Boulder Dash / Boulder Dash Part 2 (Japan)
Boulder Dash / Boulder Dash Part 2 (Japan) Overview
Boulder Dash / Boulder Dash Part 2 (Japan) is an arcade compilation that bundles two classic puzzle-action games from the 1980s. Released only in Japan, this arcade board combines the original Boulder Dash and its sequel, Boulder Dash Part 2. The games were originally created for home computers by First Star Software, but this arcade version offers a unique take with a joystick and button controls. If you've played the home computer originals, you'll notice the arcade iteration tweaks the formula slightly to fit the coin-op format, with faster pacing and a more immediate challenge.
At its core, Boulder Dash tasks you with guiding a character named Rockford through underground caves. You dig through dirt to collect diamonds while avoiding falling boulders and enemies. The sequel, Boulder Dash Part 2, introduces new cave layouts and a few additional hazards, but the fundamental loop remains the same: move quickly, plan your route, and reach the exit after collecting the required number of diamonds. Each cave is a self-contained level, and the arcade version strips away any extraneous story or cutscenes to keep the action focused.
This compilation is worth trying today because it preserves the tight, puzzle-focused gameplay that made the original a hit, but in an arcade format that many players never saw outside Japan. The blend of real-time pressure and spatial puzzle solving still holds up. It's not a deep story-driven experience, but if you enjoy quick, thoughtful challenges where one wrong move can bring a boulder down on you, this is a solid pick. The Japanese-exclusive nature also adds a bit of collector appeal for retro enthusiasts looking for something slightly different from the home computer versions.
How to Play Boulder Dash / Boulder Dash Part 2 (Japan) Online
Getting Started
The game boots into a title screen showing both Boulder Dash and Boulder Dash Part 2. Use the directional keys to select which game you want to play, then press Enter to start. The menus are in Japanese, but the layout is simple: the top option is usually the first game, the bottom option the second game. There may also be a difficulty selection or a high score table, but the core loop is the same regardless.
Once in a cave, you control Rockford using the arrow keys to move up, down, left, and right. Press the A button (X key) to dig through dirt or to push a boulder if you are adjacent to it. Your goal is to collect a certain number of diamonds (shown at the top of the screen) and then reach the exit, which appears as a flashing square. Boulders and enemies will kill you on contact, so you need to plan your path carefully. Boulders obey gravity: they fall straight down if there is empty space beneath them, and you can use this to crush enemies or create new paths.
The arcade version is faster than the home computer originals, so you have to think quickly. There is no pause or save function, so each game is a single continuous run until you lose all your lives. The second game, Boulder Dash Part 2, introduces slightly more complex cave designs, but the controls and objectives are identical. If you are new, start with the first set of caves to get a feel for how boulders and enemies behave before tackling the harder levels.
Boulder Dash / Boulder Dash Part 2 (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
Comments (0)