Dig Dug (universe)

Dig Dug (universe)
Developer(s)	Namco
Publisher(s)	Namco Atari
Genre(s)	Maze
Console of origin	Arcade
First installment	Dig Dug (1982)
Latest installment	Dig Dug: Digging Strike (2005)

The Dig Dug universe ( ディグダグ , Dig 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-shaped Pookas 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 series Mr. Driller, elements from Dig Dug have appeared in numerous other games, such as cameos in some Pac-Man games.

In Super Smash Bros. 4

Various elements from Dig Dug appear in Super Smash Bros. 4, most notably the Pooka enemies in Smash Run.

Enemy

• Pooka: The famous enemy from Dig Dug, as well as several Pac-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

The level start, main theme, and level complete music from Dig Dug appear in Namco Arcade '80s Retro Medley 1.

Cameo

• A Pooka can be summoned through Pac-Man's up taunt, Namco Roulette.