Overview and Gameplay
Rockford enters six underground worlds to recover secret jewels, digging through soil while rocks, diamonds, enemies, amoebas, and magical walls react in real time. Each town has a diamond quota and a time limit; meeting the quota opens the exit.
The NES adaptation turns the home-computer original into a colorful action-puzzle adventure with themed world maps. Its four quests provide 96 stage runs, with later quests raising quotas, shortening timers, and remixing hazards.
Controls And Mechanics
- Use the directional pad to move through dirt and navigate each grid.
- Hold A or B with a direction to dig, collect a diamond, or push an adjacent rock without moving.
- Falling rocks can crush Rockford or enemies, while some defeated enemies explode into diamonds.
- Amoebas spread through open areas, and special walls can transform falling rocks into diamonds.
- Two-player mode is alternating rather than simultaneous; players take turns attempting the caves.
Version Notes
The USA cartridge uses JVC branding. Regional editions keep the same basic game, with differences mainly in publisher presentation, text, and title-screen credits.
Release And Credits
- US release: June 1990
- Publisher: JVC Musical Industries
- NES adaptation: Data East and Sakata SAS
- Original game: First Star Software, created by Peter Liepa with Chris Gray
- Original platform: Atari 8-bit computers
