Physics Games and Physics-Based Game Downloads

(Rate this game! 95 votes, average: 3.86 out of 5)

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Power Shovel, developed by Taito and published by Acclaim, is a power shovel simulator released in 2001 for the Sony Playstation. The game is split up into various wacky game modes where players are given tasks ranging from digging holes to pouring spicy curry into bowls of rice. At first glance it seems like a childish game, and it is to a degree, but it can get very complicated with its unforgiving controls and time limits.

Mechanical Advantage

The main gameplay mechanic in Power Shovel is mechanical advantage. Most of the gameplay modes revolve around digging holes in dirt, and loading the dirt into some vessel, and since each joint of the power shovel’s arm is controlled by a button on the controller, it’s up to the player to manipulate the arm segments in order to scoop up the most dirt. It takes some time getting used to the controls, and even then, getting used to them is only half the battle. The real challenge comes in when determining the best way to bend all of the arm’s joints. The idea is generally to extend the arm, lower the shovel, and then drag it back in order to dig the most. The dirt is physically simulated, so you have to adjust your technique with each scoop, as the level of the dirt gets lower and lower. Also you have to be careful not to spill any dirt or bump any objects with the shovel, as points are deducted for such violations.

Many Game Modes

While the most physically interesting gameplay is found in the digging-related modes, there is an abundance of other gameplay modes. There’s an obstacle course, a math game, and a few modes based around destroying buildings or cars. In one game mode, there is a pile of dirt, and you have to level out the top of it by knocking dirt off with the shovel. There is an extensive amount of unlockable content, including new game modes, videos, a music gallery, and even a level editor for the obstacle course.

(Power Shovel Game Screenshots)

Overall

The game is somewhat rare, especially since most video game stores have stopped carrying original Playstation games. It took nearly 6 months of fevered searching for me to find a copy. Ultimately it’s a pretty cool game. It has a bit of a learning curve, but if you can get over the game’s first hurdle of mastering the complex controls, there’s a lot of fun to be had. From its zany music and hilarious gameplay modes to its plethora of unlockable content, the game is simply addictive fun. And it’s fun that will last a while. Even after you’ve mastered all the game modes, you’ll still find yourself wanting to come back for more. A sandbox mode where the player could dig holes or make dirt piles to his/her content would have made the game last for much longer, but it’s still a fun game on as it is. With its various game modes and unique challenges, there is a lot to do if you can get your hands on a copy.

Andrew Caldwell is a Journalism major at Youngstown State University.

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