Dig Dug II
The game replaces the side view tunneling of the original with an overhead view of an island maze, while Pookas and fire-breathing Fygars return as enemies.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Namco
- Composer
- Yuriko Keino; Junko Ozawa
- Series
- Dig Dug
- Platforms
- Arcade
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Famicom Disk System
- X68000
- mobile phone
- Genre
- Action
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Arcade system
- Namco Mappy
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Dig Dug II takes place on an island with an overhead view. Two enemy types appear: Pookas, round red monsters with goggles that kill on contact, and Fygars, dragons that kill by touching or breathing fire. The player character, Taizo Hori, carries two weapons: an air pump that inflates enemies until they burst, and a jackhammer usable at fault lines on the map to create ground faults. If a fault system splits the island into two parts, the smaller section sinks into the ocean, killing all creatures on it—including Taizo if he is not careful. Points earned depend on how many enemies die at once. After three pieces of land are cut off, a bonus vegetable appears on the remaining land for extra points. When only one, two, or (on later rounds) three enemies remain, they head to the island edge and jump into the water, ending the round.
Reception
Dig Dug II had a decent start in its first few months, but it never matched the popularity of the first game and was mostly a commercial disappointment. A Computer and Video Games critic found it challenging yet rewarding, noting that practice made it easier. Later analysis points to its shift away from the original's maze-chase style, its release timing, and the removal of free movement as reasons for its lack of success.
Legacy
A Famicom Disk System version followed in Japan in 1990. For years, the NES release was the only way North American players could experience it, until 2005. Both Dig Dug titles were included in Namco Museum Megamix for the Wii, a compilation sold only in North America. The NES version joined the Nintendo Classics service on March 30, 2022. In April 2023, Hamster Corporation brought the original arcade version to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 through its Arcade Archives series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Dig Dug II available on?
Dig Dug II was released for Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System, Famicom Disk System, X68000 and mobile phone.
Who composed the music for Dig Dug II?
The music for Dig Dug II was composed by Yuriko Keino and Junko Ozawa.
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