Classic arcade action
DigDug is another arcade legend from the early years of gaming, which still retains its retro classic status and which provides some simple but supremely entertaining action. The game is a sort of action/puzzle game, along the lines of Bubble Bobble or Boulder Dash and requires players to eliminate underground monsters called Pookas and Fygars by making them explode or by slamming rocks on their heads. You carry an airpump to inflate these creatures, but if you stop halfway through blowing them up, they return to their normal size, so you need to make sure you have enough time to safely complete your task. Points are awarded for successfully taking down the monsters, with various bonuses available for knocking them out further down in the dirt, dropping rocks on their heads or for causing Fygars to explode horizontally, while fruits and vegetables also turn up every now and then which also boost your score. DigDug really is one of those classic arcade games which defined the industry back in its early days but fortunately remains incredibly enjoyable today. The one player mode is enjoyable enough but add in a second player and things become even more so. While the graphics and sound are fairly basic, although charming enough in that old school fashion, the simple gameplay has that elusive addictiveness and one-more-go quality that is the hallmark of a truly great game. It is perhaps not quite as fast-paced as it might be, which would make things even more manically enjoyable, but DigDug is definitely a classic from yesteryear that historians and retro fans alike will love.
