Lode Runner Legacy
Gameplay 9
Graphics 8
Sound 8

Lode Runner Legacy takes the addictive gameplay of the classic title and spruces it up with some brand-new voxel visuals. In addition to the 150 original levels, the game also includes brand new adventure as well as puzzle levels along with leaderboards. Best of all, Lode Runner Legacy features editors to help you create everything from your own levels to custom characters, enemies, and items. Fans expecting the newer features introduced in later Lode Runner titles might find the game a little too simple for their taste, but everyone who loved the original is in for a treat.

Gameplay: Lode Runner Legacy features Adventure, Puzzle, Classic, and Extra game modes, along with leaderboards and editors.

Graphics: The voxel visuals are a perfect match for the style of the game.

Sound: The audio is not exactly spectacular, but neither is it too intrusive

Summary 8.3 Outstanding
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

Lode Runner Legacy

Developer: Tozai Games, Inc. , O-TWO inc.  | Publisher: Tozai Games, Inc. | Release Date: 2017 | Genre: Action / Casual | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

From the numerous challenging levels to the addictive gameplay and simple-to-use editor, there are plenty of reasons why many people consider the original Lode Runner a classic. Since its release in 1983, there has been a steady stream of sequels and ports for almost every system imaginable, but the original still holds fond memories for most fans. Before the bombs, teleporters, and other gimmicks added by later games, you simply ran around avoiding enemies while recovering stolen gold. Your character was incapable of jumping, and your only means of defending yourself was to use a gun that could create holes in the ground to trap enemies. Lode Runner Legacy continues in this tradition but wraps the classic gameplay in a glossy new voxel coat.

Players are once again cast in the role of “Runner” with the purpose of recovering stolen gold from nefarious enemies. These guys will kill you on contact, so evading them using the platforms, ropes, and ladders that make up each level is vital. The gun that can dig holes directly next to you in the floor also makes a return. However, using it requires a bit more strategy than your typical videogame firearm that simply shoots projectiles. Firstly, you cannot dig a hole if an enemy is too close to you, so you need to plan your moves ahead. Secondly, since you cannot dig holes directly beneath your Runner, it is possible to get yourself stuck with no way of escaping. Most levels take advantage of this by placing the gold you need to collect in all kinds of tricky spots, so it’s not just a case of strolling up to everything and collecting it before beating a hasty retreat. In addition to dealing with enemies chasing you down and hard-to-reach gold, there are also some other things to contend with as the levels become more challenging. Some blocks cannot be turned into holes, while others are hollow and cause you to fall through, but only reveal this the first time you walk over them. Also, while enemies can be killed by the holes you dug, they simply respawn, so your victory is only temporary.

While the classic Lode Runner formula has been used for this game, it does offer a couple of different modes for variety. The “Adventure” mode is the best place to start as it eases you into the game and ensures you understand all the basics before ramping up the challenge. Spread across 50 different levels, this mode introduces new enemies along the way, and levels are addictive enough that you’ll constantly want to have just one more go. Lode Runner has always been equal parts puzzle and action, so it is no surprise to see a “Puzzle” mode making an appearance. Also containing 50 different levels, this mode drops the enemies and makes it all about figuring out how to get to the gold. Some of the puzzle levels definitely require a bit of planning and lateral thinking to pull off, but they are just as addictive as the Adventure mode.

One of the biggest treats in Lode Runner Legacy is the “Classic” mode, which offers all 150 levels of the original game. The levels in Classic mode also use voxels instead of the original art style, but for the rest, they are just as challenging and entertaining as you remember them. Some versions of the original game, like the NES release, didn’t include all of the original levels, so this is a great opportunity to see what you have missed if you only had access to a cut-down version back in the day. A year after the game’s release, it received a significant update, adding a multiplayer mode for up to two players along with new levels. This update also added “Extra” mode, featuring new enemies and even more levels.

Of course, the level editor contributed much to the original game’s success, so it’s no surprise that Lode Runner Legacy also features one. Creating levels is relatively straightforward and can also be uploaded to the game for other players to try out. Accessing levels created by other players is done via the “World Levels” feature, and a couple of really nice ones are available. Tozai Games didn’t just stop there either, but put the Voxel nature of the game to good use by providing a character as well as an item editor too. Using these, you can create your own Runner character, enemies, and custom gold items. Although these editors are slightly trickier to use than the level editor, it is still possible to pull off some impressive results. A quick browse through the Steam Workshop revealed that fans have already created a couple of really nice custom characters, such as Kirby, Bomberman, Link, and even Dovahkiin of Skyrim fame.

