UK mobile games publisher I-play just mailed me a selection of new Java titles - among them a second Mobile Edition of Boulder Dash, one of my favourite C64 titles. The original Boulder Dash ME, released back in 2003 was a bright, cheery adaptation of the 8bit legend, offering 16 new level designs and all the classic features veterans remember. In case you weren't there the first time, it's all about scurrying through a series of 2D levels, avoiding enemies such as fireflies and butterflies and then crushing them beneath dislodged boulders. The ultimate aim on each stage is to collect as many diamonds as possible, then reach the exit before the time runs out.
Boulder Dash ME 2 almost doubles the number of levels and adds new challenges to the familiar recipe. The visuals once again depart from First Star's original vision of grim, muddy tunnels - there's more of a chunky 16bit look to the visuals. But the old gameplay remains - it's still gripping, pleasantly challenging stuff, absolutely perfect for current mobile phones. I've asked I-play if they're planning to publish a Boulder Dash Construction Kit, but they haven't got back to me on that yet...
Elsewhere, If it's true that all people want from mobile phone gaming is the sort of incredibly simple titles you get on PC download sites, Slyder should do pretty well. It's a smart little mobile conversion of a well-received maze puzzler from Sandlot Games, available here. The idea is to guide a circular character named Slyder through a series of mazes avoiding various traps and enemies en route. The catch is, once you've hit the direction pad, Slyder will slide in that direction until he hits an obstacle - or trap - so every move has to be planned beforehand. Obviously, this stuff is everywhere online and there are dozens of competitors on mobile phone, too, but Slyder is a nice, unassumingly addictive title - a step backwards for Java game design, perhaps, but there you go.
Finally, there's the more advanced Freestyle Moto-X II, sequel to last year's Nate Adams Freestyle Motocross. It's a 2D freestyle bike sim where you carry out a series of stunt runs, attempting various tricks to open up new stages. This time the impressive physics engine is more forgiving so your bike hangs in the air longer. There's also a garage area where you tune your bike for specific challenges, plus the visuals are more advanced, ditching the rather abstract feel of the original for various street backdrops. It's certainly more involving than some of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater conversions on mobile, although, as with Bouder Dash, I'd like to see a level design option. If we can't expect significant advances in visuals this generation, we should be getting more imaginative and interactive design features...
