Boulder Dash’s tricky puzzle and dexterity-based gameplay made its debut in the early 80s and continues to entertain its enormous fan base and new players. The game is recognized as one of the best-loved retro games in the history of computer and video gaming. Now “Boulder Dash-XL brings this classic back with a hot new look that will take the Xbox Live Arcade and PC platforms by storm. The game’s core remains unchanged: in a race against time players must collect sparkling diamonds while besting hordes of enemies, while avoiding numerous traps, and keeping an eye out for falling boulders!

“Boulder Dash has always held a special place in the hearts of retro-gamers, and now, we’re very pleased to be bringing a modernized version to Xbox Live Arcade and PC,” said Simon Hellwig, Global Managing Director of Kalypso Media. “First Star Software and Catnip Games are great partners, and we expect gamers will definitely love their modernized take on a beloved classic.”

Richard M. Spitalny, First Star Software’s president said: “We’re excited once again to work with the core team at Catnip Games, many of whom were instrumental in development of Boulder Dash-ROCKS! for the DS and PSP. Together we’ve developed a beautiful, feature rich game bursting with five game modes, over 150 levels in four worlds. Extra Large indeed!  This will be our first title with Kalypso but feel very confident and comfortable with their strong worldwide distribution network.”

Features of Boulder Dash-XL include:

• An updated HD look and feel, featuring 720p graphics
• 4 new game modes (“Arcade”, plus all new “Puzzle”, “Zen” and “Time Challenge”)
• A Retro Mode offering 25 “retro” Caves for a total of five game modes in all
• New scoring mechanism adding new excitement and challenges for High Score hunters
• Four beautiful and varied game worlds
• Over 150 all-new Caves to explore while battling monsters and grabbing gems
• Online Ranking Lists/ Leaderboards
• Achievements support