Alex K. Gustafson

At the start of the Vanity Forest, the player is presented with either descending underground, or using Flight to get into the tree branches. The tree branches are filled with collapsing platforms, wasps, and dangerous thorns covering the ground. To access the underground, the player and the girl take turns removing walls of roots while being assaulted by wasps.

The player finds a large expanse of water with a small two-person peddle boat on the shore. Alone, the player would be unable to pilot the boat correctly. If the player is unable to use Dig, the girl will be waiting for the player to help him cross the expanse in safety. If forced underground by Digging, the player must battle wasps, cave-ins, and clenching thorns.

Near the end of the level, the player confronts dangerous Crystal Pine Cones amid the branches that emit violent electrical flashes. If the player is able to Shield himself from these pulses, the player will continue to advance through the branches. If unable to Shield himself, the girl will lead the player across invisible crystal platforms beneath the trees.

A wooden bridge extends over the clouds. If the player has given up his physical ability to Dig, the girl will be waiting to lead the player across and avoid collapsing planks. If the player has no guide and falls through, he may begin Digging through the clouds to dodge enemies. However, the player may find it better to confront the enemies than attempt to Dig to freedom.

Climbing to one of the peaks, a dangerous rock-slide begins to tumble downwards. If the player possesses the Shield, these worldly objects shatter around him as he continues to climb. Without the Shield, the player must enter the dark old mine where the girl is waiting for him. She helps the player to power a hand car through the tunnel deep into the mountain’s core.

At the summit of the level, the player finds the girl waiting for him in a small cave. However, ancient stones hint of mystery and adventure above the cave. The player may use Flight to climb the giant stone steps, or he may follow the girl into the cave. Inside the cave, the girl will help the player up an old elevator shaft to explore the unknown.

A slime-covered hole dripping with deadly ooze will deter any player without Shield to continue upwards into the behemoth’s chamber. Here, the girl is hanging from the ceiling and being tortured by the invulnerable behemoth. If the player delves into the filth-ridden passage using his Shield, waves of toxic ooze and venomous fungi must be dispatched to press onward.

Using Flight, the player may escape upwards into a room covered in grasping claws. Careful movement through the tight chamber advances the player past a pool of sticky muck. If the player is unable to Fly, there is no other choice but to charge across the disgusting pool. The player must trust that there is a way of escape waiting for him on the other side.

Emerging from a gauntlet of foes, a large empty chamber contains the final guardian. If the player has relinquished his ability to Dig, the girl is present to help distract the beast. With the creature distracted, the player must strike true and fast to prevent harm from coming to the girl. Without the girl’s help, the player must advance by Digging into the earth to dodge the charging creature.