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Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Platform
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 18 Oct 05
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- Namco goes back to their roots and comes out with this classic, which retains its old-school playability, but sadly doesn't offer much in terms of variety.
Overview
One of the neat aspects of the Nintendo DS is that it takes the idea of the dual screen and allows developers to decide how best they want to use them. We have seen such a variety of games come on this platform, that the argument can easily be made that the Nintendo DS has taken the lead in the handheld market. Today we are checking out another unique title for the DS from Namco, it is called Dig Dug: Digging Strike. Can it try to dig its way to success? Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
Now I might hate myself during this review, but for those who don't remember back a long time ago, there was a game called Dig Dug, which was actually pretty popular back on the NES and in the arcades. The series then gave rose to Mr. Driller, which too was actually very popular action game that was released on quite a few different consoles like the Dreamcast and the Playstation. So now Namco decided maybe we should go back to our roots, and they have with Dig Dug: Digging Strike for the Nintendo DS, but is it enough?
So what exactly do you do in Dig Dug: Digging Strike you may be wondering? Well basically, you have to flush out all of your enemies by using both screens. So how exactly do you manage to flush the baddies out? Well, you just drill a hole and this is where the strategy has to come into effect. Basically you really want to just sink the boss, but this can be tricky with the dual screens so you have to keep an eye on both screens at the same time. This made the game just a tad difficult, but not too challenging for it be be unplayable.
I cannot say I played Dig Dug back on the arcades, but I have seen the game played and you can see that Namco was set in keeping Digging Strike very close to its original form. The game never really makes use of the touch screen, but instead makes the game much more difficult then the original by using both screens to give a much wider area to cover. The biggest issue I had with Digging Strike was the fact that you just continued to do the same things over and over again, and there really were no breaks from it. The game never really tried to change up the formula, just really wanted to hit the fans of the classic series with something that would take them back in time.
For fans of the series, you will be very happy to hear that this is an extremely long game so, you will be playing this game for quite a while. The difficulty of the game ramps up as you continue to play the game; just doesn't expect much variety. However I think in the end the gameplay just does a fantastic job of bringing a classic game back to life on a new system. The gameplay is really smooth and offers a very fun and easy-going experience.
Graphics
Visually Dig Dug: Digging Strike is really one of those games that takes a classic idea and really makes a good use of the Nintendo DS. Sure this isn't the best looking game on the platform, but I have to say that the game has a nice easy going feel to it that even manages to introduce a good deal of variety in the environments. The game may not have used the dual screens to the fullest, but in the end, Dig Dug: Digging Strike is a good looking game that has enough to offer to give the gamer a good, solid experience.
Fun Factor
Personally I like games that take classic ideas and try to make use of them, and this title is still a fun title that I enjoyed from start to finish. There is nothing about Digging Strike that really stands out to me, but instead it was just one of those experiences that I really just had a good time with. Dig Dug: Digging Strike is a game that will be very enjoyable for the classic fans and gamers who are willing to try a new action strategy title.
Overall
Dig Dug: Digging Strike is a solid game all the way around the board whether it be visually, sound, or gameplay-wise, this game is just solid from start to finish. It may not bring anything new to the table, or do anything overly different from previous Dig Dug titles, but in the end fans of fun nicely-paced games are going to enjoy Dig Dug: Digging Strike for just being a good solid game.
- Gameplay
7.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Fun Factor
7.0 - Overall
7.0
