Featured Android Game Review: Boulder Dash XL [Brain & Puzzle]

HeroCraft has done it again. Fans of the 80s classic Boulder Dash will want to take a look at this one because it not only has the original version, but a new updated version with better graphics and gameplay. Boulder Dash XL was co-developed with First Star Software and is the same exact game that’s available on both the Xbox 360 and PC. You can play either Rockford or Crystal as you dig through caves to collect diamonds within the time limit.

Boulder Dash XL gives you 100 caves to explore that delivers all kinds of obstacles and enemies such as falling boulders, trap doors, magic walls, Amoebas, Wild Walkers, Fuzzy Flies, Fuzzy Walkers, Radical Radiators, and so much more. You get a telescopic arm to move large boulders as well as dynamite for bigger jobs. Control options are a plenty. You can choose touch/swiping or an on screen D-pad. You can place the D-pad on the right or left side or you can split them.

The retro mode will give you the original 8-bit 1984 hit and the Arcade mode will give you the updated version with better graphics. If that’s not enough, there are three additional modes: Score Attack, Puzzle Mode, and Zen Mode. In Score Attack, it’s your job to get as many points as possible in specially designed caves within the time limit. The exit will open early and if you make your way back before time runs out, you will be rewarded, so play your strategy accordingly. Puzzle mode has no time limits. It’s just a matter of finding a way to get all the diamonds for each level.

You are graded with the 3 star system like many other games. Get one star for completing the cave, two stars for collecting 50% or more of the diamonds, and three stars for getting at least 90%. Grabbing one star will unlock the next cave, but will you be satisfied?

Boulder Dash XL is the perfect combination of retro and 21st century fun. It costs $2.99 and there are no in-app purchases to bother with unless you want to unlock caves before solving the previous ones, but who wants to do that? Hit one of the download links to get started and as always, let me know what you think.