Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: First Star Software
- Publishers: Prism Leisure Corporation Plc
Boulder Dash III (1986): A Critical Failure or a Hidden Gem?
Boulder Dash III is a 1986 puzzle-action game developed and published by First Star Software for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Apple II, and PC. It is the third game in the Boulder Dash series, following Boulder Dash (1984) and Boulder Dash II (1985).
Boulder Dash III introduces a number of new features to the series, including monochrome space-themed graphics, new enemies and obstacles, and a level editor. However, the game was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its innovative gameplay and others criticizing its poor graphics and level design.
Gameplay
Boulder Dash III retains the basic gameplay of its predecessors. The player controls Rockford, a miner who must collect diamonds while avoiding boulders, enemies, and other obstacles. The game is played on a single-screen level, and the player must collect all of the diamonds on the screen before they can progress to the next level.
New to Boulder Dash III is the ability to create and edit your own levels using the built-in level editor. This allows players to create their own unique challenges and share them with others.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Boulder Dash III are monochrome, with a space-themed aesthetic. The game’s visuals are simple but effective, and the use of color is limited to the diamonds and other objects on the screen.
The sound in Boulder Dash III is also minimal, with simple sound effects and a catchy title screen tune.
Reception
Boulder Dash III received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay and level editor, while others criticized its poor graphics and level design.
- Zzap!64 magazine gave the game a score of 93%, praising its “addictive” gameplay and “excellent” level editor.
- Commodore User magazine gave the game a score of 7/10, praising its “challenging” gameplay but criticizing its “uninspiring” graphics.
- Your Sinclair magazine gave the game a score of 6/10, criticizing its “unimpressive” graphics and “frustrating” level design.
Legacy
Despite its mixed reviews, Boulder Dash III has become a cult classic among fans of the series. The game’s innovative gameplay and level editor have inspired a number of fan-made levels and mods.
Boulder Dash III is also notable for being one of the first games to feature a level editor. This feature has since become a staple of the puzzle-action genre, and it has allowed players to create their own unique challenges and share them with others.
Conclusion
Boulder Dash III is a flawed but enjoyable puzzle-action game. The game’s innovative gameplay and level editor make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series and puzzle-action games in general.
Score: 7/10
Review Score
5/10
