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Crystal Mines II (USA, Europe)

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Crystal Mines II - Puzzle Classic

ATARI Lynx
Puzzle
5· 0 votes

Crystal Mines II arrived on the Atari Lynx in 1992, a puzzle game programmed by Ken Beckett for Color Dreams and published by Atari Corporation. It's a direct sequel to the NES original and belongs to the 'rocks and diamonds' subgenre popularized by Boulder Dash. Like many Lynx titles, it made its way to both US and European markets. You guide a miner through subterranean levels, digging through dirt to collect crystals while avoiding falling boulders and enemy creatures. The core loop involves clearing each screen by gathering a set number of gems, then reaching the exit. Obstacles like crumbling walls and moving rocks add tension, and later stages introduce new hazards that keep you on your toes. Among Lynx puzzle games, Crystal Mines II holds up as a solid, no-frills challenge. It doesn't rewrite the formula but executes the rocks-and-diamonds concept well, with tight controls and clever level design. For fans of brain-teasing action puzzles, it's a worthwhile entry in the Lynx library and a nice piece of handheld history from the early 90s.

GAME INFO

Platform: ATARI Lynx
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Developer: Color Dreams
Released: 1992
Players: 1
Region: USA, Europe

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How to play Crystal Mines II online

When you start Crystal Mines II, you'll see a title screen and can press Enter to begin. The game presents a series of puzzle stages; each stage shows the number of crystals you need to collect to open the exit. Use the Arrow Keys to move your miner, and press X to dig or interact. Avoid boulders that roll when you dig beneath them, as they can crush you. The core loop is straightforward: collect the required number of crystals while managing the environment. You can dig through dirt in four directions, and some boulders can be pushed if they have space. Enemies patrol certain areas, and touching them costs a life. If you get trapped or crushed, you restart the stage. A few tips for new players: study the layout before moving, as one wrong dig can trigger a chain reaction. Boulders obey gravity and will fall if you remove the tile beneath. There is no timer, so take your time. Progress may be saved via passwords shown after clearing stages, so keep a note of them if they appear.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button
S: B button
Q: Option 1
E: Option 2
Enter: Pause

Crystal Mines II FAQ

What makes Crystal Mines II stand out among ATARI Lynx titles of its era?

It faithfully adapts the Boulder Dash formula to a portable screen with crisp graphics and responsive controls. The 1992 release gave Lynx owners a polished puzzle game that rivaled similar offerings on the NES.

Is Crystal Mines II exclusive to ATARI Lynx or did it appear on other systems?

This sequel was developed specifically for the Atari Lynx, following the original Crystal Mines on the NES. It did not appear on any other home consoles or handhelds.

In what year was Crystal Mines II originally released?

The game originally launched in 1992, near the middle of the Lynx's commercial lifespan. It was published by Atari Corporation.

All ATARI Lynx games