Boulder Dash (GB)

The core gameplay of Boulder Dash (GB) revolves around guiding the protagonist, Rockford, through various caves filled with dirt, rocks, diamonds, and dangerous creatures. The primary objective in most levels is to collect a specific number of diamonds to open the exit portal before time runs out.

Rockford can dig through dirt horizontally and vertically. When dirt is removed, any rocks or diamonds above it will fall down. This mechanic is crucial for solving puzzles and creating paths. Players must be careful, as falling rocks can crush Rockford, leading to a lost life. Similarly, diamonds can also fall, and strategically dropping them can sometimes be necessary to collect them or to trigger chain reactions.

Caves are often inhabited by various types of enemies, such as butterflies (fireflies) and amoebas, which can kill Rockford on contact. Players must learn their movement patterns and exploit them or avoid them. Some enemies, like butterflies, can be trapped by falling rocks, turning them into valuable diamonds, adding another layer of strategy.

The game features a physics-based environment where gravity plays a significant role. Rocks and diamonds only fall if there's an empty space beneath them. This allows for clever maneuvering and creating safe paths. Sometimes, players need to dig around rocks to make them fall into specific positions or to clear a path.

Levels often include special elements like magic walls that turn rocks into diamonds after a certain number of rocks have fallen on them, or amoebas that grow and can trap Rockford if not contained or destroyed. Successfully navigating these challenges requires careful planning, quick reflexes, and an understanding of the game's unique physics. The game progresses through increasingly complex caves, demanding more strategic thinking from the player.