Rockford is back!

Many moons ago when 8-bit was considered the norm, a series of games called Boulder Dash graced almost all computers in existence. These games featured boulders and diamonds, a few enemies such as butterflies and squares, a tonne of dirt and puzzle-solving levels to die for. Now the series is making a stunning return to the Nintendo DS; but has the game kept its original charm, or has the game play been messed with so much that it no longer deserves to carry the Boulder Dash label?

Thankfully, Boulder Dash ROCKS! is the perfect update of the original game, bringing the game back to form with updated themes, features and graphics.

The main story of the game is that Rockford, the star of the game, is trying to impress his love interest, Crystal, and win her over by bringing her all the diamonds he can possibly find. It is not as simple as that however as the evil Tentacle also has taken a shine to the wonderful Crystal, and will do anything he can to stop Rockford.

The original series did not feature a villain, so the addition of one for Boulder Dash ROCKS! is a smart move by 10tacle, as it really brings the storyline up-to-date, and allows them to explore the relationships between the 3 characters. It has also allowed for some interesting boss battles featuring the big squid-like boss Tentacle and Rockford in the fight for a ‘super diamond’.

The game play is spread over 4 different worlds, each featuring their very own hazards, enemies and graphical theme. Starting off in Jungle World, the player is very quickly introduced to the main objectives in each level, such as collecting enough diamonds to activate the exit whilst avoiding some simple enemies, traps, and the falling boulders. The player is also introduced quite early on to another new feature; Rockford’s Zapper. This weapon uses ammo which is available throughout the level making the level a little easier for Rockford, and comes in four flavours: boulder pulling, enemy killing, fire extinguishing and explosion creating.

Each world has its own graphical style, enemies and special features such as the lava flow (which is similar to the original amoeba) where you have to get through the level and stem the flow of the lava before in envelopes the level and consumes Rockford. The four worlds, Jungle, Water, Lava and Nether World are also a new feature for the updated game, and bring an interesting twist to many of the puzzles they contain.

The DS version of Boulder Dash ROCKS! contains a number of play modes such as the story mode and the multiplayer mode (which unfortunately only supports multi-card play so I wasn’t able to try it). It also features an exclusive play mode called ‘Route Race’ where the player must draw out the route they want Rockford to take through the maze, collecting all the diamonds and finishing up in the exit. This sounds simple enough, but when you have to take into consideration what reactions your actions might cause, such as clearing certain pieces of dirt and moving boulders, the mode soon becomes challenging whilst remain fun.

Graphics

The updated graphical styling of Boulder Dash ROCKS! is one of the instantly noticeable differences for players previously familiar with the series. They have been updated to include colourful cartoony graphics, which are very appealing to the eye and are perfectly suited to the game.

Sound

The background music featured in the game is very catchy and original, and does not get annoying or repetitive like it can in some titles. The sound effects are also clear and fit into the game very well.

Game Play

The game features over 150 puzzles which is more than enough to keep any player busy for quite a while, and although all carry the same objective, do not get overly repetitive thanks to the addition of the various different features of each world and Rockford’s new Zapper. The ‘Route Race’ mode is also a nice addition.

The only drawback is the lack of single-card download play for some Wi-Fi gaming with friends, but if you persuade them all to get a copy then there is nothing stopping you!

Conclusion

Boulder Dash ROCKS! is a great puzzle game and would make anyone’s game collection that little bit closer to being complete. Featuring great graphics, sound and game play, this game is a great update to the classic series, and although sometimes quite stressing, the levels will leave you with a sense of achievement when completed and keep you coming back to the game for more!

Overall Score 8 / 10