Dig Dug is a 1-2 player arcade game where you dig your way through the earth using a shovel. Two monsters, Pooka and Fygar, chase you around, trying to stop you from digging. Your only weapon is an air pump that can inflate them until they explode.
The game features rocks that can be used to squash enemies, but if left unchecked for several seconds, the monsters will turn into ghosts, becoming invincible and able to walk through the earth. Occasionally, vegetables will appear in the center of the screen, giving you points for collecting them.