CLASSIC GAMEPLAY
REBUILT FOR THE FUTURE
Manic Miner
The legendary platforming classic is back!
Experience a milestone in video game history in a completely reimagined version! Authorized by original developer Matthew Smith, this reboot of the 1983 classic combines the distinctive and challenging gameplay of MANIC MINER with modern graphics, improved controls, newly arranged music, and extensive historical bonus content.
Step back into the role of miner Willy and take on 20 legendary levels filled with deadly creatures, clever jumps, and tricky obstacles. Collect all the items before your oxygen runs out and master one of the most challenging platformers of all time.
Climb the global MANIC MINER online leaderboard and become number one in one of the toughest classics in gaming history!
This re-release offers two modes: Enjoy the original pixel art look, or discover all the levels in atmospheric HD graphics with elaborate parallax scrolling, dynamic lighting effects, and lovingly designed backgrounds.
Thanks to modernized controls, MANIC MINER plays more precisely and smoothly than ever before, without losing any of the original’s high standards.
The classic has also been reimagined musically: The works by Johann Strauss and Edvard Grieg, which were already featured in the original, have been rearranged to give the adventure a contemporary sound.
In addition, the collection includes a comprehensive interactive history that documents the exciting story behind the creation of MANIC MINER from the early 1980s to the present day. 
Features
- Faithful, pixel-perfect recreation of the classic
- All 20 original levels included in full
- Choice between classic pixel graphics and a modern reinterpretation
- Beautiful new backgrounds with parallax scrolling and atmospheric effects
- Completely revamped controls for modern platforms
- Global online leaderboard
- Re-arranged soundtrack featuring classic works by Johann Strauss and Edvard Grieg
- Extensive interactive history of the creation of Manic Miner
- Authorized by original developer Matthew Smith
SCREENSHOTS
TRAILER
NEWS & UPDATES
USER REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
4/5 ★★★★☆
Awesome remake!
A delightful experience that constantly nudges you to recall old memories while creating new ones. The gameplay is smooth, the puzzles are clever, and every moment feels meaningful.
John Smith, Jan 15th 2026
5/5 ★★★★★
Thanks for bringing back those wonderful memories.
This game surprised me with how often it made me stop and remember things from my own life. It blends fun mechanics with heartfelt moments, turning simple interactions into powerful memories.
John Smith, Jan 15th 2026
4/5 ★★★★☆
Great retro game
A charming adventure that sparks joy and brings forgotten memories back to the surface.
John Smith, Jan 15th 2026
5/5 ★★★★★
Couldn’t resist!
Playing Manic Miner felt like opening a time capsule. Every screen, sound effect, and perfectly timed jump recalled memories of discovering games for the first time. It’s simple, tough, and endlessly charming.
John Smith, Jan 15th 2026
MANIC MINER
SOON AVAILABLE IN YOUR FAVORITE APP STORE
The legendary Manic Miner returns—rebuilt for a new generation while honoring the charm of the 1983 original. Our modern edition brings a vibrant cartoon look, smoother controls, and a refreshed presentation shaped by more than 40 years of game‑development experience. It’s a faithful revival with the polish and accessibility of a contemporary platformer.
Soon you will be able to play the new Manic Miner on all major platforms, making it easier than ever to jump into Miner Willy’s underground adventure. Whether you prefer console, or PC, the game is ready for you.
THE HISTORY OF MANIC MINER
A DEFINING CLASSIC OF THE 8‑BIT ERA
Manic Miner, released in 1983, stands as one of the most influential platform games of the early home‑computer era. Designed and programmed by Matthew Smith, it debuted on the ZX Spectrum and quickly became a landmark title in British gaming history.
ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
The game was created after Bug‑Byte’s despatch manager, Alan Maton, requested a Donkey‑Kong‑style arcade game. Smith, already known for his earlier title Styx, began development and initially produced 16 levels, later expanding the game to 20 caverns after discovering a way to fit more content into memory. The final version was completed in August 1983.
Manic Miner was first published by Bug‑Byte in mid‑1983 and later the same year by Software Projects, after Smith left Bug‑Byte and used a legal loophole to cancel the original license.
