Down in the haunted mine we go
Surprisingly enough, this isn't actually another Boulderdash rip-off, which you might expect from the name, but is instead an enjoyable and ever so slightly creepy little platform/puzzler that packs a lot of enjoyment into a small package. The game sets thing sup by presenting the player with the situation where they have been exploring a mine, looking as usual for buried treasure. However, things soon take a turn for the supernatural, with bloody hand prints warning of a deadly presence lurking within the mine. Yes, the place is haunted and this particular ghost is less like Casper and more malevolent, wanting only to rip your face off. The goal of the game is simple enough and requires you to explore the mine, looking for the key which takes you down to the next while also grabbing whatever treasure you can find along the way. Of course, you have to keep your eyes open for the ghost, as one single touch from it will spell game over, requiring you to start all over again. To help you out, you can either move through the corridors but if you want to take a short cut, you can dig holes. However, this is more time consuming that simply using the corridors, so an element of choice comes into play and which ramps up the tension considerably. The addition of a limited air supply also helps in this respect but it's the presence of the ghost which really makes this game what it is. While the graphics are about as simple as the concept, they are effective enough and although there is little to the game other than being a high score chaser, it's a surprisingly effective and enjoyable little romp[.
