Dig Dug is a 1-2 player arcade game where you have to dig your way through the earth using a shovel. Pooka and Fygar monsters will chase you around, trying to stop you from digging.
The only weapon you carry is an air pump, which can be used to inflate the monsters until they explode. You can also use rocks scattered throughout the earth to squash them. If you don't get chased by the monsters for a few seconds, they will turn into ghosts that can walk through the earth, becoming invincible and unkillable.
The game rewards you with points when vegetables appear in the center of the level, which you can collect. Your goal is to dig your way through the earth while avoiding the monsters and collecting as many points as possible.