Boulder Dash was originally released back in 1984 on the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 400/800 computers. Starring a brave prospector named Rockford, its popularity resulted in numerous sequels and ports to the Nintendo Entertainment System and arcades. The game was originally published by First Star Software, who still owns the rights to the franchise. Now First Star has finalized a deal with 10tacle Studios to co-publish new Boulder Dash titles for the Nintendo DS and PSP.
The original Boulder Dash.
10tacle is handling development of the new titles. Says Alexandra Gerb, 10tacle's Mobile Studios managing director: "With Boulder Dash we are proud to be able to continue one of the oldest and most famous brands in computer games. The tried and true concept has already delighted generations of computer, videogame and coin-operated arcade gamers, and now we want to give the brand our own accent by adding a number of innovations designed to take advantage of the capabilities these new platforms have to offer. We want to lend protagonist Rockford's adventures a fresh, modern style to get him into shape for the years to come."
Boulder Dash is scheduled to make its return in the second half of 2007.