- Publisher: Tozai Games
- Release Date: Apr 22, 2009
- Also On: iPhone/iPad
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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In the end, Lode Runner is the kind of game that will appeal primarily to those with fond memories of the original, although puzzle fans may find the puzzle mode appealing.
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Lode runner on the 360 is like buying a new car. It’s all clean and shiny and has that new car smell, but at the same time is comfortably familiar.
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X-ONE Magazine UKReliable fun. [Issue#46, p.101]
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Official Xbox Magazine UKRetro action without much new to offer. [July 2009, p.97]
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Load Runner is certainly a unique and well put together game. It is challenging to the point of frustration but includes a significant amount of content not to mention a level editor.
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Lode Runner functions as an excellent addition to a venerable franchise, updating the original game to today’s standards – the game isn’t necessarily a reinvention, but the quality of the source material more than makes up for it.
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The real draw is the mix of action and hardcore puzzle-solving. [May 2009, p.84]
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All the bases are covered: single-player missions, competitive and cooperative multiplayer, puzzle stages, survival mode, and an extensive level editor. Southend can't take credit for the enduring appeal of Lode Runner, but it is emerging as one of the most able developers working on XBLA thanks to the care it puts into its projects.
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I think the old-school gameplay shines through in its new packaging. And for about a quarter of the price of a regular retail release, it’s still a good deal in a trying economy.
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While I'll always have a fond place in my heart for the original version of Lode Runner and the way it looks and sounds, this is a strong reinterpretation of the original game that pulls off the same tricky balancing act between thinking and running.
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The game bears testament to the strength of Smith’s original vision, a puzzle game that avoids prescribed solutions through the tenacity of its enemies.
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The longest-running game you've never heard of gets a typically competent but characterless makeover.
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Lode Runner on the 360 is a testament to the enduring appeal of this innovative and challenging game.
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Xbox World 360 Magazine UKAncient and antiquated - not worth playing in spite of the admirable update. [June 2009, p.95]
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All of these innovations along with the tons of single-player, cooperative, and competitive modes make this the best and most complete Lode Runner ever.
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One of my favourite Xbox LIVE Arcade titles to date and one I will be playing for a while to come.
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Even though so much is included, it all comes down to the gameplay. It's tough to fault the developers for staying true to the original, but in today's age, games have gotten more forgiven, something that Lode Runner seems to forget.
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Retro fans and new gamers will be delighted with this great remake. Well worth downloading, although the price is high.
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Tough and relentless, but a heck of a lot of fun as well. Lode Runner benefits from some smart design choices that keep the game challenging while (mostly) avoiding needless frustration.
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While it does not introduce many new twists to the established formula (the multiplayer modes re-hash the basic core Lode Runner gameplay), the style of play that the series started is still unique and fun, and can surely appeal to the new generation of players.
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Lode Runner is a faithful and well constructed platform puzzler remake. It retains the fun, speed, and poor AI of the original while injecting some life into it with new obstacles. It really is a lot of fun and there is a lot of gameplay to be enjoyed on your own or online.
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The reboot is an excellent example of how old-school gameplay can be brought to life on today's hardware.
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A gaming milestone is treated with respect and given an acceptable latter-day spit-shine.
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It's a very addictive and frustrating game that had me going just one more attempt, even though I was getting my ass kicked on many occasions. Good graphics for this genre that gives the player a twist to the original incarnation of Lode Runner!
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The game looks the part, is fun to play, extremely challenging, and offers a ton of bang for you buck.
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Some of the gameplay can seem a little restrictive compared to modern titles (much as Bionic Commando Rearmed did) but once you get into the swing of it (not as literally as Bionic Commando...), the rule set of the game becomes habit and you'll enjoy flexing your mental muscle as you navigate each level.
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The 80's return in style with this fantastic remake. Lode Runner strikes back with new graphics and fluid controls. The game is beefy enough to warrant the price tag, and polished enough to warrant our praise.
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Apart from some shiny new graphics, and a some multiplayer game modes it is exactly the same game as all those years ago.
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For retro game addicts, Lode Runner will be worth its weight in gold.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 4 out of 10
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Mixed: 5 out of 10
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Negative: 1 out of 10
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Feb 28, 2021
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ShaunMay 24, 2009
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adrianocApr 26, 2009Well, good game at all, but, there are some misunderstandings about the original Lode Runner, and, for old school gamers, that's not cool.