The world of gaming has been punctuated by numerous iconic titles that not only defined an era but also set the stage for subsequent innovations in the realm. One such game that stands tall in the annals of gaming history of Dig Dug. This article seeks to unpack the legacy, features, and fascinating trivia about this classic NES game.
The Origin of Dig Dug
Dig Dug burst into the arcade scene under the development and publication umbrella of Namco in Japan in 1982. The game, though simplistic in concept, leveraged the Namco Galaga hardware, ensuring it provided an unparalleled gaming experience for its time. Recognizing its potential, Atari, Inc. later introduced it to audiences outside Japan.
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Gameplay and Objective
The primary aim when playing Dig Dug is both intriguing and challenging. Players are tasked with eliminating subterranean monsters. The elimination can be achieved in two distinct ways:
Inflation Method: Use an air pump to inflate the monsters until they burst.
Rock-dropping Method: Strategically drop rocks on the monsters.
The game introduces players to two primary adversaries:
Pookas: Round red monsters, rumored to be inspired by tomatoes, donning yellow goggles.
Fygars: Fire-breathing green dragons. It’s crucial to note that they can only release fire in the direction they’re facing.
Navigating the Game as Dig Dug
The protagonist of the game is none other than Dig Dug himself, adorning a white and blue attire. His primary capability is to craft tunnels within destructible terrains. Players should be on constant alert as Dig Dug’s demise can result from being trapped by either a Pooka or a Fygar, coming in contact with a Fygar’s flames, or getting crushed by a dislodged rock.
Scoring Points and Navigating Challenges
Points in Dig Dug are accumulated through various means:
Location of the Monster: More points are awarded for eliminating a monster situated deeper in the dirt.
Rock-dropping Bonus: Rocks can be instrumental in scoring. For instance, crushing a single monster with a rock yields 1000 points. The subsequent two monsters crushed grant an additional 1500 points each, with any following that adding a cool 2000 points.
Edible Bonus Items: After successfully dropping two rocks, bonus items in the form of fruits, vegetables, and even Galaxian flagships make their appearance at the center of the playfield. These items, despite their transient nature, offer a considerable point boost.
The NES Console: A Glimpse into Its Legacy
Dig Dug found its home in the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This console, an eight-bit marvel manufactured by Nintendo between 1983 to 2003, managed to sell a whopping 62 million units worldwide. Its affordable pricing, coupled with an expansive game library of over 700 licensed games, rendered it a household name.
Engaging with Dig Dug: Game Controls
Mastering the controls is pivotal in navigating the subterranean world of Dig Dug:
D-Pad: Facilitates Dig Dug’s movements through tunnels and aids in crafting new ones. It’s essential to note the game’s inherent grid system that defines the stage layout, ensuring Dig Dug can only make ninety-degree turns at specific points.
A or B button: Deploy Dig Dug’s pump, aiming to latch onto an enemy. Once latched, continually pressing the pump button results in the enemy being inflated until it explodes.
Select Button: Use this on the title screen to choose between a solo or duo player mode.
Start Button: Commences the game and can also be utilized to pause and subsequently resume gameplay.
