Boulder Dash EX (2002). Play online

Summary

Boulder Dash EX feels like a love letter to the classic while pulling the series into the handheld era. Over 60 puzzles challenge you to dig, dodge rocks and grab gems, and the game’s crisp GBA graphics make each cavern pop.

Three distinct modes keep things fresh. The “EX Game” adds new foes, power‑ups and anime‑style cutscenes as Alex searches for his friend Sonya; “Classic Game” faithfully reproduces the original arcade play; and a multiplayer “Battle Mode” lets up to four players battle via link cable.

I’m especially hooked on the battle mode because it turns a solitary puzzle into a frantic showdown. Critics responded well, with Metacritic flagging the title as generally positive, praising its balance of nostalgia and new content.

Storyline

In Boulder Dash EX, anime‑style cutscenes between levels set the stage for Alex’s quest. The hero learns that his friend Sonya has been captured by the Dark King, prompting him to dive into the underground caverns. Each scene shows Alex gearing up, determined to rescue Sonya and confront the Dark King’s forces.

The cutscenes continue as Alex navigates treacherous tunnels, dodges falling rocks, and battles the Dark King’s minions. The ultimate goal is to free Sonya and put an end to the Dark King’s reign.