Hardcore stars

[Neprofík]

Hello, I'd just like to ask one simple question.

I love the remake but refuse to use the powerups. In some levels, though, it seems that it's not really possible to get all 3 stars without score multipliers, dynamites etc.

So, is it possible to 3-star the whole thing without cheating, just by figuring out how to do it?

[Sir.Safester]

I don't think it's possible to '3 star' some levels without using a PU of some sort. I tried all levels without using PU's and failed on many. It's been a while since I played the game (collected all level stars and characters) so can't give any clues as to which levels definitely require a PU.

[jack_was]

I can't even beat intro caves with 3-star rating on hardcore but managed to accomplish classic remix. Why do the chests contain power-ups if you can't use them (the PU icons are not displayed and keyboard shortcuts don't function)?

[Sir.Safester]

Originally posted by jack_was:

Why do the chests contain power-ups if you can't use them (the PU icons are not displayed and keyboard shortcuts don't function)?

You collect chest rewards (PU's) at the end of each level then you should be able to use them in the next game you play. Also, make sure to check the chest area in between lavels, I remember some didn't unlock at the end of a level and I had to go and open them manually.

I found a good level for farming chests, don't remember which one exactly but I think it's around level 6-10 in remix or classic. It's a large level full of dirt and has 8 chambers, each with a bee and a diamond (you need 5, 6 or 7 of them to open the exit). You can let the bees escape but in a manner so they continually fly around 1 piece of dirt each. This allows you to freely roam the level and collect many chests. When using the character that gives more chests you can collect 10-15 chests each go.

[jack_was]

It is not that I don't open the chests but the PU collected from them can't be used on the map because the keyboard shortcuts don't work (and are not displayed as well). When I check my inventory some PU are there. I simply don't get the idea why to collect these items while they remain useless on hardcore.

[Sir.Safester]

Is hardcore mode where diamonds can kill you? I never played it much, perhaps PU's aren't available in this mode?

[jack_was]

Yes. The hardware mode is the only available in original Boulder Dash series which appeared during 8-bit computing era. However some other rules were changed (magic wall, deadly explosion area). Looks like I'll have to accomplish the game at normal or easy difficulty, get all 3-star achievements and play hardcore once again without thinking about this modern score. I'm really missing these vintage rules but at the same time I'm open for innovations which don't collide with them. Overall the game was made rather for new players than old veterans.