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CES '08: XBLA digging up Lode Runner

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpotPosted Jan 7, 2008 6:48 pm PT

Independent developer Tozai revamping classic platformer with polygonal graphics for release later this year on the Xbox 360.

LAS VEGAS---A pretty easy way to gauge gamers' ages is to ask them if they played Lode Runner when it first came out. Today, though, gamers both young and old rejoiced at the announcement that the classic platformer is coming to Xbox Live Arcade later this year.

Today at Microsoft's tent-enclosed booth at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, Xbox Live Arcade product manager Jeremy Wacksman showed off the XBLA Lode Runner to GameSpot. While Brøderbund's original was a primitive 2D platformer with flat graphics, the new version--from independent developer Tozai--reimagines the game in polygon form.

That said, the new Lode Runner offers nearly the same evade-and-collect gameplay that made the original a hit--in the primary journey mode, anyway. The revised edition adds two-person online or offline co-op, much like that found in other Xbox Live Arcade classic titles like Golden Axe.

Wacksman also said new version adds two other modes. First up is puzzle, which will have up to two players use their characters' ground-blasting ability to move elaborately stacked blocks and collect ore. The final mode, called hang on, will challenge up to four players to outlast one another as they are hit by wave after wave of endless foes. In a twist, players who die will come back to life as a reanimated zombie bent on killing the surviving players.

Last but not least, the XBLA Lode Runner will come with a timeline-based text history of the game, which first became popular in 1983 on the Apple II computer. Since then, it has appeared on nearly a dozen systems, including the Commodore 64, PC, NES, Game Boy, and Nintendo DS.

41 Comments

  • Dramacide

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 11:14 am PT

    Used to spend hours playing this game on the videotron cable box!DAmn son!!

  • lamprey263

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 1:22 pm PT

    I just downloaded Omega Five and Metal Slug 3 last night it's going to be a while before I can get to Load Runner

  • andyrae11

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 7:57 am PT

    Great. Turn a crappy game into another crappy game.

    Well, at least they are RECYCLING! Good for them.

  • jraziel1019

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 6:45 am PT

    Now get me an HD BurgerTime and we'll be in business!

  • TAZ_ASSASIN

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 12:59 am PT

    wow....

  • Tranceplant

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:23 pm PT

    Okay...

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:59 pm PT

    was a great game, can't wait

  • ashuncc2

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:35 pm PT

    I remember playing it on the Commodore. It will be good to play the ole' classic.

  • xerxes5678

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:16 am PT

    Sounds Good but...

    ...Turok XBLA plz.

  • PiNwOrM

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:11 am PT

    AWESOME! I played Lode Runner 1 for hours on my old PC. Will deffinately buy.

  • GTKyle5

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:49 am PT

    The color version on PowerMac... god... the memories.

  • CodingGenius Site moderator

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:47 am PT

    I absolutely love Lode Runner. I would strongly consider picking it up...

  • zorn99

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:41 am PT

    Looks cool.

    I played the original on an A[pple IIe with a green monochrome monitor.

  • Sydwynder

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 9:08 am PT

    Sweet!!!! Loderunner was the very very very first video game that I ever played on PC or console. Ahh the memories..............can't wait for this one.

  • IMDLEGEND

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 7:40 am PT

    I remember the old classic on my apple IIe. I never finished it though, as it got quite mindbending towards the later levels.

  • -HCMF-

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 4:53 am PT

    good game, hope they don't "tempest" this one

  • km1498

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 4:36 am PT

    sounds good, can't wait to check it out.

  • vahid_xbox_360

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:03 am PT

    XBLA is alway cool. yeeeeeh

  • hbelly

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 1:31 am PT

    Awesome! It's a great classic and I'm sure it's been translated to XBLA well. I've heard the multiplayer is a blast too!

  • 345669

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 1:21 am PT

    cool

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