Boulder Dash: 30th Anniversary

About

"Boulder Dash: 30th Anniversary" is a classic-style puzzle game where players control a character named Rockford who digs through caves filled with obstacles like boulders and enemies. The goal is to collect a certain number of diamonds in each level before reaching the exit, while avoiding being crushed by the boulders or touched by enemies. This version includes new levels, features, and visuals, while maintaining the core gameplay of the original game released in the 1980s.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Boulder Dash: 30th Anniversary screenshot

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 93 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

graphics4 negative mentions

The game is a good modern interpretation of the classic Boulder Dash, maintaining the core gameplay that fans love.
The updated graphics and new features are visually appealing and add a fresh touch to the nostalgic experience.
The game offers a variety of levels and challenges, making it enjoyable and addictive for both new players and long-time fans.

Many players feel that the game lacks the charm and challenge of the original, with some mechanics being overly simplified or altered.
The reliance on power-ups and a scoring system that prioritizes speed over strategy has frustrated some fans, leading to a less satisfying gameplay experience.
There are significant issues with controller support and bugs, which detract from the overall enjoyment and functionality of the game.

graphics
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
65%
20%
The graphics have received mixed reviews, with many players feeling that while there are some improvements, they still fall short of expectations. Critics describe the visuals as blocky and lacking charm, often comparing them unfavorably to the original game's distinct style. Some users express a desire for an option to revert to retro graphics, as the current art style is perceived as cheap and not engaging.
- “The graphics are effective and stylized enough to avoid being ugly, and the music and sound is exactly what you would expect from this kind of game.”
- “The graphics were simple but this allowed players to focus on the puzzles.”
- “The C64 original had distinguished coloring and graphics.”
- “The blocky graphics are not charming, and for some reason, there's all kinds of clutter in the foreground, making it hard to tell what's actually a path and what isn't.”
- “I dislike the art style - it looks cheap.”
- “The new graphics aren't fun.”
gameplay
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
42%
25%
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of fun and engaging mechanics, resembling a casual mobile game rather than a polished experience. Players find the scoring system illogical, favoring speed over skill, and the introduction of grindy free-to-play elements detracts from the original's charm. Overall, the gameplay fails to meet expectations, feeling repetitive and less challenging than its predecessor.
- “The original Boulder Dash was an amazing puzzle game with action gameplay.”
- “Because of the decision (I could see this being the right call, but I think this added to the challenge of the original game) to allow level select, the score -> extra lives mechanic was out.”
- “The mechanics are ridiculous; the scoring system is just stupid (higher score for doing it fast, then doing it properly).”
- “In terms of the feel of the game and the gameplay, it really looks and acts very similar to a casual iPhone/Android game.”
- “Grindy free-to-play mechanics that require you to farm the same levels over and over for power-ups and unlockables.”
monetization
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
60%
30%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback; while the Steam version disables microtransactions and loot boxes present in the mobile version, players note that the game still feels designed around a grindy progression system that would typically encourage spending. Despite this, many users appreciate that they can unlock heroes without additional payments, allowing for a more enjoyable experience without the pressure of microtransactions.
- “I'm having a lot of fun with it - the game is very grindy to get all the heroes unlocked, but at least you don't have to pay for them as the microtransactions of the mobile version are not included here.”
- “Except 'modernized' in this case means 'mobile game with microtransactions and loot boxes'.”
- “Not that there are any microtransactions here in this Steam version, but they essentially just took the mobile game and disabled the purchasing of gold bars.”
- “But just because microtransactions are disabled doesn't mean the game isn't still built around them!”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
The game's music consists of a single, repetitive elevator-music remix of the classic Boulder Dash theme, which plays continuously across all game modes. Many players found this track monotonous and tiresome, leading some to turn on their own music after a short period of play. Overall, the music is described as fitting for the genre but lacks variety and can become grating.
- “The graphics are effective and stylized enough to avoid being ugly, and the music and sound is exactly what you would expect from this kind of game.”
- “There is only one music track in the game, a weird elevator-music remix of the classic Boulder Dash theme, which plays constantly regardless of whether you're in the game, the menu, or the editor.”
- “Also, there is only one music track in the game, a weird elevator-music remix of the classic Boulder Dash theme, which plays constantly regardless of whether you're in the game, the menu, or the editor.”
- “I got sick of it after 30 minutes and had to turn on my own music.”
- “Also, there is only one music track in the game, a weird elevator-music remix of the classic Boulder Dash theme, which plays constantly regardless of whether you're in the game, the menu, or the editor.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is described as highly grindy, requiring players to repeatedly farm levels for power-ups and unlockables, particularly to unlock all heroes. While this grind can be tedious, players appreciate that there are no microtransactions involved, making the experience more enjoyable despite the extensive farming needed.
- “Grindy free to play mechanics that require you to farm the same levels over and over for power-ups and unlockables.”
- “And if the last one needs 500 of its own special stones and you get those only if you find chests and the regular game has 'only' 220 stages, happy farming!”
- “The game is very grindy to get all the heroes unlocked, but at least you don't have to pay for them as the microtransactions of the mobile version are not included here.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users report significant issues with stability, particularly noting that achievements in the game are frequently buggy, leading to frustration.
- “Achievements are buggy though :(”