About Dig Dug
Dig Dug is a classic arcade game released by Namco in 1982. You play as Dig Dug (Taizo Hori), a character who must eliminate underground monsters by inflating them with an air pump until they pop, or by dropping rocks on them. The game combines action, strategy, and puzzle elements as you dig through the earth while avoiding dangerous enemies.
How to Play Dig Dug
Use the arrow keys to move Dig Dug through the underground maze. As you move, you automatically dig tunnels through the dirt. Press the spacebar to use your pump weapon - hold it to inflate enemies until they pop! You can also strategically dig under rocks to drop them on enemies for bonus points.
Enemy Types
- Pooka: Round red monsters that chase you through tunnels. They can turn into ghosts and pass through dirt.
- Fygar: Green fire-breathing dragons. More dangerous but worth more points. Their fire only shoots horizontally.
Scoring Tips
- Enemies are worth more points the deeper they are underground
- Dropping rocks on multiple enemies gives huge bonus points
- Collect vegetables that appear in the center for bonus points
- The last enemy will try to escape - catch it for extra points!
Scoring System
Understanding the scoring system is key to achieving high scores in Dig Dug:
- Pooka (Layer 1): 200 points
- Pooka (Layer 2): 300 points
- Pooka (Layer 3): 400 points
- Pooka (Layer 4): 500 points
- Fygar (Layer 1): 400 points
- Fygar (Layer 2): 600 points
- Fygar (Layer 3): 800 points
- Fygar (Layer 4): 1000 points
- Rock drop (1 enemy): 1000 points
- Rock drop (2 enemies): 2500 points
- Rock drop (3+ enemies): 4000+ points
Dig Dug History
Dig Dug was designed by Namco and released in April 1982. It became one of the most popular arcade games of the golden age, known for its unique gameplay mechanics and catchy music that only plays while you're moving. The game was designed by Masahisa Ikegami and programmed by Shouichi Fukatani.
The game has been ported to numerous platforms including Atari 2600, NES, Game Boy, and modern consoles. It spawned sequels including Dig Dug II (1985), which featured an island-based gameplay, and the spiritual successor Mr. Driller series. The main character, Taizo Hori, has appeared in numerous Namco games and crossovers.
Cultural Impact
Dig Dug's innovative gameplay influenced countless games that followed. The concept of digging through terrain while avoiding enemies can be seen in games like Boulder Dash, Lode Runner, and even modern titles like SteamWorld Dig. The game's catchy music and colorful graphics made it a standout in arcades of the early 1980s.
Strategy Guide
Master Dig Dug with these pro strategies:
- Create trap tunnels: Dig horizontal tunnels under rocks, then lure enemies underneath
- Use partial inflation: Pump enemies once to stun them temporarily while you escape
- Stay deep: Work from the bottom up to maximize points per enemy
- Watch for ghosts: Enemies can phase through dirt - don't get cornered!
- Time your attacks: Fygars are vulnerable from above and below (no fire there)