Dig Dug: Digging Strike

According to a report in the latest issue of Famitsu, Dig Dug will be making its way to the Nintendo DS. The game, from Namco, is said to be 80% complete, and is due for a Japanese release on September 8th, 2005 at a price of 5,040 yen (US$47).

The new game will be titled Dig Dug: Digging Strike, and is a combination of Dig Dug and Dig Dug II with new graphics and gameplay additions. Taking advantage of the dual screens of the Nintendo DS, Dig Dug: Digging Strike will feature an overview of an island on the top screen, acting as a map for the stage. The bottom screen of the Nintendo DS will feature the main gameplay.

In Dig Dug: Digging Strike , gamers must go underground to sink in the huge stakes that are located throughout the island. There many holes on the island that lead underground, and upon entry, gameplay moves to a classic side view, similar to the original Dig Dug, where gamers will have to try to dig underneath the stake while avoiding falling objects and enemies. In addition, there will be power-ups to collect, like a boxing glove that allows you to punch an enemy, and a lightning bolt that stuns nearby enemies.

Dig Dug: Digging Strike will feature two-player wireless play, where the objective is to collect more coins than your opponent.

While no plans for a U.S. release were announced, we’ll keep you updated.