Tozai Games’ Xbox LIVE Arcade release of Lode Runner followed shortly after the developers’ debut with R-Type Dimensions in the early part of this year. The recreation of iRem’s classic franchise was remarkable in it comprehensive delivery, and received the benefit of being offered as the Xbox LIVE Arcade “Deal of the Week”, with a third taken off the price for one week, back in August. Now it’s Lode Runner’s turn for the discounted offering, available for only 800 Microsoft Points until Wednesday.

            Originally released in 1983 for Apple II, Lode Runner has been repackaged and re-released numerous times over the years, some of which more noteworthy than others, including the slightly peculiar equilibrium of an Arcade release developed by the aforementioned iRem in 1984. However, twenty-six years is a long time for any videogame gem to maintain its’ sparkle. Not only does modern graphic technology appear light-years ahead of that which was available in the 1980’s, but gameplay itself has also become methodically deeper and involving. But that’s not to say a simpler experience can’t be just as captivating.

            The task set before the player in Lode Runner is to collect all the gold piles placed within a level in a single life. Levels are constructed of blocks, and death comes from falling into an inescapable hole or off a level, or being met by an enemy. Players are armed, but not with death dealing weaponry, instead granted the capability to temporarily remove certain easily-identifiable blocks allowing the player to set traps for enemies and create new paths. Movement is controlled via the Left Analogue stick in any direction across the two-dimensional levels, however, in a twisted proposal for that which on the surface appears to be a Platform game, the player has no jump ability at their disposal. The levels are constructed in such a manner that the player must use every ladder, rope and teleporter available to work their way to the gold without being caught be either enemies or the often restrictive time limit.

            Lode Runner therefore plays more like a Puzzle game: logistical puzzles that ask for a quick mind prior to quick reactions, though still demands great amounts of both. Levels are designed in such a manner that the establishing a path to each gold pile is less than straightforward, and with the pace at which enemies move the player is constantly under pressure, forced to improvise within their own plans. A training mode is of course provided to teach basic strategy, but once the player embarks upon the main single-player component, known as the Journey, the difficulty continually ramps-up without sympathy.

            Plenty of alternative modes are also available, including a survival mode and multi-player games. The two-player co-operative mode is playable both online and on a single system, and is worthy of mention as a highlight of the Xbox LIVE Arcade release. Finely balanced in both aggression and opportunity, players face more opponents and must gather more gold, but won’t be forced a restart until both players have died. And beyond this, players have the opportunity to rescue their defeated teammate an unlimited number of times each level until they too fall foul to some unseen trickery.

            The game also features competitive multi-player for up to four players, and a level editor. A highly praised - and fairly unique at the time – feature of the original, here at allows even unskilled players to devise some fairly credible challenges. A timeline of the game’s history is also included, offering newcomers some background detail they may be unaware of and series’ fans a few moments of reminiscence.

Lode Runner’s looks fit the bill entirely. As a modernisation of a twenty-six year old game, Tozai Games have wisely chosen to offer variety along with the new found clarity. 3D effects fill the 2D play space, with smoothly animated character models and distinctive interactive objects having been made a top priority. It’s a shame that these effects are shrunk quite so much to make room for additional players, though excusable given the increased sizes of the levels. The varying environments add a fair bit of spice not only in their slightly differing rule structures, but also their visual identity.

Despite the undeniable benefits of modern technology that Lode Runner has profited from, it’s still inherently limited in its gameplay values. While this may be perfectly in keeping with most Xbox LIVE Arcade releases, there’s no denying that the Gears of War generation may find better uses for their Microsoft Points. But for those with a passion for purity in their gameplay, it’s doesn’t come much more natural than Lode Runner. An extensive variety of gameplay options justify the relatively high price-tag, bar its lowered pricing for this week of course, and the addictive nature of the frenzied puzzling action can regularly engulf entire evenings. With Tozai Games in complete control of the Lode Runner franchise, this update is clearly a very personal design, and for that the fans of the original release will be nothing less than thrilled.

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For more information on Lode Runner head to Tozai Games' official website. A comprehensive historical overview of the series awaits.