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Digger is a man with a mission, and that is to make himself a fat pile of cash by emptying the lost diamond mines of the world of their booty. Trouble is, the inhabitants of the mines, horrid killer insects, aren't too happy about this intrusion, and they're out in force to stop our intrepid jewel-thief. Not only this, but Digger picked up a satchel containing nothing but empty Windolene tubs instead of his sandwiches and maps, so once inside the mines, he has to find his own way out before the exit is sealed forever.

Digger's adventures are portrayed in something like a side-on version of Boulderdash, with our hero running around, jumping pits, digging tunnels and blatting nasties with his trusty shovel. Can you get Digger past the mine guardian with all his diamonds before his time runs out?

If you're especially lucky, you'll stumble across a mega-pill. If you hit one of these, it flares up and speeds away from you. If you're quick and you catch it before it hits a wall, you're transformed into a super-fast invincible dig-warrior of doom, but be careful, as the effects don't last forever.

Not all the soil in Digger T Rock can be penetrated with Digger's faithful spade. some of it needs to be blasted with dynamite left behind by other unfortunate miners, and some of it can't be destroyed at all!

Also, liberally dispersed through the game are boulders. These are drunks of indestrictible rock that drop downwards when the surrounding soil is scraped away.

Should Digger be stupid enough to stay underneath one of these whilst on its descent, it's hello Mr Pancake.

Scattered around each level is a selection of fab items to help you in your quest for riches. Dynamite blows away certain walls, pebbles are thrown at enemies and ladders help you to reach higher platforms that are just beyond the reach of your normal jumping abilities.

For the most part, however, these objects are randomly placed, which can result in a hard time as you search for the stuff you need to complete the level.

After successfully completing a level, Digger is warped to a bonus cavern, where points a-plenty are there for the taking. Rocks drop from the ceiling, blocking off routes to some diamonds, and opening up routes to others. Learning the pattern of boulder-dropping is the key to success here.

Similar in concept to Boulderdash, but with much more to it, Digger T Rock is yet another brilliant game from Rare. Oozing quality from the outset, the beautifully-drawn cute graphics and catchy music provide instant appeal, and the tricky but highly addictive action keeps you playing. There are plenty of secrets to uncover, including short cuts around the screen and warps to later levels (so I've been told, but I can't find 'em).

If you're a fan of Boulderdash, or are just after a game that provides plenty of fun and challenge, check this out - one go and you'll be hooked!

It's great to see a new interpretation of a classic game, namely Boulderdash. By twisting the action into a platform-esque format, Rare have actually improved on the old gameplay - after a couple of goes I became hooked!

The maps are full of traps, one-way systems and secret warps, and even combinations of all three, and this conspires to produce a truly absorbing game. There is a strong compulsion to see the next level, which leads to one quick game turning into an hour of continuous play!

Later levels become quite inticate, and it's a good idea to make maps of these to stop you doubling back on yourself. But no matter how lost you may be there's always a way out, which puts an end to those put-in-an-impossible-position-by-the-console-blues, and encourages deeper exploration of each level.

Rare have put in yet another impressive performance, and one which NES owners should seriously consider purchasing.

Presentation 68%
Very little in the way of options, and a sparse intro.

Graphics 78%
Well-animated, and quite neatly-defined sprites, and the main figure is a hoot to watch.

Sound 79%
Catchy tunes and effects which suit the manic atmosphere.

Playability 89%
Easy to get into, and maddeningly addictive.

Lastability 87%
Plenty of levels and an enjoyable challenge keep you coming back for more.

Overall 89%
A fantastic game that packs considerable long-term enjoyment. Check it out.