DIG FOR VICTORY

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER: Rockford is back, 40 years after his debut, to mine more of the precious stones

- CHERYL MULLIN

WHEN we look back on early titles it’s too easy to see simple games that were effortless to play.

After all, doesn’t Pac-Man just eat dots and avoid ghosts?

Isn't Space Invaders just about shooting down aliens?

And isn’t Boulder Dash just about collecting gems and shoving rocks around?

If you truly think any of that, you’re wrong on all counts.

I was reminded of just how hard these games can be when, just four levels into Boulder Dash’s tutorial, I found myself getting killed repeatedly by a butterfly.

For a game that turned 40 last year, there's still a lot of love to be had for it - and not just from developer BBG Entertainment, which has lovingly put together this special anniversary edition.

This collection has been built on an engine that was redesigned to closely resemble the original 80s one, which is why there’s a lovely air of nostalgia about it.

The aim is the same as it ever was, collect enough diamonds in a cave filled with lethal obstacles to open the exit, and escape with your life.

Boulder Dash has always been about strategy as much as it’s been about quick reactions, skill and a dollop of luck.