Play Boulder Dash (Japan) on gb Online

Boulder Dash on the Game Boy came out in 1990 from Data East Corporation. It was one of those puzzle games that felt perfectly suited for short sessions, a common trait for handheld titles at the time. The game didn't try to be flashy; it was just you, some caves, and a lot of falling rocks.

You control Rockford, a little guy who digs through dirt to collect a set number of gems on each screen. The main objective is to gather all the gems and reach the exit before time runs out. Signature mechanics include digging tunnels to redirect or avoid boulders, setting off chain reactions to crush enemies or free gems, and carefully managing your path so you don't get trapped or crushed yourself. The pacing is tense, and the difficulty ramps up quickly, demanding precise movements and forward planning. It feels satisfying to outsmart the level layout and escape with just seconds left.