The main character, Dig Dug (who also goes by the name of Taizo Hori in other games), is equipped with his usual weapon, the pump.

At first, there are no enemies on the surface, but Taizo Hori can still fire his pump in eight directions, the usual, plus diagonally.

These holes are closed, but when first reaching a level, a Pooka will jump out, opening a mound.

After all but one of the enemies are destroyed, the remaining one will begin to flee at double-speed to the top of the level, which now has a tunnel to the surface.

If the player destroys it, the level ends, and Taizo Hori appears back on the surface.