Most developers that create an installment for an existing franchise on the Nintendo DS use the touch-screen to introduce new mechanics that enhance already established gameplay. It’s a formula that seems to be working; we’ve already seen stellar entries in the Castlevania and Kirby series that use this formula. Even Namco’s own Pac-Man series has spawned two decent games on the DS, one of which doesn’t stray too far from the original Pac-Man design. The level of quality in Pac Pix makes it even more surprising that Dig Dug Digging Strike is such a let-down.
In fact, Pac Pix was so successful that Dig Dug Digging Strike looks that much more like a step backwards. It’s not that Dig Dug doesn’t play like earlier games in the series; it’s that it plays too much like them. Dig Dug doesn’t provide much to talk about because the game doesn’t do much of anything at all. Any new concept introduced feels as forced as the "Digging Strike" subtitle using the "DS" initials, and the lack of replay value makes this game one of the shortest experiences on the DS yet.
"Dig Dug Digging Strike isn’t a game that can be recommended to anyone"
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The story in Dig Dug isn’t exactly clichéd, but it isn’t very good either. Taizo, the main character in Dig Dug is jealous that his son Susumu, the main character in Mr. Driller, is getting all of the "glory." In traditional mid-life crisis fashion, Taizo attempts to regain his former glory by entering back into the world of digging. However, much like a sitcom plotline that has gone to far, Taizo ironically must rely on his son for help during the game. I’m sure Namco thought this would be a hilarious storyline, but it’s obvious that little to no effort went into the boring, and repetitive cut-scenes that appear in-between levels.
Just as Taizo is out-classed by Susumu in the game’s story, Dig Dug: Digging Strike is ironically out-classed by Mr. Driller Drill Spirits, which is also on the DS. Like an elderly person, Dig Dug seems like a series that’s afraid of change and sticks far too close to its roots because of this.
As in the original 1980’s arcade classic, Dig Dug puts players underground, where they’ll either collect items, or kill enemies. Digging underground is appropriately done on the bottom screen. Defeating monsters underground is done through the characters inflation tube. It shoots out and inflates monsters until they explode.
If it seems like simply playing the original Dig Dug on your DS leaves something to be desired, that’s because it does; which is why it’s good that elements of Dig Dug II (also an arcade game) have been included. Namco probably included them to add more depth, and also take advantage of the top screen.
Levels are represented through islands. As you start a level, you’ll see the island on the top screen. On each island is a monster, and it’s up to the player to rid these islands of the monsters who wander around on top of them. Doing this requires the player to split pieces of the island off-- sinking a portion of an island with the monster on top of it will drown the monster and end the level.
"... adding these two small games together resulted in a combination that barely breaches an hour of gameplay..."
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In order to do this, the player must dig the ground out from beneath giant stakes set throughout the island. The stakes point either vertically, which will split the island up and down, or horizontally, which will split the island from left to right. Each time a stake lowers all the way, it lengthens a crack in the direction it’s pointing; if a crack reaches from coast to coast, the smaller portion of the divided island will sink.
The main problem is that it’s not very hard to trap a monster on a sinking portion of the island. If they’re standing there when you lower the steak, they’re going to sink along with that portion of the island-- no questions asked. There is definitely potential for some really good puzzles using these mechanics, but every stage is as simple as the last. Aged arcade gameplay and simple puzzles don’t really make for an enthralling experience on a handheld that’s open up creativity in gaming.
While the included elements from the sequel do add a certain level of depth, it’s obvious that adding these two small games together resulted in a combination that barely breaches an hour of gameplay, and only if you play slowly. There is only a small amount of islands to tackle, and there’s really no payoff to go back and replay them.
"Aged arcade gameplay and simple puzzles don’t really make for an enthralling experience..."
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The help Taizo receives from his son is represented through tiny mini-games that have themes from other Namco classics. Games such as Xevious and Rally X are represented here. Namco fans should note that none of these challenges do anything to increase the weight of this title, aren’t playable outside of the main game, and aren’t particularly useful inside of it either.
Dig Dug Digging Strike isn’t a game that can be recommended to anyone besides the most hardcore Dig Dug fans, and it’s possible that even they’d be floored at how empty this game is. If you’re looking for a reinvention of an old-school classic on the DS, go with Namco’s Pac Pix instead.
