Game Details

• Title: Lode Runner
• Developer: Tozai games, Southend interactive
• Publisher: Xbox Live Arcade
• Released (UK): 22/04/2009
• Current Price: 1200 MS Points (Was 800 if bought early)
• Age Rating: E
• Game Type: Platform with Puzzle elements
• Multi-player: 2 player Co-op (Online/local) 4 player competitive (Online/Local)

Background

Lode Runner is an update of an 1983 classic, and is a Platform game with Puzzle elements were the aim is to collect all the gold in a level whilst not getting killed by the enemy Robots. Your skills are limited to being able to fall from any height, climbing ladders and using ledges (no jumping), and the ability to dig holes to either side of your character (not directly beneath) that regenerate a short time later.

Game Modes

There is a tutorial mode, three single player modes, 3 multiplayer modes and a level editor. The 3 single player modes are Journey which is an updated version of the original game where you travel through various stage, Hang On where the aim is to collect as much gold as possible before killed by the ever increasing number of enemies and Puzzle where there are no enemies but you have to plan out how to get all the gold on a level.

The first 2 multiplayer modes are co-operative versions of Puzzle and Journey modes for 2 players with levels specifically designed for the task while the final mode is Last Man where you face up to 4 players in a survival challenge similar to Hang On without the gold in style, with the winner being whoever lasts the longest over 5 rounds.

The level editor is of note since as well as being able to design levels for local use, you can share and obtain levels over Xbox live, something rarely seen outside of Halo 3.

Technical Stuff

The graphics and sound while of a reasonable quality pay homage to the original game, and I thought the music in particular sounded liked it came from an 8 bit game. While the multiplayer played smoothly, I did have trouble finding games though this could be due to being one of the first people to buy the game.

Difficulty/Achievements

This will largely depend on how good you are at platform games, I am useless at them so found the game to be quite difficult, though easy to play. Similarly the achievements are reliant largely on game completion, so I found them to be quite hard. If you are good at this type of platform game you will probably find them quite easy.

Positives

• Easy to play
• Honours the original game without getting dragged down by its legacy
• The Level Editor

Negatives

• Its a platform game
• Should have been 800 MS points

My Recommendation

Consider – 7/10

If you enjoyed the original game or 2D platform games in general then it is worth buying, if not then give the trial a go first. Personally I found it an enjoyable game but ultimately limited by the fact it is a platform game.

Video Review