Dig Dug

Overview

Dig Dug gave players a pump and sent them underground. Rather than navigating fixed mazes, Taizo Hori carved his own paths while inflating Pookas and Fygars until they burst. Rocks could be dropped on enemies for bonus points. The simple concept hid surprising strategic depth.

Fast facts

• Developer: Namco.
• Release: 1982.
• Character: Taizo Hori.
• Combat: Inflation pump.

Core mechanics

Element	Function
Dig	Create tunnels
Pump	Inflate enemies
Rocks	Environmental hazard
Layers	Depth scoring bonus

The inflation mechanic

Combat process:

1. Insert pump into enemy
2. Pump repeatedly
3. Enemy inflates
4. Final pump = pop

Enemies can escape if you stop pumping.

Enemy types

Enemy	Ability	Points
Pooka	Basic, tunnels through dirt	200-500
Fygar	Breathes fire	300-600

Points increase with depth.

Rock dropping

Situation	Points
One enemy	1,000
Two enemies	2,500
Three+	More bonuses

Strategic rock placement rewarded planning.

Depth scoring

Layer	Multiplier
Top	Base points
Second	1.5×
Third	2×
Bottom	2.5×

Deeper enemies worth more—risk vs reward.

Strategy elements

Technique	Purpose
Tunnel creation	Control enemy movement
Rock placement	Set up multi-kills
Depth hunting	Maximum points
Last enemy	Flees to surface

Character design

Taizo Hori:

• White suit, blue helmet
• Air pump weapon
• Later starred in Mr. Driller
• Namco mascot character

Sound design

Element	Quality
Walking music	Plays only when moving
Inflation sound	Distinctive pumping
Pop	Satisfying defeat

Music stopping when stationary was unusual.

Home versions

Platform	Quality
NES	Excellent port
Atari 2600	Simplified
C64	Good adaptation

Legacy

Dig Dug established:

• Terrain modification gameplay
• Unique combat mechanics
• Strategic arcade action
• Namco’s character library

See also

• Namco
• Pac-Man
• Boulder Dash