2011 · Puzzle

Boulder Dash-XL

Xbox console exclusive

HD remake of the Boulder Dash series featuring hundreds of new maps and new types of game modes.

Released: 13 July 2011
Platforms: Windows Xbox 360 iOS
Genres: Puzzle
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Themes: Action Science fiction

About

Boulder Dash-XL is an action-puzzle video game developed by Catnip Games and published by Kalypso Media for the Xbox 360 (XBLA) in July 2011. It is part of the Boulder Dash series. A PC version was released later in 2011. A Nintendo 3DS and iOS ports were released in 2012. The 3DS port is known as Boulder Dash-XL 3D.

Keywords

gravity
robots
achievements
time limit
tank
mud
level selection
high score
explosion
digital distribution
countdown timer
character select screen

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The objective of the game is to burrow through tunnels collecting gems without causing rocks to crush the player character. The game has over 150 levels and five game modes: Arcade, Zen, Puzzle, Retro, and Score.

Development

The Nintendo 3DS version of the game was developed by Ludosity, with lead designer Daniel Remar having been a fan of the Boulder Dash series. It was developed in a six-month span along with Alien Chaos 3D.

Reception

Boulder Dash-XL received "mixed or average" reviews according to review aggregator website Metacritic.

GameSpot said: "Boulder Dash-XL is great when it sticks close to the original Boulder Dash formula, but an apparent focus on quantity rather than quality hurts the experience". IGN called the game "simple and fun" but said that "the visuals and sound don't deliver on the same level as the gameplay". GamePro called the game "an enjoyable ride that's well worth your time".