The Funky Spelunker: Dig Dug Remix Reviewed

Pity the iPhone programming team commissioned by a large publishing house. While the independent programmer can design an application to take advantage of the touchscreen interface, the developer for hire often has to create a game in spite of it. Such is the dilemma encountered when converting arcade games to Apple’s ubiquitous hardware.

On occasion, reflex-based games contextualized for the iPhone can be amazing; take a look at the recent release of Centipede for a glowing example of that. However, with an increasing frequency we’re seeing games with an involved control scheme pigeonholed onto the tiny 3.5 inch screen. When we first heard that Namco was reworking Dig Dug onto the iPhone, we had our reservations. After all, this was a game dear to our hearts- I had dropped in inappropriate amount of my lunch money in attempt to rid the world of every last Pooka. Complicating the issue was Dig Dug’s control scheme- it required a four-way joystick and button.

Dig Dug Remix offers two control schemes for the player. The first method offers an on-screen direction pad and fire button, that should likely be avoided by except by players with the daintiest of hands. Without any tactile feedback, my large fingers often sent the protagonist of the game excavating in wayward directions. Secondly, players can swipe the touchscreen to indicate which direction to send our burrowing hero. While this presents a more accurate method of control, the action will occasionally be obscured by the player’s shifting finger. On-screen arrows on the edges of the screen indicate successful swipes, which is a handy bit of visual feedback for the gamer.

Like Namco’s recent Galaga adaptation, DigDug Remix offers two modes in one game: the classic arcade game, along with a contemporary remake. Both titles share a common blemish – the original games become more difficult with the iPhone touch screen. While I typically battled Fygars through a two dozen levels with a joystick, playing Dig Dug on a touchscreen typically lead to a round three demise. Neither of the game’s two control schemes offer enough precision to excel at the 80’s classic.

Fortunately, the remixed Dig Dug slows the game’s tempo, emphasizing the title’s light strategic elements over simple hand-eye coordination. With bosses, power-ups, a graphical make-over and a brand new enemy, the update adds an ample amount of depth and deviation to the memorable Dig Dug formula. I would have liked to have seen a greater number of power-up added to the game.  How about a hydraulic pump that could be dropped like a mine to inflate drifting foes?

Fans of the 80’s spelunking classic, will want to pick up Dig Dug Remix for the re-imagined update; the classic game is just too difficult to control with a touchscreen interface. At $5.99 for 35 levels, the game teeters on the verge of endorsement- fans of the helmeted hero, will likely find enough value to get ‘pumped up’ about this title.