Boulder Dash II
First sequel to the original Boulder Dash.
Boulder Dash II, a 2D maze-puzzle game, was created by Peter Liepa and launched in 1985 by First Star Software. It stands as the initial follow-up to the original Boulder Dash.
The game appeared under various names depending on the platform: it was called *Rockford's Riot* on the MSX and *Rockford's Revenge* on the Commodore 64. In Japan, a second release was titled *Champion Boulder Dash*, though this was not a port of the Western version. A compilation titled *Super Boulder Dash* (1986) bundled the first two games and was published by Electronic Arts for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.
Critical reception was mixed. Paul Rixon of *Page 6* noted that most Atari owners likely already owned both Boulder Dash games, but urged those who did not to acquire them. J. Mark Hunter of *The Australian Commodore and Amiga Review* praised it as a personal favorite, citing its teasing gameplay and rewarding diamond collection. *Zzap!* observed that while the game added complexity, it did not feel significantly harder overall, though higher levels posed a greater challenge. *Crash* felt *Rockford's Riot* was more of a sideways step than a true advancement, offering only a few new features. Clare Edgeley of *Sinclair User* remarked that the game was packaged with the original *Boulder Dash*, highlighting how similar the two titles were. Craig Grannell, writing in the 2012 *Sinclair ZX Spectrum And Commodore 64 Book*, concluded that *Rockford's Revenge* gave players a fresh set of caves designed by Liepa, but little else.
- designer
- Peter Liepa
- publisher
- First Star Software
- release_year
- 1985
- genre
- 2D maze-puzzle
- platforms
- MSX, Commodore 64, Apple II, MS-DOS
- alternate_titles
- Rockford's Riot, Rockford's Revenge, Champion Boulder Dash
Quick Facts
- Title
- Boulder Dash II
- Designer
- Peter Liepa
- Publisher
- First Star Software
- Platforms
- Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, IBM PC, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Released
- 1985
- Genre
- Puzzle, maze
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Boulder Dash II was published under several titles: Rockford's Riot on the MSX, Rockford's Revenge on the Commodore 64. The second release in Japan was titled Champion Boulder Dash, but it is not a port of the western game. Super Boulder Dash (1986 – Apple II, C64, MS-DOS) was a compilation of Boulder Dash and Boulder Dash II published by Electronic Arts.
Reader's Guide
Boulder Dash II is significant as the first sequel to the influential Boulder Dash, expanding the series with new cave designs by Peter Liepa. Reception was mixed: some reviewers praised its action and diamond-collecting appeal, while others noted it offered little beyond the original. Paul Rixon for Page 6 urged Atari owners to acquire the duo if missing. J. Mark Hunter for The Australian Commodore and Amiga Review called it a personal favorite. Zzap! found it no harder overall for experienced players. Crash considered it a step sideways rather than forward. Clare Edgeley for Sinclair User highlighted its similarity to the original when packaged together. Craig Grannell in 2012 noted it provided a new set of caves but little else. Its legacy lies in being a direct follow-up that maintained the core gameplay while introducing minor variations.
Did You Know?
- Boulder Dash II was released under the titles Rockford's Riot on the MSX and Rockford's Revenge on the Commodore 64.
- The second release in Japan was titled Champion Boulder Dash, but it is not a port of the western game.
- Super Boulder Dash (1986) was a compilation of Boulder Dash and Boulder Dash II published by Electronic Arts.
- Crash magazine described Rockford's Riot as 'a souped-up Boulder Dash' rather than a step forward.
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