Lode Runner Review — The Koalition | The Video Game & Hip Hop Authority

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Lode Runner Review

Date posted: May 8, 2009
Categories: All Systems, Featured, Reviews, Xbox 360
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Who’s to argue Lode Runner isn’t a classic? It has all the ingredients of one and sure as hell looks the part. Back when I wasn’t even a fetus, the 1983 classic by developers Broderbund apparently required players to use their brains just like any old, hardened classics do. It was also one of the first few games that allowed you to create your own maps through an incorporated level editor. GameSpot named it one of the greatest games of all time, Tetris designer Alexey Pajitnov referred to it as one of his favourite puzzle games for many years and defunct magazine Computer Gaming World stated that it was “one of the few thinking men’s arcade games” back when it was first released. Fast forward two decades and a half later, Lode Runner returns to our TV screens courtesy of developers Tozai and Southend Interactive. With a community flooded with uninformed, incoherent and unintelligible gamers, Lode Runner won’t appeal to all. But one thing remains – Computer Gaming World hit the nail 26 years ago when they said that this is a thinking man’s game. Revamped, rehashed and re-rendered, Lode Runner hits the XBLA with beauty, finesse, and a good dose of frustrating puzzles.

First things first, the graphics are distinctly unique. For those who were familiar with the original, Tozai and Southend Interactive have really done a great job at fleshing out the visuals. Engaging, flamboyant and utilizing an array of colourful palettes; Lode Runner on the Xbox 360 looks brilliant. The animations are smooth, every small leap and reach for the ladder or railings seem effortlessly done. The level design is simply outstanding, as every level has a distinct personality and feel. From South American inspired locales to the icy end of the North Pole, the developers have translated the original to XBLA plus a lot more in terms of visual flair. Not that anyone would play a classic puzzler for its visuals; but it certainly helps to know that the game is easy on the eyes. From great animation to colourful splashes of pastel colours; the game never really ceases to impress. From a technical standpoint, though Lode Runner doesn’t break grounds as a 360 Arcade game, it excels in what it does. Trust me, you’ll want all the reason you can get to keep playing when the puzzles get a little crazy.

Funny enough the concept is simple. You’re a young man with cannon-for-arms and you’re on a quest for gold, lots of gold. Don’t ask why, don’t ask how, it’s just how it is. Like every classic game, there’s really no need for a complex storyline. They serve the mere purpose of outlining a narrative, and nothing more. Every level is in 2.5D, and the aim of every 80 levels you’re given is to collect every stack of gold you can see. The catch? Not every stack of gold is reachable by just running to it. You can’t jump, so you’ll have to find other ways to get gold that are attached below or beside certain blocks. Certain blocks or platforms are breakable and the key is for you to blast the vital ones in order to reach the gold. Shoot a wrong block and you’ll most likely fail. This is a trial and error game unless you’ve planned everything out in your head before you commence the level. You really have to stand back and see how you’ll obtain each gold stack before running off to try and get them. Add a dose of red robotic baddies, yetis and other creatures and you’ve got yourself an authentic thinking man’s puzzler. They’ll chase you to no end until you either create traps for them, or momentarily stop them by destroying the platforms they’re on. But then again, they’ll respawn just to make life that much harder. And this is what makes Lode Runner so compelling. You won’t wriggle your way out of the level until you know exactly what it is you need to do. It’s frustrating, but at the same time intriguing. As I said earlier, all classics frustrate the average gamer. You’ll need to simultaneously think of ways to evade the evil that pursue you, find a way to get to the gold before the timer runs out and continually scan for entry points to the gleaming stacks. It’s this frantic, frenzied piece of gaming foray that really sets Lode Runner apart from your average XBLA game. It took me a little more than 20 minutes to come to grips with the learning curve, but the tutorial does help in bringing new players up to date. For those looking for a challenge, this game is it. Replayability is immense and 80 locales of tough, intensely difficult levels will keep you occupied for a while, just like a remake of a classic should. So for those that want lighthearted action, this may be a dealbreaker. But fortunately for the others, there’s a lot of playtime here to be had.

I’ve never played the game’s previous iterations before and I’m being honest; but I wouldn’t expect most who downloaded it on XBLA to either. Tozai and Southend have brought forth a classic to newcomers and old gamers alike, and has done a fine job of ushering its time pressure gameplay to both of these audiences. The visuals have been overhauled to modern standards, and it shows. The addition of co-op mode is creative, forcing players to actually use teamwork to finish the levels – making it a whole new experience than that of the single player mode. Lode Runner requires attentiveness and focus. If you’re looking for a swift play through, look elsewhere. For those that want a “thinking man’s puzzler” look no further. It’s a good thing Edward didn’t get to play this one. After 26 years, Tozai and Southend have ensured that it’s still time after all to get that bag of gold and run with it all.

Written By Jeff Effendi

A games journalist writing for various editorials such as AppGamer and MS Xbox-World, Jeff also contributes to big-time magazine 'Australian 360'. Being the first Asian-Australian to join The Koalition, he's unfortunately subject to a wealth of jokes in the office, just ask Edward.