Dodgy Rocks for Windows

There are endless arcade action games

To earn points and advance to the next level, you can smash or dodge rocks. Dodgy rocks combines 8-bit Amiga graphics with endless runner gameplay.

Dodgy rocks takes the fixed left/right motion plane of an endless runner, and literally throws rocks at them. This retro arcade title requires you to avoid boulder waves for as long as possible.

There is a subset of developers who create games that are compatible with older consoles and operating systems. Nivrig Games, the developer behind Dodgy rocks, falls under this category. Dodgy rocks are available for Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile devices. However, they are primarily aimed at Amiga enthusiasts.

This is evident in the 8-bit artwork, simple gameplay and chiptune music. Nivrig Games has made the game available in retro-style Amiga ADF, and LHA formats. Other versions are available at a cost.

Popular endless runners such as Alto's Odyssey or Subway Surfers combine responsive controls and steadily increasing obstacles. Dodgy Rocks translates this core gameplay into arcade-style score-and-wave action.

Players can move left to right and perform special moves, such as a dash (or smash), when a villain rolls boulders towards them from the top of their screen. You can counter-attack successfully to score more points. However, if you let a boulder hit you while you are not attacking, it's over. However, quick restarts are a key part of the core 'one more try' gameplay loop.

Dodgy Rocks boasts three difficulty levels and secret moves that can be unlocked to increase replay value. Nightmare is the most difficult, as it turns the background red and has high-speed rocks. You can also get on the online leaderboards, which helps to fuel your desire to play.

The game has a lot of player feedback with screenshake and particle effects. However, it's ultimately a matter of style over substance. Dodgy Rocks' gameplay is a mess. It's more simplistic than refined.