The voxel visuals are a great match for the game and give everything a polished sheen. Even though the visuals are in 3D, the game is still in 2D, so you only have to worry about moving in four different directions. The game includes a first-person mode, but honestly, it feels more like a gimmick than anything that is genuinely useful or really needed. Lode Runner Legacy doesn’t feature any backgrounds either, which is in keeping with the style of the original, but it does make it feel like the levels don’t have a lot of variety in terms of visuals. Levels are all still single-screen in style but can now range from small to large, with larger levels pulling the camera further back to fit everything in. The audio is decent enough, but the tunes are all relatively unobtrusive, which is probably a good thing. The controls are also very straightforward and work well using either a keyboard or controller. The interface feels a little more cumbersome than it needs to be in terms of selecting levels and accessing options, but this doesn’t detract too much from the experience.

Tozai Games could simply have featured the 150 classic levels using the new voxel visuals, and most fans would still have loved this game, so all the additional content is really just a bonus. Aspects like the online rankings and user-created content also expand the longevity of this title a great deal. If you are a fan of the original game, then this is a must-have title, and even newcomers will find plenty to like about Lode Runner Legacy.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 7/ Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-530 @ 2.93 GHz or Better
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
  • Storage: 500 MB available space

Related posts

Arcade Spirits

Arcade Spirits

Arcade Spirits is a visual novel that is packed with romance, great writing and plenty of nostalgia for anyone who grew up practically living in arcades during the eighties. It features a diverse cast of characters that are all interesting enough that you want to spend more time getting to know them. The story is perhaps not the most original, but it still managed to draw us in and keep us interested right to the very end. It is also one of the most inclusive visual novels that we have played, but nothing about it feels forced or tacked on, which is even better. If you love visual novels and want something a little different from the usual fare, then Arcade Spirits is highly recommended. Gameplay: Plenty of choices that actually matter and a very engaging storyline to keep you hooked. Graphics: Bright and colorful with plenty of backdrops and great character designs. Sound: The synthwave soundtrack is great and the voice acting even better.

Avoid – Sensory Overload

Avoid - Sensory Overload

While Avoid Sensory Overload is another mobile title to make the leap to PC, it doesn't feel like a cheap cash-in. The gameplay is addictive, and on higher difficulty levels, the game can provide quite a challenge. The randomly generated levels in endless mode also provide longevity, especially for the price. If you are looking for a pure arcade experience where you can test your reflexes while listening to some nice tunes, then you won't want to avoid this game. Gameplay: A nice arcade experience that is addictive enough to keep you returning for more. Graphics: It's not quite a sensory overload, but the visuals are colorful and stylish. Sound: There are different musical genres with some nice tracks.

Castle of Illusion

Castle of Illusion

Castle Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse is a polished and great looking update of a 16 bit classic but it is not without issues. The controls feel a bit too floaty and the whole experience can be over in one sitting. The updated visuals look fantastic however and fans of the mouse will appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into this game. Gameplay: Captures the spirit of the original bit is a bit on the easy side. Graphics: The highlight of the game. Sound: The ability to switch between the original and remastered soundtrack is great.

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain is a great shooter that strays a little from the usual formula to offer an action-packed experience based more on skill than luck. Mastering the M.E.F.A2 and Concept Reactor attacks is immensely satisfying and allows you to play more aggressively. Players used to power-ups and weapon upgrades will find that RefRain has a bit of a learning curve, but this also gives it more longevity and replay value. Overall, if you are a fan of the genre, then RefRain certainly doesn't disappoint. Gameplay: RefRain is challenging but very rewarding when mastered. Graphics: The designs are a little bland compared to other shooters, but the game is very colorful. Sound: The game features a very fitting electronic soundtrack.

Cloudbuilt

Cloudbuilt

Cloudbuilt is one of those games that will cause you to rage quit quite a few times until you wrap your head around the mechanics. Traversing the levels takes a lot of skill and the game doesn't hold your hand. Check-points are sparse and enemies are fierce so make sure you are up to the challenge before taking on this game. The beautiful art style and catchy soundtrack are highlights but the controls take time to master. Gameplay: Very fast and very challenging. Graphics: Beautiful cel-shaded visuals with a unique cross-hatch effect. Sound: A great soundtrack that matches the frantic pace of the game.

Gundemonium Recollection

Gundemonium Recollection

If you like "bullet hell" shooters then you will have a blast with Gundemonium Recollection. Five levels might not sound like much but be prepared to spend a lot of time with this game if you truly want to master it. With a wealth of weapons and some really challenging gameplay you'll be coming back to this one again and again. Gameplay: Daunting if you are new to the genre, but loads of fun and very challenging. Graphics: Nowhere near cutting-edge but very stylish and cute. Sound: The new arranged soundtrack is excellent.

Leave a comment

17 − four =