Lode Runner 2 Preview

I was going to start this preview by waxing nostalgic about the good old days of playing Lode Runner in four colors on my Apple IIe. The truth is, I don't need to do that because any gamer who takes a look at Lode Runner 2 will be instantly reminded of those days. One look at Lode Runner 2 and you'll find a reincarnation that takes this puzzle game away from the stereotype of a coffee break diversion to the realm of seriously fun gaming. The game may have the same basic design as the original, but the time developers have reinvested in this classic has borne worthy fruit.

For starters, the game has all-new 3D environments. From an isometric perspective, you guide a treasure hunter as he gathers gold and avoids monsters in surreal worlds filled with traps, obstacles, and power-ups. What truly shines is the beautiful 16-bit art that Presage Software has brought to the game. The five different worlds are Industrial, Jungle, Gear, Mona, and Wacky. As the screenshots for the game demonstrate, each has its own immersive fantasy setting. There are even indigenous creatures loitering in the terrain that enhance this feel by their presence alone. Complementing this is an assortment of more than 60 items that will aid you in dodging foes and overcoming other obstacles in your treasure hunt. Some of the power-ups include mines and bombs that destroy bricks and monsters. Others allow you to bypass enemies by becoming invisible or intangible. Since there are so many items, and knowledge of their proper usage is key to many puzzles, Presage is including a generous tutorial world that teaches you the ins and outs of adventuring. Some other oddities that might not be readily apparent, such as switches and buttons, are explained in the tutorial. The tutorial is a little boring, but very informative and useful.

If you're still sitting there saying that all this is nothing new to puzzle gaming, you haven't even seen the best features yet. Lode Runner 2 features a multiplayer mode that allows up to eight players to compete in seven modes of play. However, to get the most out of multiplay, you have to try the cooperative levels. These are designed for two or more players, and some of the timing and tricks involved in finishing the puzzles demand more cooperation than mere item mongering. In one level, one player must stand on a ledge flipping switches while the other player runs to the open area to grab the treasure. But if the switch flipper makes a mistake, the other player dies or can't complete acquisition of all the treasure. This makes Internet play, with its inherent lag, a definite challenge, but LAN play with someone sitting next to you should be a lot of fun.

If you're not excited yet, then how about a robust level editor? I was simply amazed at the detail in the editor and the ease with which levels like those in the game could be created. With this kind of feature, you can challenge friends or strangers on the Internet to solve puzzles of your own brain-teasing design. The sizes of the files are actually pretty small so downloading puzzle levels from friends should be pretty easy.

As for my solo experience with this beta copy of Lode Runner 2, I found myself saying "Just one more level." The addiction factor is definitely there. If GT Interactive and Presage Software maintain the course throughout the rest of development, Lode Runner 2 should satisfy your every puzzle-gaming needs.