Review: Lode Runner

Mike Bantick
Sunday, 17 May 2009 06:52

Entertainment

Firstly, the 2D platformer has leaped into the 3D world, with bright extra dimension graphics, with five themes to be explored.  It is still a 2D game, but watching creatures being pushed towards the front of the screen, and then plummet to the water below when a Machine level block returns to the grid is a nice touch.

Apart from the aforementioned Machine levels, there are also worlds themed around Aztec architecture, Volcanic, Frozen and Underground Mines.  Each theme has its own rules, specific monsters and extra features.

For example, Mine levels invariable include the usual ladders and overhead hand-rails, but also shortcut caverns to quickly traverse the screen, or evade the ever-present under-dwelling monsters.

There are plenty of special rules, tricks and frustrations to be had in Journey mode, the most traditional slog through levels.

The action is frenetic, and unless the Runner takes few moments at the start of each level to study the lay-out and geographic tricks, he is sure to be going through lives at an equally frenetic rate.

Between levels, the Runner will need to traverse some mini puzzles where extra lives can be gained, if he is smart enough.  A nice touch.

There is plenty of content here for an XBLA release. 

There is a level editor, where those so disposed can whip up conundrums of their own, host Xbox LIVE matches to show off your creations to the world.

Speaking of multiplayer, there is a co-op mode which is okay, but the real multiplayer fun is in the Last Man mode where players can sabotage other players escape routes to increase the chance of them being caught.

Other game content includes 50 puzzle style levels, where the brain matter is more important than twitchy fingers and conversely a ‘Hang On’ mode where the Runner must outwit ever increasing numbers of monsters for as long as possible.

Controls are smooth, with only a hint of frustration when confronted by two possible routes where only slight miscalculations can be disastrous.


In a way, because this is yet another remake of an early eighties classic, the game suffers from nostalgic comparisons that cannot help but well up feelings for the original.  Whether they are unfounded or not, the longer I play this new version, the more I long to play the old.

Still there is plenty of content here, that will give those fans of the original, or those seeking classic game-play a great deal of joy.

7.5 abominable snowmen out of 10