The single-player experience that is Boulder Dash-XL is a fresh take on an old favorite. The gameplay consists primarily of navigating mazes, collecting diamonds, and avoiding boulders falling from above. This implementation includes five game modes:* Arcade Mode: This mode pits the player against the clock as they try to acquire diamonds and make it out of the level as quickly as possible. They have a goal number of diamonds to gather, and as a result, they can take more time to collect more diamonds or finish the level more quickly to receive a more significant time bonus. This mode contains a total of one hundred different stages.
- Zen Mode is essentially the same as Arcade Mode, except that there is no time constraint; this is done “so that the player can refine their strategy with no pressure.”
- Puzzle Mode has twenty-five more compact stages, and the game places a more significant premium on strategic thinking and preparation than on raw speed.
- Additional twenty-five levels that include “3D interpretations of the original bitmap graphics” can be found in the Retro Mode.
- Score Attack consists of four unique caverns, each with an early-opening exit that grants a more significant bonus for completing the cave earlier than expected.
The user can select either Rockford or Crystal as their character and play using various input methods, including the keyboard, mouse, and joystick.
