If you're reading this review, chances are you think there's something special about nostalgic games.  Something about them helped you through your childhood, or they just were an amazingly fun distraction.  Everyone always had this one game that they stick by no matter what, even is the game itself wasn't great in your eyes.  Dig dug always had a special play in my gamer heart because it was the first game I played.  I was 4, and my dad let me play his PlayStation, along with a Namco Museum contemplation.  He was trying to convince me to play something like PAC-man or pole position, but I wanted to play Dig Dug.  That was 11 years ago.  Anyway, when I heard there was a Dig Dug II, I had to play it.  So, after spending 1.5 hours on it, I finally have a score that isn't a ten "because its Dig Dug II."

Story:
Theres aliens, and you have to kill them.  Shocker.  Honestly, though, I like this story.  Or, at least, what this game does with it.  It just gives the story once.  What I mean is there isn't any cut-scenes after any level saying that, "you're closer to the goal" or something.  Not bad, Dig Dug II.  4/10.

Presentation:
The graphics and sound are all classic 80's.  The main theme that plays during gameplay is catchy, and the "Emergency" theme, (the theme when only a few monsters are left,) is exactly what it should be, urgent.  Also, the graphics are exactly what they should be.  A little improvement from the first dig dug, and nothing more.  8 for graphics, and 8 for sound, with an 8/10 total for presentation.

Gameplay:
This is where this game gets great.  If you never played the first dig dug, you play as an exterminator doing what he does best, exterminating.  He exterminates two main creatures.  Pookas, small, orange things that kill you by touching you.  And Fygars, dinosaur-like creatures that kill you by touching you and breathing fire on you.  Where this game does more than the original Dig Dug is allow you to drill.  Let me explain.  By pressing the A button, you can access a drill.  This is used to create connecting paths on holes, create a big enough path, and parts of land will crumble to the ground, along with the monsters on it.  But, you better be careful, or else you'll fall off too.  This simple mechanic makes the game more fun then it should be, and really increases replayability for that good old "higher score."  Tightest gameplay ever.  9/10.

Interesting thing about this game:
This is an arcade game with no bonus stages.  In fact, it doesn't have a bonus anything.  No bonus movies or anything.  You couldn't have put ANYTHING in, Namco?

Overall:
Dig Dug II is a worthy successor to the original classic.  It makes all the improvements necessary for a sequel, yet keeps the gameplay fresh enough for Dig Dug veterans to feel right at home.  It's a game that's worth your time and Viz.  7.5/10