Boulder Dash Construction Kit

Crash

Overall 73%

Nick Roberts 73%

HiTec Software £2.99 Boulder Dash is a simple but highly addictive game type, with a cult following, and this is the latest in the saga, complete with construction kit. The object is to search through labyrinthian caves and collect a set number of diamonds before progressing to the next level. Sounds easy, but it isn't! Graphics are nothing special - what makes the game is the infuriating way you can get so far then get tripped and have to start the whole cave again: this keeps you coming back for more, and more! The caves are full of sand and once you've wiped it away it forms a path for all the pasties to follow. The longer you make the path the further they have to go, giving you more time to set diamonds. The construction kit part allows you to build up your own caves or write your name in blocks (woo!), whatever takes your fancy. Instructions are easy to follow and the building block method of construction is something everyone can master. Definitely one for all fans of Boulder Dash games - new players will soon be addicted!

Your Sinclair

Graphics 5/10

Playability 9/10

Value For Money 8/10

Addictiveness 8/10

Overall 8/10

Jonathan Davies 8/10

Databyte £9.95 Reviewer: Jonathan Davies There was one word that summed up the original Boulderdash when it first appeared a few years ago: addictiveness. There was something totally compulsive about trying to collect diamonds from underground caves while avoiding being crushed by falling boulders. Since then, Boulderdash has reappeared in many incarnations, this being the latest. As well as a complete game designing program, the tape also includes Boulderdash IV, the latest in the saga. If there's anyone out there who's so unhip they've never seen Rockford in action, the idea behind the game is this: before you can exit from a cave you must collect enough diamonds by tunnelling to them through the earth. If you remove the earth from under a boulder it will fall down, along with any other boulders and stones that were resting on top of it, usually crushing you in the process. Things have come a long way since the early days. Now you'll need to take into consideration a number of new elements. Amoebas grow as large as possible until they are completely trapped, and then turn into diamonds. Growing walls expand to fill any space you make either side of them, magic walls convert into boulders that fall through them into diamonds. Extra Rockfords need to be protected from danger, or you'll both cop it! Now you've got a designer at your disposal you'll be able to try out all those cunning puzzles you've always wished you could have a crack at. Or maybe you've always wanted to see what happens when you fill the top half of the screen with boulders, place Rockford at the bottom and wait for them all to come crashing down. Fortunately, the construction kit is quick and easy to use, so in no time at all you'll be ready to try out Boulderdash V, the sequel. And if you don't like it, wipe it out and start again. The Construction Kit brings a whole new dimension to the original Boulderdash concept (this is beginning to sound like a crummy press release!). Go on, give it a try!

Read it at Your Sinclair Rock'n'Roll Years