Coalminer
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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COALMINER is a game where speed is the key. Your task is to lead a small digger through the mine using the joystick within a given time, which at the beginning will appear to you quite as a bad joke. You need to collect a certain number of symbols (diamonds) without colliding with one of the numerous underground inhabitants, as this instantly leads to the loss of a life. This game principle has a familiar ring to you? Yes, you are right, the game is a Boulder Dash clone... 

The title music "I´ll find my way home", taps the potential of the SID sound chip of the C64. Also the later music during the waiting time while loading cannot deny that it stems from the SID. 

The graphics are at its finest, but the game area seems a bit overcrowded so that the pawn is only visible on second sight. 

Hints 

On the right side of the screen next to the game area you can constantly see the most important game information. At the very top you see the available time in seconds, below that the number of symbols which need to be collected to get to the next level. In the middle you see the current score, below that the lives that are still left and at the very bottom the number of the level you are currently playing. 

For each collected symbol you are credited 100 points to your account. At the start of each level the game area remains in a kind of "freeze image". By this you have enough time to get an orientation in the new screen buildup and create a good tactic. Furthermore it is advisable to get now the information about how many symbols have to be collected and how much time is available. By a press on the fire button you start the game. The coalminer follows the joystick movements. 

Of course you should avoid every collision with one of the numerous underground inhabitants, as this instantly leads to the loss of a life. If you make it to eliminate one of your followers with the help of a well-aimed stone drop, you will have one enemy less and some more points. 

If you reach enough points, you can enter your name into the highscore list which is saved on disk. 

Solution 

Tips: 

Do not let yourself get irritated by the many colours, fix your sight onto the "Coalminer", the blue flashing figure. 

Look closely at the buildup at the start of each level and try to find out the easiest and shortest way, then press the fire button, then hurry. 

Miscellaneous 

The game was sold in the C64 magazine Game On issue 09/91


http://www.c64-wiki.com/index.php/Coalminer
