Lode Runner
Main game
3.26 average rating based on 126 ratings
- Developers
- Brøderbund Software, Irem
- Publishers
- Banpresto, Brøderbund Software, Irem, Microsoft Studios, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Soft Pro International, Software Projects, Sony, SystemSoft
- Series
- Lode Runner
- Platforms
- Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Arcade, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, DOS, FM-7, MSX, Mac, NEC PC-6000 Series, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series, SG-1000, Sharp X1, Windows Phone, WonderSwan, ZX Spectrum
- Genres
- Platform, Puzzle
- Themes
- Action, Science fiction
Release Dates
User Stats
How Long Is Lode Runner?
Related Content
lode runner is good*
This review is for the Mac version
lode runner is a best-in-form kind of game. an eidolon of western games. the hybrid of arcade action and quick-on-your-feet puzzle mechanics is really phenomenal. the dudes running after you... the gold... the digging... simple to grasp, hard to wield.
HOWEVER, although i do not wish to write a "buyer's guide" style review of a 35 year old video game, i must address the asterisk in the review title. certain ports of lode runner, and in fact the ones that these days are easiest for a gaming public to attain, are not good. if you are playing a version of lode runner where the screen scrolls to follow your character, the titular lode runner, you are not playing a good port. the nes version and the turbografx 16 version are poor. they go against the vision of lode running. if they are the only version you have access to, i recommend not playing. the computer versions are much better (i endorse the macintosh version and the apple ii version. i cannot speak to others, i have only played the four i mentioned). the screen does not scroll. you are able to soak in all of the information at once. find …
lode runner is a best-in-form kind of game. an eidolon of western games. the hybrid of arcade action and quick-on-your-feet puzzle mechanics is really phenomenal. the dudes running after you... the gold... the digging... simple to grasp, hard to wield.
HOWEVER, although i do not wish to write a "buyer's guide" style review of a 35 year old video game, i must address the asterisk in the review title. certain ports of lode runner, and in fact the ones that these days are easiest for a gaming public to attain, are not good. if you are playing a version of lode runner where the screen scrolls to follow your character, the titular lode runner, you are not playing a good port. the nes version and the turbografx 16 version are poor. they go against the vision of lode running. if they are the only version you have access to, i recommend not playing. the computer versions are much better (i endorse the macintosh version and the apple ii version. i cannot speak to others, i have only played the four i mentioned). the screen does not scroll. you are able to soak in all of the information at once. find one of the good versions. run on.
I can see this game may have been a trend back then.
This review is for the Nintendo Entertainment System version
I wasn't alive back when this game dropped, but I can see the appeal of it, and how a lot of people can come to enjoy it, be it in the arcade or at home. it is incredibly addictive and fun all-rounder puzzle platformer. took me a while to get used to the controls, but I absolutely loved it! I did play clones of this game when I was a kid, but this game still holds up fairly well throughout the years. I would recommend playing it sometime, but you will start enjoying it once you get a grip of the controls and the Gameplay pattern.
Disappointing, Yet Important, Early Platformer
This review is for the Atari 8-bit version
Look: 5/10 Awful look to this, even for a microcomputer game from '83 heh. Hard to even differentiate the enemies from your character (at first).
Sound: 6/10 Functional but forgettable. Kinda liked the end-of-level jingle I suppose.
Play: 7/10 Super responsive controls that made the game playable for a bit. And I like how gravity is so forgiving here, kinda felt like I was parkouring ha. Other than that, been there done that for a lot of this.
Feel: 7/10 Unlike Space Panic, I like that you just build up the ladder and move on--cuz I've never enjoyed the "trap to kill" Panic clones gameplay, personally. Also, an undeniably important game.
Attachment: 6/10 May be an important game but I was disappointed. Moving on. (Plus, it doesn't help that I'm grumpy today ha.)
Completion: Completed Level 2 Playtime: ~15 mins
Astounding playability and longevity for a game of this vintage. That, plus being one of the most important games of all time results in a rating of 5/5. https://loderunnerwebgame.com/game/, probably the best way to play it. Wanna tear my hair out, but still can't get enough.