This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception until today, producing many sequels and related products along the way. The player controls the hero, or "Runner," who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots.
The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles, and none of the 50 stages is as easy as it seems. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to escape to the next.
In addition to normal play, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.
Review by Darren Calvert
Lode Runner is one of videogaming's true legends. The game has been converted to countless formats and has endured over the years in spite of the fact that it's not really a massive seller these days. The NES version is one of the earliest console conversions and to be brutally honest, it shows.
You can think of Lode Runner as a similar game to Donkey Kong with a few twists. You control your character around a level of platforms and ladders. Your goal is to collect all the gold to progress to the next level. Predictably there are bad guys trying to stop you.
Your only defense is the ability to create a hole in the ground with which to escape or trap an enemy in. It’s quite a unique game mechanic and makes the game fun and challenging.
The ability to create your own levels adds to the longevity of the game - a nice touch indeed.
Lode Runner is great fun to play and rightly deserves to be called a classic, but sadly the NES version has dated considerably. If you want some Lode Runner action we recommend checking out the superior TurboGrafx-16 version which is also available on the Virtual Console.
1. Simbabbad
11 Jun 2007, 15:31 GMT
Does this game have the same levels as the PC Engine one ?
2. SKTTR
12 Jun 2007, 12:18 GMT
The levels of Lode Runner (NES) and Battle Lode Runner (Turbografx) are not the same. There were many versions of Lode Runner that were the same, but these two are different.
A list of ports and sequels of the earliest Lode Runner games:
http://entropymine.com/jason/lr/screenshots/
(The newer Lode Runner's are not listed.)
3. Kevin
12 Jun 2007, 13:16 GMT
I had a lot of fun with this on the NS, but I'll be downloading Battle Lode Runner instead.
4. Bass X0
14 Jun 2007, 12:55 GMT
How does Championship Lode Runner differ to this game?
5. Simbabbad
14 Jun 2007, 17:08 GMT
Championship Lode Runner is insanely hard, you can look up to some video walkthrough on Youtube, it's just crazy. Most people couldn't go past level 1.
6. andym
17 Jun 2007, 16:41 GMT
I bought this game because I spent so much time playing the original PC version. What I didn't realize is how much horizontal scrolling is involved, instead of showng the entire level on one screen like the monchrome PC verson.
7. Wolfman
28 Jun 2007, 03:52 GMT
This game is really pretty useless when you have the far superior Battle Lode Runner on the TG-16/PCE. Spend 100 more points and you get better graphics and sound, not to mention the brilliant multiplayer of the TG-16 version.
8. ToxicTexan
02 Jul 2007, 21:21 GMT
is it just me or do the bad guys look like bomberman (bombermen)?
9. Adamant
18 Jul 2007, 02:12 GMT
Kinda pointless releasing this NOW, after the release of Battle LR.
But yeah, fun game, though inferior in every way (other than price) to Battle. No point in downloading this unless you already beat Battle and is hungry for more Lode Runner action.
10. Mr.cow
21 Aug 2007, 02:22 GMT
don't get this get battle lode runner for 100 exstra points you get 5 player maltyplayer and a better camara also (I think that the people look cool)
11. Mii be you
01 Sep 2007, 05:20 GMT
I played this game before. I don't think I'll play it again. It's not that I hate it, It's that I have the PC-ENGINE version.
12. Mii be you
14 Sep 2007, 23:56 GMT
Isn't there a Lode Runner game for the PC?
13. Y0u
27 Dec 2007, 02:54 GMT
Not bad per se, but kind of pointless with Battle Lode Runner out. For 100 more points, you get twice as many levels, better graphics and sound, battle mode, and a better level editor. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of levels here are in BLR as well.
14. learn japanese ds
09 Jan 2008, 21:03 GMT
Seems like a complete waste of time to even release this what with battle load runner out...
15. Clayfrd
24 Jan 2008, 00:44 GMT
I got this, and I like it a lot. It's got a nice level creator, and the regular game mode is fun too. Very recommendable. I may get "Battle" also.
16. Mr. Cheez
28 Jun 2008, 04:45 GMT
The graphics and sound in this game is simply terrible. if you want a Lode Runner game from the VC, get Battle Lode Runner instead. It's overall a much better game methinks.
17. Mickeymac
20 Jul 2008, 07:46 GMT
I'll get both, and just go with this first. Since both games are different, I don't see how releasing both is "pointless".
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