Japanese indie creator Takahiro Miyazawa launched the excavation simulator Isekibori (meaning “Relic Dig”) on October 1 for Nintendo Switch. Known for his affinity with unconventional controllers, Miyazawa crafted the game to be experienced with a HORI Guitar Life controller, which is typically bundled with the guitar tutorial game Guitar Life: Lesson 1. Isekibori cleverly transforms this controller into a makeshift shovel for unearthing relics.
Isekibori offers 8 stages set in a backyard setting. Players engage in digging through soil and debris to uncover hidden artifacts that can be collected. As the game progresses, larger artifacts appear, leading to more extensive and engaging excavation sessions.
Isekibori incorporates a grip strength meter that utilizes the guitar’s fret sensors. To register the controller properly, players must ensure their fingers are firmly on the sensor-equipped section, filling the grip strength meter. This feature likely serves to confirm that the controller is being held correctly. A lighter “Kids Mode” option lowers the pressure needed to fill the meter.
To celebrate Isekibori’s launch, HORI is offering a special bundle that includes the excavation game alongside Guitar Life: Lesson 1 and its guitar controller. The package is priced at 8,680 JPY (approximately $55 USD) and will be available until October 13.
It’s worth noting that Isekibori costs just 700 JPY ($4 USD), making the game cheaper than the controller required to play it. However, some enthusiasts often find creative ways to acquire or craft compatible controllers. Given the developer’s enthusiasm for unique controllers, it’s probable that he would approve of such ingenuity.
Isekibori is available for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is exclusively playable in Japanese.
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