Dig Dug (universe)
| Dig Dug (universe) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Namco Creature Labs Hamster Corporation |
| Publisher(s) | Namco Atari Infogrames Jakks-Pacific Hamster Corporation |
| Designer(s) | Masahisa Ikegami Shigeru Yokoyama |
| Genre(s) | Maze |
| Console/platform of origin | Arcade |
| First installment | Dig Dug (1982) |
| Latest installment | Arcade Archives: Dig Dug II (2023) |
TheDig Dug universe ( ディグダグ,Dig Dug) officially stylized asDIG DUG, is a series of digging-based maze games. The objective is to navigate the protagonist (originally called Dig Dug, later named Taizo Hori) through an underground maze while defeating all the monsters on the board. Enemies, usually consisting of tomato-shapedPookas and dragon-like Fygars, are dispatched through use of an air pump. Other obstacles include boulders that fall when dug beneath, and fruit that can be collected for bonus points. In addition to spawning the spin-off puzzle seriesMr. Driller, elements fromDig Dug have appeared in numerous other games, such as cameos in somePac-Man games.
Franchise Description[edit]
The originalDig Dug was created to be in contrast with the originalPac-Man. While that game tasked players with navigating through pre-made mazes, this new game allowed players to make their own mazes. This manifested in the player digging holes both vertically and horizontally, dodging obstacles and flanking enemies. When an enemy is in the right position, the player can use their air pump to burst them. If an enemy gets too close, the player can also use the pump to briefly stun them and make a retreat. The game released on February 20, 1982, on theGalaga arcade board to critical and commercial success, being the second best-selling video game of the year behindPole Position.
The game received a sequel in 1985. TitledDig Dug II and released on theSuper Pac-Man arcade board, the game adopts a top down perspective and involves the player activate fault lines in the ground to sink portions of the map and drown enemies with out accidentally drowning themselves. The game received a mixed reception and significantly lower sales than its predecessor. These disappointing sales are often credited to the game’s vast departure from the first game and overall more restrictive and less strategic gameplay.
A remake and pseudo-sequel titledDig Dug Arrangement was released in 1996 as part ofNamco Classic Collection Vol. 2. While fundamentally similar to the original, the game includes new enemies, power-ups, boss fights, and 2 player co-op play. A full 3D remake of the original was released in 2001 titledDig Dug Deeper. A proper sequel released in 2006 forNintendo DS titledDig Dug: Digging Strike, which combined elements of the first two arcade games with a bigger emphasis on story. An MMO version of the game titledDig Dug Island released as an adaptation ofDig Dug II where many players can play the game online simultaneously. Servers shut down less than a year later in 2009 due to poor player numbers.
The character of Dig Dug—later named Taizo Hori (a pun on the phrase掘りたいぞ, "I want to dig!")—has also made appearances in many other games, usually as cameos alongside other characters from the game such asPooka. Other instances include several slot machines in 2003, multiple official webcomics, and music remixes being used in other games. A particularly notable appearance is in theMr. Driller series, where it is revealed that Taizo became a father; his son is Susumu Hori, the eponymous Mr. Driller, while his ex-wife is Masuyo Tobi (a.k.a. "Kissy"), the protagonist ofBaraduke.
InSuper Smash Bros. 4[edit]
Various elements fromDig Dug appear inSuper Smash Bros. 4, most notably the Pooka enemies inSmash Run.
Enemy[edit]
- Pooka: The famous enemy fromDig Dug, as well as severalPac-Man games, appears in the 3DS-exclusive mode,Smash Run. Just like in the original game, it inflates when struck, and can be defeated by rapidly attacking until it pops.
Music[edit]
The level start, main theme, and level complete music fromDig Dug appear inNamco Arcade '80s Retro Medley 1.
Cameo[edit]
- A Pooka can be summoned throughPac-Man's up taunt,Namco Roulette.
InSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
Music[edit]
The level start, main theme, and level complete music fromDig Dug appear inNamco Arcade '80s Retro Medley 1.
Cameo[edit]
- A Pooka can be summoned throughPac-Man's up taunt,Namco Roulette.
