Lode Runner

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a game by Brøderbund, and LJN
Genres: Action, Arcade Classics
Platforms: Playstation, NESNES
Editor Rating: 7.3/10, based on 4 reviews
User Rating: 8.3/10 - 12 votes
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See also: 2D Platformer Games, Side Scroller Games, Lode Runner Games
Lode Runner
Lode Runner
Lode Runner

Going deep beneath the Earth to find piles and piles of gold may sound exciting (and even profitable), but when you throw in a bunch of crazy monks chasing after you trying to protect those same riches, the scenario changes.

Lode Runner, brought to us by Natsume, dates way back to the '80s and has graced plenty of computer and console systems since, Interestingly enough, this new PlayStation version resembles a fairly recent remake called "Lode Runner: The Legend Returns," a game that appeared on the PC a few years back.

The game puts players in control of an adventurous chap named Jake Peril who tries his darnedest to take back the gold that the keepers of the underground stole from above. But to do so, he must avoid dozens of traps, deadly gaping holes and, of course, those wacky monks. But Jake is able to set some traps of his own and use various items like the jackhammer to get away from the hooded evil-doers.

The graphics look totally old-school, but that's alright-this game kind of has that feel. Jake is really tiny on screen (about the same size as the little army men from Command & Conquer), but it's no problem. The thing to remember is that Lode Runner is a puzzle game at its core.

Like many puzzle games, Lode Runner has well over 50 levels to make your way through (set up like Mario with sets of levels inside "worlds"). And as you may have guessed, the further along you get. the harder the levels become. The first level Is nothing more than a quick gathering of some coin, but the next introduces monks, and then more monks, and then hordes 0' monks, etc. Toward the end of the game, most mortal gamers want to pull their hair out from how hectic it is. But for puzzle games, this is a good thing.

Lode Runner also features a level editor that eases some of that pent-up anger from not being able to get past a certain level. You can fill your levels with whatever you want and make them as easy or as impossible (or as shameless) as you like. When you're done with a level, a quick save to a memory card immortalizes your creation.

It may look dated, but Lode Runner should give gamers plenty of good times with its classic 2-0 feel. Hopefully, this old-school game will fair well against all of the 3-D games out there.

  • MANUFACTURER - Presage Soft
  • THEME - ACTION
  • NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1 or 2

Download Lode Runner

Playstation

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
NES

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • P-200, 32 MB RAM

Game Reviews

The game is a 1983 platform game, first published by Brøderbund.

The player takes control of a stick figure, collecting all the gold in the level. While doing that you have to avoid robots trying to capture you. There is a multi-story brick platform motif in the levels, with ladders and hand-to-hand bars suspended in the air. They offer multiple ways to travel through each one. There are 150 levels, which are getting more and more difficult. The game is notable for being one of the first ones to feature a level editor that allows players to make their own levels.

You are able to dig holes into floors and temporarily trap those robots, and then can safely walk on top of a robot trapped in a hole. The game character can fall from some unlimited height not being injured, but is not able to jump. You finish a level by gathering all the gold there and then traveling to the screen top.

Longtime PC gamers already know the stubby guy's scurrying up and down ladders, running through endless maze-like levels, digging holes, and picking up gold. Although the little man's all action, Lode Runner is really a compelling and challenging puzzle game.

LR challenges you in over 300 levels to find the correct path to the exit that leads you to the next maze, which you can do solo or with a friend to see who can get the high score. An impressive Construction mode enables you to create infinite levels of your own. Add to this sharp graphics, ambient tunes to facilitate thinking, and an excellent controller interface, and you have a game that delivers hours of classic puzzle entertainment.

ProTips:

  • When digging, start with one more hole than the total number of layers to dig through.
  • Lure enemies to one side to trap them in holes, then run back over on top of them.

A classic computer game becomes a scaled-down GameBoy title. Although it's a bit weathered due to its age, this version of Lode Runner stays true to the game on which it's based. Not much new here - you either like it or you don't.

Snapshots and Media

Playstation Screenshots

NES/Famicom/Dendy Screenshots

See Also

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