Direct Link : Super Miners
Publisher : Infinite Dreams

Price : $9.98

Graphics : 7 Out of 10
Sound : 8 Out of 10
Gameplay : 8 Out of 10
Longevity : 9 Out of 10
Overall : 8 Out of 10

Ah my childhood days are once again rekindled. Super Miners has the same basic premise as that age old game Boulderdash. The idea of the game is to travel around each of the 100 scrolling screens, collection all of the gems there are dispersed liberally. Where Super Miner differs is that a well as having all of the modern features of a modern day incarnation, it also features a whole range of power ups, befitting a super hero/heroin. Yes you play through the many levels as either Rusty(female) or Drill(male). Whilst the different characters have no gameplay differences, it’s nice to see girls being given the opportunity to play as girls.

One feature I really love is the in game tutorial. Yes there is a 17 page user guide available on the website, but there’s nothing like learning how to play a game, whilst actually playing the game. So you begin the game by going through the tutorial levels. This gives a nice slow introduction to the mechanics of the game, but don’t be fooled, it still requires some thinking and manual dexterity to proceed to the next level.

Each level comprises of a virtual screen that is larger than the physical screen. This screen scrolls around as you move to reveal the previously hidden elements of the level. Jewels are distributed around the screen for you to collect. Once you have collected the pre-requisite amount, a green swirling mist appears, move over this and you have completed the level. Collecting jewels isn’t child’s play. They along with rocks and boulders can fall on you, ending that attempt at the level. The further you get into the game, the harder the levels become. As with Boulderdash you can push single rocks out of your way, but unlike Boulderdash, you can also be bestowed with many other powers, once you collect the power-ups dotted around the levels. These power-ups include fireballs, magic ball, teleports, ghosts portals and many others. To further spice things up a big, the levels are also timed. Run out of time and you are out of luck.

Conclusion : This is an absolute gem(oops no pun intended) of a game. The graphics whilst small, are very well done and the sound enhances the game nicely. With over 100 levels of gameplay, it’s going to take a while to complete this game, especially with the additional multiplayer options.