PLATFORMS
Although born on the ZX Spectrum, the game’s popularity led to ports across a wide range of 8‑bit and later platforms, including:
• Amstrad CPC
• BBC Micro
• Commodore 64 / Plus/4 / 16
• Dragon 32/64
• MSX
• Oric
• SAM Coupé
• Tatung Einstein
• PMD 85
Later: Game Boy Advance, Xbox 360, and mobile platforms
This broad availability helped cement its status as one of the most widely recognized Spectrum‑era games.
STORY AND SETTING
Players control Miner Willy, an explorer who discovers a vast underground mine filled with hazards, strange creatures, and valuable items. The objective in each cavern is simple but tense: collect all flashing objects before Willy’s oxygen runs out, then reach the exit portal to progress.
The game’s quirky enemies – Poisonous Pansies, Spiders, Slime, and Manic Mining Robots – gave it a distinctive personality.
GAME DESIGN AND MECHANICS
Manic Miner is notable for its:
• Single‑screen level design: Each cavern fits entirely on one screen, allowing players to study hazards and plan routes.
• Precision platforming: Willy must avoid enemies moving on fixed paths and cannot fall too far without dying.
• Resource pressure: A constantly depleting oxygen bar adds urgency.
• Musical innovation: It was one of the first Spectrum games to feature continuous in‑game music, including In the Hall of the Mountain King and The Blue Danube.
The game contains 20 caverns, each with unique layouts, hazards, and collectible items. This was an expansion from the originally planned 16 levels.
RECEPTION AND PLAYER IMPRESSIONS
Upon release, Manic Miner received critical acclaim and quickly became a bestseller. It won:
• Golden Joystick Award (1983) – Best Arcade‑Style Game
• Golden Joystick Award (1983) – 3rd place, Game of the Year
• C&VG Spectrum Top Ten (1983) recognition
Players praised:
• Its originality compared to other early platformers
• The tight, challenging controls
• The humor and personality of its enemies and level names
• The groundbreaking music and polish
Retro Gamer later called it one of the most influential platform games of all time, reflecting its long‑lasting legacy.
Original instructions
CONTACTS
BBG-Entertainment
BBG Entertainment is a games developer and publisher headquartered in Munich, Germany. The founder and staff of BBG Entertainment have years of experience in the market for computer and mobile games, especially in the area of retro and casual gaming, and excellent contact with many renowned gaming companies for well over 25 years. BBG Entertainment is privately owned, with more than 10 employees and freelancers at the Munich headquarters. Also works with external development studios as needed. BBG Entertainment offers famous games like Boulder Dash®, Dynablaster®, Astrosmash®, Shark! Shark® and Einstein™ Brain Trainer.
In 2017 BBG Entertainment acquired the Boulder Dash® intellectual property, with all rights pertaining thereto, from First Star Software, Inc. The original Boulder Dash® is a pioneering interactive game dating back to the early times of the home computer and video game era being first launched in 1984. Boulder Dash® and its many sequels have delighted and challenged casual and hard-core players of all ages and sexes for over three decades. The original Boulder Dash® was created by Peter Liepa with Chris Gray and published by First Star Software, Inc. Boulder Dash® is an innovative action-puzzle digging and collection game responsible for launching its own game genre.
BBG Entertainment announced on May 24th, 2023 the acquisition of the ASTROSMASH® and SHARK! SHARK!® intellectual properties with all rights pertaining thereto, from Intellivision® Entertainment, LLC. Under this new ownership arrangement, Intellivision® Entertainment, LLC will retain any preexisting activations of the original versions of ASTROSMASH® and SHARK! SHARK!® as well as any versions for future platforms from Intellivision®.
CONTACTS
Cuvilliesstr. 14 – 81679
Munich
Germany
info@bbg-entertainment.com
+49 (0)89 35498-100
+49 (0)89 35498-499
MORE GAMES
Manic Miner® is a registered trademark of BBG Entertainment GmbH in the US, the European Union and other countries. Copyright © 2025 – 2026 BBG Entertainment GmbH – All rights reserved. The original Manic Miner® and Miner Willy Copyright © 1983 – 2026 Matthew Smith – All rights reserved. This version of Manic Miner® is officially endorsed by Matthew Smith.