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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Lode Runner
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 29 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Tozai / SouthEnd Interactive
Genre(s): Action
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: April 22, 2009
Summary
[Xbox Live Arcade] The classic action game Lode Runner is back, with 220 new levels and even more surprises! Confront crazed enemies in fresh sets of single-player levels and fun-filled co-op challenges, or lean back and master increasingly complex puzzles. Battle it out with endlessly spawning enemies in a feverish new mode, or challenge up to three friends in a cunning game of high speed tag, where the first to die are the first to avenge - as enemies! Create custom levels and host matches over Xbox LIVE. Lode Runner legacy: Inspired by the classic action title, but the game is recreated from the ground up for Xbox LIVE Arcade with 3-D graphics, all-new levels, and play modes. Game modes for everyone: Play expansive single-player and co-op Journey campaigns, frantic Hang On survival challenges, complex puzzles, and a four-player Last Man competition that rewards sabotage, revenge, and outright deviousness. New content: Explore five worlds inhabited by unique enemies and special terrain such as avalanche blocks, stalactites, and teleports. Blast blocks with bombs and collect energy balls to add lives. Unearth hidden enemies! Transition from one level to the next seamlessly. Master new co-operative play techniques like blasting blocks while riding on a buddy's head. Level editor and community: Design custom levels for any game mode and environment to challenge your friends. Host Xbox LIVE matches with your cunning creations or upload and download the coolest custom levels from the Lode Runner community. [Tozai]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Team Xbox
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.
Read Full Review >Cheat Code Central
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.
Read Full Review >WonderwallWeb
Retro fans and new gamers will be delighted with this great remake. Well worth downloading, although the price is high.
Read Full Review >Console Monster
One of my favourite Xbox LIVE Arcade titles to date and one I will be playing for a while to come.
Read Full Review >Gameplanet
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.
Read Full Review >GamingExcellence
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.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
The game looks the part, is fun to play, extremely challenging, and offers a ton of bang for you buck.
Read Full Review >Impulsegamer
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!
Read Full Review >Xbox World Australia
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.
Read Full Review >Extreme Gamer
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.
Read Full Review >D+PAD Magazine
For retro game addicts, Lode Runner will be worth its weight in gold.
Read Full Review >NZGamer
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.
Read Full Review >GameFocus
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.
Read Full Review >Eurogamer
The reboot is an excellent example of how old-school gameplay can be brought to life on today's hardware.
Read Full Review >PALGN
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.
Read Full Review >Giant Bomb
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.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
The real draw is the mix of action and hardcore puzzle-solving. [May 2009, p.84]
Read Full Review >IGN
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.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Lode Runner on the 360 is a testament to the enduring appeal of this innovative and challenging game.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
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.
Read Full Review >The Onion (A.V. Club)
A gaming milestone is treated with respect and given an acceptable latter-day spit-shine.
Read Full Review >GamePro
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.
Read Full Review >Edge Magazine
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.
Read Full Review >Teletext GameCentral
The longest-running game you've never heard of gets a typically competent but characterless makeover.
Read Full Review >X360 Magazine UK
Reliable fun. [Issue#46, p.101]
Gamers' Temple
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.
Read Full Review >DarkZero
Apart from some shiny new graphics, and a some multiplayer game modes it is exactly the same game as all those years ago.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine UK
Retro action without much new to offer. [July 2009, p.97]
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Ancient and antiquated - not worth playing in spite of the admirable update. [June 2009, p.95]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Shaun gave it a7:
The gameplay hasn't changed from how it was 25 years ago...but who needs it to? The modes included in the download add something to the game, including an excellent co-op mode. There are two downsides though: the controls could have been a bit tighter, and the price point is pretty high. Microsoft seem intent on pushing the new price point of 1200 points for its arcade downloads, and that's a pity - the appeal of the arcade has always been about great gameplay at affordable prices. That said, Lode Runner goes some way to justifying the higher price - challenging and fun, it maintains its appeal in its latest incarnation.
adriano c gave it a6:
Well, good game at all, but, there are some misunderstandings about the original Lode Runner, and, for old school gamers, that's not cool.
