CES '08: XBLA digging up Lode Runner

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 GMT

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

  • lamprey263

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 1:22 pm GMT

    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 GMT

    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 GMT

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

  • TAZ_ASSASIN

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 12:59 am GMT

    wow....

  • Tranceplant

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:23 pm GMT

    Okay...

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:59 pm GMT

    was a great game, can't wait

  • ashuncc2

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:35 pm GMT

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

  • xerxes5678

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:16 am GMT

    Sounds Good but...

    ...Turok XBLA plz.

  • PiNwOrM

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 11:11 am GMT

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

  • GTKyle5

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:49 am GMT

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

  • CodingGenius Site moderator

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:47 am GMT

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

  • zorn99

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 10:41 am GMT

    Looks cool.

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

  • Sydwynder

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 9:08 am GMT

    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 GMT

    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 GMT

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

  • km1498

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 4:36 am GMT

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

  • vahid_xbox_360

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 2:03 am GMT

    XBLA is alway cool. yeeeeeh

  • hbelly

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 1:31 am GMT

    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 GMT

    cool

  • SetsuOkun

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 1:20 am GMT

    i actually think it would be best to call online network as they are: psonlince xbox online etc than xmb xbl x whatever

  • dn3datomiced

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 1:14 am GMT

    My favorite version was the old Sierra version for PC back in 1995. That was great. Not sure how I came by it, though.

  • theclaw135

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 11:25 pm GMT

    If we could just make a fan translation of the DS one... Been over a year, no sign they'll do it.

  • guppieface

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 10:46 pm GMT

    i played the original on my apple II. very nostalgic for me, i actually wish they had the original game with no updated graphics. i love the old apple II games....

  • Ryo_Kensen

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 10:09 pm GMT

    I remember playing one of the Lode Runners, I'm not sure which one it was though. I do remember enjoying it though.

  • Tamashii-sosaku

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 10:08 pm GMT

    I remember completing Lode Runner on the NES. When you find out that Lode Runner is actually Bomber Man. Same as if you comlete Bomber Man he turns into Loder Runner at the end.

  • Rasserei

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 9:35 pm GMT

    I am so down to play that~

  • icepickiii

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 9:12 pm GMT

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... finally

  • Whiteboy1102

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 9:09 pm GMT

    Hope they have that level editor from the PS1 version. This game is so addicting. Used to have this on my old Mac in like 95' along with Power Pete.

  • cvasquez311

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 8:51 pm GMT

    lode runner is awsome

  • HalfEVILmonkey

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 8:15 pm GMT

    Im going to have a lode runner in my pants here in a little while....if you know what I mean

  • cutmaclass1 posted Jan 7, 2008 8:08 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    cutmaclass1

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 8:08 pm GMT (hide)

    Is Lode Runner anything like Blade Runner? If so, I'm in.

  • stompoutloud

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 8:03 pm GMT

    I really liked the N64 version of Lode Runner. Great 3d style graphics but still the same great 2d gameplay.

  • Futil1ty

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:51 pm GMT

    Where's my N+?

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:33 pm GMT

    Had this on the Apple II a million years ago. I wonder if they'll throw the level editor in like they did back in the day.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:33 pm GMT

    Golden Axe was a disapointment...but I'll still playu loderunner. wonder if they have the same level editor

  • APOLLOCJD

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:33 pm GMT

    360 keeps gettin better. PSN learn from this.

  • OremLK

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:18 pm GMT

    Awesome! Now they just need to get Commander Keen out there, and I'll be happy.

  • Roland1225

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 7:18 pm GMT

    Everytime anyone ever asked what old school game I wanted to come to XBL I have always said Lode Runner! I am sooo excited for this.

  • Pittfan666

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 6:59 pm GMT

    Great news. I was trying to get Lode Runner to install on my laptop with windows vista but sadly I ran into troubles transfering the files from my desktop that runs xp to my laptop. Great timing for me seeing as that I was dieing to relive such a great classic recently.

  • Jamie_1987

    Posted Jan 7, 2008 6:52 pm GMT

    oh snap!!!!

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

Lode Runner Boxshot
Lode Runner
  • Downloadable Game

Game Stats

Full Game Details »Close

Related Games

Site Blogs