Lost Chronicles: Lode Runner

Sometimes around here, we get distracted by things that may or may not be within our control.  School, is not within our control, but ADD attacks might, ever so slightly, be within our control. Neither is the red-ring of death, under our control. Most likely, it was due to a combination of all these things and others.  Due to these circumstances, we don’t always finish things on time. Because of such things, I bring you, one of those things we like to call, a “Lost Chronicle”.

Ah yes Lode Runner. Another classic revamp for Xbox Live Arcade. The gameplay was fairly simple in it’s original incarnation, but unique at its time. Run up and down all over platforms and ladders, avoiding and trapping enemies in holes created by you, all the while, trying to gather all the gold on the level. Fun and simple formula, that I have always loved.

Then here comes Tozai games, the same people that brought us R-Type Dimensions, with this new version of Lode Runner. Like a lot of these classic revamps recently, Tozai has done a great job bringing this franchise up to this generation without losing it’s classic feel.

First thing they did change was take away the classic gameplays shovel and replace it with a blaster, which may sound stupid, but actually was a smart move on their part. It allows you to travel to more than just places with dirt/sand to dig up with your shovel and them to vary your backgrounds a bit. Not the biggest change of course, but a good one none the less.

There are a few single player modes, Journey, which is one level after another, 5 worlds in all, more or less the classic mode. Next up is Hang-On, which has you enter a level, and try to gather as much gold and last the longest, while more and more enemies keep on coming. It’s quite hectic, but a lot of fun. My personal favorite is the Puzzle mode. First off they are quite simple puzzles, but after a time, there is puzzles where every step you take has to be right and quick as they get quite intricate. There is also a Level Editor, with the ability to share, which is a fantastic addition to any of these 2D games, and I wish more had them.

Graphics: A colorful smooth scheme with new graphics over the classic look. Much better than just trying to upgrade classic graphics to HD.

Sounds: Good enough, with a decent soundtrack to boot.

Xbox Live: Best part is the ability to share levels by far.

Best Experience: Pulling off some of the escapes from enemies just barely is a blast.

Biggest Complaint: The 1200 point price does seem a bit steep, but there is a lot of value here, and done with a lot of love for the product.

Will You Continue Playing: Definitely. Need to get through all those puzzles.

Final Thoughts: Lode Runner for the Xbox Live Arcade is a very well done upgrade to the classic franchise. Plenty of modes for different people (I could almost recommend it on the puzzles alone) and smooth fun gameplay definitely makes it a must have for any XBLA fan.

Lode Runner Marketplace