Boulder Dash

Game review

Boulder Dash is a puzzle game that laid the groundwork for many successors, including the well-known Supaplex. Players who have spent countless hours navigating the intricacies of Supaplex, oscillating between sheer enjoyment and the brink of frustration, will find the origins of that experience in Boulder Dash. While Supaplex offered more refined graphics, Boulder Dash captivated players with its fundamental gameplay mechanics, challenging puzzles, and the charm of its simpler visuals.

In Boulder Dash, players take on the role of a small, adventurous creature navigating through a series of underground levels. Boulder Dash is a game in which you eat the play area (dirt) in a maze with a stick figure, taking into account the rocks - if you remove the dirt under them, they will fall and can kill you. You collect diamonds hidden around the game board, and if you collect enough of them, you can head to the exit and advance to the next level. The exit will be revealed to you only after collecting enough diamonds. Staying in the maze is made more difficult and varied by enemies and other game elements.

The game introduces a constant element of danger, as a misstep or poor timing can lead to the player being crushed under a falling boulder. This mechanic not only adds a layer of tension to the treasure hunt but also demands that players plan their moves carefully, considering both the immediate and long-term consequences of shifting rocks and clearing paths.

Moreover, Boulder Dash allows players to manipulate their environment to a certain extent. Stones that block the way can be pushed aside, provided there's empty space to move them into—a space that players often have to create themselves by "eating" through the dirt. This interplay between collecting diamonds, avoiding or utilizing boulders, and strategically modifying the level layout forms the core of Boulder Dash's enduring appeal.