How to play
Arrow keys or A/D to move and space or up to jump. Grab diamonds across the platforms. Larger diamonds are worth more but take longer to collect. Avoid the patrol drones. The session ends when the timer reaches zero.
Game features
- Sixty-second time-attack with optional ninety-second mode
- Procedurally reshuffled platform layouts
- Three difficulty tiers (easy, medium, hard)
- Patrol drone enemies that introduce risk
- Local best-score table with golden-medal targets
- Mobile touch with d-pad and jump button
Editor review
Diamond Dash is a time-attack collection game. Sixty seconds to grab as many diamonds as possible. Avoid the patrol drones. Try not to fall in the gaps. Run out of time and the score locks where it is. It is the most basic version of this format and Diamond Dash does not add much to it.
The drones are the main problem. They patrol on fixed paths, which means after a few runs you have memorised where they will be. The challenge is not reading the level; it is executing a route you have already planned. That is a different kind of game than the format promises.
I tested it on my Birmingham commute and got bored within fifteen minutes. The procedurally-reshuffled platforms produce enough variation that no single run is identical, but the variations are cosmetic. Run-after-run feels the same.
What is mid is the time-bonus mechanic. Each diamond adds a small amount of time to the clock. The smart strategy is to chain diamonds in quick succession to keep extending the timer. This works mathematically but does not produce the dopamine spikes the format aims for. Crossy Road (different genre, similar one-screen format) does this better with its zone-progression mechanic.
Two-and-a-half stars. The game functions correctly. Nothing about it justifies coming back after an afternoon of play. There are better arcade games in this catalogue that earn the same play-session investment.
Trained as a librarian, started a hobby blog about browser games during her library science degree, took it freelance when the blog crossed 5,000 subscribers. Tests games on her morning train commute.
Frequently asked questions about Diamond Dash
How do I play Diamond Dash?
Arrow keys or A/D to move and space or up to jump. Grab diamonds across the platforms. Larger diamonds are worth more but take longer to collect. Avoid the patrol drones. The session ends when the timer reaches zero.
Is Diamond Dash free to play in my browser?
Yes. Diamond Dash runs free in any modern browser. No installation, no signup, no payment required. Click the play button to load the game.
Does Diamond Dash work on mobile devices?
Diamond Dash runs in mobile browsers on iOS and Android with touch controls. Most arcade games on AJ Arcade support both desktop and mobile, though precision-heavy titles tend to play better on desktop with a keyboard or gamepad.
Who reviewed Diamond Dash on AJ Arcade?
Eliza Chambers reviewed Diamond Dash. Their full editor review appears above and their other coverage is available on their author profile.
Where can I find more games like Diamond Dash?
More arcade titles are available on the Arcade category page. Every game on AJ Arcade has been played and reviewed by one of our three reviewers before publication.