What surprises me is just how much this comes up in game play. Most times it's naturally part of the game, other times it's part of a side quest or a later addition to the game.
- Minecraft - come on, if I have to explain this one, you are doing it wrong.
- Harvest moon - you are a farmer, you can't get away with not dirt digging. Also, I am currently playing two different versions.
- Rune factory - Same as harvest moon, but with dungeons! (less farming emphasis, but it's still an important part of the game).
- World of Warcraft - Archaeology, a later addition to the game, and some would argue, not the best idea ever.
- Terraria - like Minecraft, you must dig to pretty much get anywhere in this game.
- Disney's Magical World - You need to garden to get ingredients for your cafe and clothing. Kind of odd but hey, I get to hang out with Eeyore.
- Final Fantasy XIV ARR - I am gardening manager of my guild. They heard about my digging in the dirt qualifications in other games and jumped on board. The farm plots in this game are being used to benefit the entire guild, so no personal stuff for yours truly!
- Civ - well I order people to work in dirt and quarries, pretty much the same thing right?
- Banished - more god mode quarry ordering, but this has more micromanaging then Civ does.
I didn't realize it until I mentioned it on the AIE podcast, but apparently I enjoy virtual digging in the dirt. It makes me wonder what other themes in gaming constantly show up that I overlook. Even if you don't count the last two bullets, this is seriously a lot of virtual earth I am responsible for moving.
