Boulder Dash could very well be a game that many of you have never heard of. Originally released back in 1984 for Atari consoles, it starred a character named Rockford as he digs around in caves searching for diamonds.
Along the way, Rockford had to avoid falling boulders, angry creatures and explosions as he made his way to the exit within the time limit. Trying to collect the treasure while avoiding a self-caused landslide always made the game feel like a puzzle to me, and I loved it.
I had the 1990 Game Boy version of Boulder Dash, and I really wish I had kept it to this day, although a quick search on eBay has actually just shown me I can get a copy for cheaper than the game I’m about to tell you about.
For those of you without an original Game Boy and for me while I await the mail, there is now a new way to play Boulder Dash, or, more specifically, Boulder Dash 30th Anniversary.
You’ve probably guessed from the title, but Boulder Dash 30th Anniversary has released on the Nintendo Switch today at the cost of $14.99.
The 30th Anniversary part may sound a little strange considering that 1984 was actually 36 years ago; however, this game did originally release on Android and IOS back in 2014 and is just now making its way over to Switch.
The Switch version promises to give fans the core gameplay of the original, along with new mechanics and features.
Boulder Dash 30th Anniversary features 260 new levels with 13 brand new worlds, ten unlockable playable characters including Rockford and multicolored gem combos. There is also the promise of limited-time special events with unique prizes.
I’m excited to give it a try after all these years, even if I am put off at the announced diagonal movement. We didn’t have such luxuries in my day.
Let us know your thoughts on the Boulder Dash franchise in the comments and let us know your favorite memories from the series, assuming you remember it.
Steve is the resident Englishman, just don’t hold that against him. He’s been playing games for the best part of 3 decades and will continue to do so for as long as his thumbs hold up. When they no longer work, he’ll still find a way to play Resident Evil 2. Lover of most things nerdy Steve also likes sports. Go sports!
