Rocks'n'Diamonds

Infobox VG
title = Rocks'n'Diamonds


developer = Artsoft Entertainment
publisher = Artsoft Entertainment
distributor =
designer = Holger Schemel
license = GPL v2
engine =
version =
released = 1995
genre = Scrolling, Tile-based, Transport puzzle
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings =
platforms = MS-DOS, Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS X
media = free download
requirements =
input = Keyboard, Joystick, Mouse

"Rocks'n'Diamonds" is a scrolling tile-based computer puzzle game that can be described as a combined "Boulder Dash", "Supaplex", "Emerald Mine", and "Sokoban" clone. It is a freeware and open source video game created by Artsoft Entertainment and designed by Holger Schemel. With its release in 1995 [ [http://www.artsoft.org/rocksndiamonds/doc/CHANGES Changes readme for the early versions of Rocks'n'Diamonds] . Retrieved on 07-may-2008.] , it is one of the earliest games available for Linux [It belongs e.g. to the standard install size of the games package for SUSE Linux.] , and it also runs on MS-DOS, Windows, Unix, and Mac OS X systems. The DOS version is based on code by Guido Schulz. There are currently more than 50 000 levels available on Rocks'n'Diamonds-related pages.Rocks'n'Diamonds can also read native Emerald Mine levels, and later on it will also be able to read other native level formats.

Gameplay

"Rocks'n'Diamonds" features gameplay elements from all the games mentioned above, usually in the form of sub-games, although levels can feature combinations of elements from any of the games mentioned above, as well as new ones.

Boulder Dash

The "Boulder Dash" game involves collecting a set number of gemstones after which an exit door opens through which the player can enter the next level. The levels are filled with dirt which can be tunneled through simply by moving through it. This creates empty space. Gems can be collected by moving into them. Rocks and gems can rest on dirt, walls (only indestructible and magic walls), or other rocks and gems, but once these are removed, they will fall down. This is sometimes useful, as the player can drop things on top of monsters (butterflies and fireflies) roaming the levels. Some destroyed monsters drop gems necessary to achieve the necessary number to complete the level. Amoeba can be dangerous, annoying, and unpredictable, but also occasionally useful for several reasons.

Supaplex and Emerald Mine

The "Supaplex" and "Emerald Mine" games can be considered clones of "Boulder Dash" themselves, although they have added elements, including explosives, acid, locked doors with matched keys, and more.

Sokoban

The "Sokoban" game is a transport puzzle, and can be considered to be viewed from above, as its elements are not affected by gravity. This game lets the player to push light bulbs into sockets in order to finish the level.

Level editor

The game includes a level editor that lets the player create his own levels. The game also supports custom skins, as well as whole new level elements, which can be created without any programming knowledge.

Custom elements

The pieces you make yourself in the level editor. There are only a few things impossible to accomplish with them, although some things are more difficult to do than others nearly anything can be made. New custom element techniques are being discovered by users every once in a while.

See also

* "Boulder Dash"
* "Supaplex"
* "Emerald Mine"
* "Sokoban"

References

External links

* [http://www.artsoft.org/rocksndiamonds/ Artsoft Entertainment - "Rocks'n'Diamonds"] Official website
* [http://www.artsoft.org/forum/ Forum] Official forum
*
* [http://www.bd-fans.com/RnD.html "Rocks'n'Diamonds" page] A complete overview