Dig Dug (GB)

In Dig Dug (GB), players control the titular character, Dig Dug, a professional tunneler. The objective of each stage is to eliminate all monsters present on the screen. The screen is composed of layers of dirt that Dig Dug can dig through, creating tunnels. As players dig, they need to strategically create pathways, trap monsters, or simply navigate.

There are two main types of monsters: Pooka, which are round creatures with goggles, and Fygar, dragons that can breathe fire. Both monster types will pursue Dig Dug when he is within their line of sight. Players have two primary methods to defeat them. The most common method involves using Dig Dug's air pump. By approaching a monster and inflating it, the monster will gradually swell until it explodes. However, if the player stops pumping before it explodes, the monster will slowly deflate and return to its original size, then resume its pursuit.

The second method is to utilize the large rocks scattered throughout the screen. If Dig Dug digs out the dirt directly beneath a rock, the rock will fall. If one or more monsters are crushed by the falling rock, they are defeated. This is an effective tactic for eliminating multiple enemies at once, but players must also be careful not to be crushed by the same rocks themselves.

Monsters can also turn "ghostly" and move through solid dirt if they are stuck for too long or cannot find a path to Dig Dug, adding an unpredictable element to the gameplay. Additionally, after two rocks have been dropped or most monsters have been eliminated, a vegetable or fruit appears in the center of the screen, offering bonus points if collected. The goal is to clear all stages, with difficulty increasing with each level, requiring players to employ a mix of quick reflexes and strategic thinking.