ColecoVision · 1984
Boulder Dash
A grid-based puzzle game in which you tunnel through caves to collect diamonds while dodging falling boulders and enemies.
- Publisher
- First Star Software
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- puzzle video game
- Released
- 1984
01
Overview
You control Rockford, who digs through dirt and collects diamonds in a series of cave levels. The core challenge is timing your movements so that boulders and enemies fall in patterns you can exploit. Completing a diamond quota opens an exit to the next cave, and the layout shifts as you dig.
02
Why it matters
Boulder Dash established a core digging-and-falling-rock loop that later puzzle games borrowed in different forms. Its ColecoVision release brought that loop to one of the mid-1980s' most popular home consoles.
03
The physical edition
A typical complete copy includes the cartridge in its original box with a printed manual or instruction leaflet. Contents and cover art can differ by region and pressing, so verify what your specific edition contains before purchasing.
04
Playing it today
The game runs on a standard ColecoVision console or emulator, and the single-player puzzle loop remains straightforward to pick up. Save data is not a factor, so you can restart a level freely.