Sub Terra Draconis: A Fanciful Boulder Dash With Huge Challenge – Weekly Indie Spotlight

At first glance, Sub Terra Draconis looks like a Pac-Man clone. Specifically, it looks like a clone of another Pac-Man clone from the eighties, Boulder Dash. In both games, you go rushing through a maze of dirt, collecting gems, and trying not to get crushed by boulders. However, SubTerra Draconis expands the concept and adds in elements from other games to create something unique.

Sub Terra Draconis

Developed by Crystal Shard Games, Sub Terra Draconis puts you in the shoes of an adorable dragon. Like all dragons, you love treasure, so you go into the caves to collect the biggest hoard of gems ever. Of course, the task isn’t simple. In addition to boulders that want to crush you, there are enemies and puzzles galore. Some levels might focus on keys and doors, others might center around bombs, and others might focus on pushing things around.

If You Want a Challenge, This Game Has You Covered

This game is far more complex than Pac-Man or Boulder Dash. It also includes some elements from Chip’s Challenge, a puzzle game originally released on the Atari Lynx. Some of the levels can challenge your brain and your reflexes in a giant way. You will get crushed by boulders, you will trap yourself, and you will definitely get killed by enemies. Other times, you’ll be scratching your head, wondering how to arrange the dynamite to properly free the gems or pondering the order in which you should collect keys and open doors. Fortunately, you have unlimited lives, and you can reset a level at any time.

Conclusion

If you don’t enjoy games that tax your brain and make your heart race, Sub Terra Draconis may not be for you. However, if you’re in the mood for some good old retro-style difficulty, give this game a try. The charming pixel art graphics and creative level design make for a fun time, even when you’re dying over and over. Puzzle action game fans who enjoy thinking their way through levels should definitely check this game out. It can be purchased on Steam for $9.99.