Boulder Dash EX

"Dig it."

Boulder Dash is one of those games that has been cloned so many times, the original is all but forgotten. It's easy to forget, anyway, since this game is older than dirt, and yes, I said "dirt" on purpose. Well, Boulder Dash is back in this fine-tuned GBA game that not only includes the original above all originals, but also a new and improved version. Hence, the EX in the name.

Graphics:
It's an improvement, but it's far from beautiful. The game is bursting with bright colors and happy sprites, and while the visuals work, they're noticeably cheap. Each world has a different theme, though, which gives the game some variety. So you won't always push boulders around; sometimes it will be candlesticks or some other appropriate object. The cut-scenes to the story (ah, yes, let's put a story in a puzzle game) are done with high-detailed CG models... that move statically. Heh, it beats most GBA cut-scenes, anyway. Beware the Classic Mode, though. It's an old game and it shows. In fact, it's really hard to look at due to its ugliness and jarring camera, and I can't imagine you'll play it for very long before you're running to the bathroom to vomit.

Sound:
The EX version has a lot of music, more than you would expect from a GBA puzzle game. Everything is very upbeat and catchy and sounds pretty good, but it's all too familiar to something that already exists, like Bomberman, Pokemon, and even Final Fantasy. What's neat about the music, though, is that it speeds up and slows down when you pick up different items that affect your speed. Sure, it's been done before, but it's a nifty addition. There aren't very many sound effects, and the plink of picking up a gem can get annoying. Oh, the Classic Mode sounds pretty bad. You knew I'd say that.

Gameplay:
Boulder Dash gets its name because the core gameplay revolves around... boulders. Each level is an area filled with patches of dirt and boulders. You can dig through the dirt and push boulders, but you must beware of falling rocks: they kill you. I should mention that your character is immune to the effects of gravity, but everything else isn't, so you really have to be careful how you play. There are enemies on the prowl, too, but they can also be smashed by falling boulders. The whole point is to collect enough gems in each area, then head to the exit. Some levels throw in usable items like an extend-an-arm, a bomb that can blow up walls and rocks, or a power-up that actually rotates the play field 45 degrees. It's actually a simple design that flows smoothly, but this isn't just a "dig, dig, collect, dig, dig" game. It's more a puzzle game based on such quirks as, "How do I avoid that enemy?" or "How do I keep from blocking off that entrance?" There's a lot of trial and error involved, as well as moments where you'll have to seriously contemplate what to do next. It's not overbearing in any sense, and the mix between thinking and mindless digging is balanced quite well.

The Classic Mode is a dumb-downed version of what is described above. There are no items. There aren't very many different kinds of enemies. But the levels are generally bigger and longer, and they work on the clock.

Controls:
The B button uses any items you have in hand and the L and R buttons cycle through these items. The A button only comes into play if held down, which lets you kick a boulder a long distance. An easy setup, no doubt, and one that lets you spend more time playing as opposed to trying to play. Boulder Dash is grid-based, though. What this means is that everything takes place by squares, including your movement, so you can't cut across the level diagonally. While such movement would probably ruin a game of this nature, it's a noticeable distraction to have to go left, up, left, up.

Frustration:
I think Boulder Dash works on self-preservation: it doesn't want to frustrate you to the point where you'll take the game out and smash it with a hammer. Some of the later levels can rack your brain, but if you're a regular gamer, Boulder Dash EX shouldn't be a problem. That's kind of a shame; I've played clones that were really hard, and here we have an official release that seems pretty mild in comparison.

Lasting Appeal:
The EX version has 75 levels and the Classic version has about 16. All levels can be played again to get higher scores or to collect all the gems and not just enough to open the exit, which can require a bit more thought and effort. But, like I said earlier, Boulder Dash really isn't that hard. If you put your mind to it, you can have the EX version beat during one long car ride. Classic Mode might last you a good while, though, since it's one of those things that must be played in small increments to avoid motion sickness. Seriously.

But wait, that's not all! Boulder Dash includes a four-player mode. It's true, and to play only requires one cartridge! It's called Battle Mode, where you and your friends (human or AI) are put in a basic arena complete with all the essentials, from the power-ups to the boulders. The objective, though, isn't to kill your opponents. It's to collect the most gems before time runs out. There is a problem with this, however, because if you die, all the gems you were holding disappear, which can quickly make the game unbalanced. It's not all that frantic or intense of a battle, either, but it's a sweet addition.

Overall:
With over 200 Boulder Dash clones available for free, or close to, I'm a little leery to suggest buying a game that isn't nearly as challenging as the ones it paved the way for. However, some of you might like this since the game is never that frustrating. It's a handheld game, besides, which really encourages you to stick it in your pocket wherever you go. It's a shame it really isn't that long of a game, despite its impressive number of levels, and though there isn't any kind of editor included, the multiplayer mode is very welcome and may be worth the investment alone if you and a friend or sibling link up regularly.

Points:
+ Well-designed levels
+ Comfortable play
+ Single-cartridge multiplayer
-- A little too easy
-- Making it a short experience
-- Classic Mode makes me sick

Score: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/20/04, Updated 11/07/04