lamp, ladders, and elevators.

Other than being careful to not drop into deep holes the only real worry you have is the rocks scattered thorough out the mine. If a heavy rock falls on your head you also get killed, but as long as you careful not to dig strait up above you without seeing what is their first you should not have a problem with rocks falling on you.

The mine is three screen widths wide and ridiculously deep. However, the pace of the game is set really well. Just as you’re getting to the point where it seems like you are spending more time traveling to the bottom of the mine you’ll get a stronger axe of a larger lantern to help you progress more quickly. There is no pressure to rush through the mine as quickly as possible so playing Mine Dig Deep is a nice relaxing experience.

The graphics are simple but nicely clean and colored. A lot better than most of the other Xbox Live Community Games and probably the best for the games priced at $2.50.

My only complaint is the sound and music. There are only two background songs, one for above ground and one for below, that repeat while you play. After about 15 minutes these songs get old, but you can play your own music through the 360 while you are playing Miner Dig Deep. You should plan on doing this if you’re going to play for more than half an hour.

Even with the repetitive music I would recommend everyone check out Miner Dig Deep. It is a great price and fun for all ages.