Update: October 27, 2006
«©NCSX» Lode Runner appeared on the Famicom 22 years ago courtesy of Hudson. Before that, it was a popular game on 8-bit personal computers such as the Apple II+, Atari 800, the MSX, and the Commodore 64 where creator Doug Smith made his mark. Going further before that, Loderunner was a project on a VAX 1 mainframe. The NDS reincarnation of the game is based on the Famicom version where a elfin adventurer hunts for gold ingots and blasts away platform segments to corral pursuers. The play mechanics are simple but when a gang of goons are hot on elf's heels, things tend to get a little unsettling. In addition to the game, a level editor allows players to create an endless assortment of stages. View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website. NCS Game Notes
» Hudson introduced helmeted humanoids wearing green vests as the enemies in the NES version of Loderunner. Those humanoids eventually became the character models for the Bomberman series of games. » Hudson re-released the first two NES Bomberman games last year for the Gameboy Advanceand interested players may view our update here. Notice how many times we use the word "goon." The Bombermen reprise their roles in the NDS version of Lode Runner. » The first level in the game features 3 enemies and the player starts with 5 lives. The game play is solid with snappy controls. After finishing each level, Lode Runner climbs to the top screen as orange colored fireworks explode in the sky. The clear time is listed along with performance ranking. » The 130 stages in Lode Runner span 28 x 14 "squares" in area which are simple in the beginning but progressively become more devious and tricky later. A game option dubbed "Tsume Lode Runner" does away with the enemies so that players may experiment and test their skills without fear of pursuit. » For players who need a little refresher on how to play the game, a tutorial mode containing 18 lessons teaches the basics of operation and technique. » The D-pad is used to move the hero around the levels. Press the A or B button to burn holes in the platforms so pursuers drop into them like pegs. Once they drop, the player can walk over their heads to reach the other side of a platform. » If goons pass over gold clumps, they'll instantly collect them and continue the chase. To steal their gold, dig a hole and watch them drop into it. Once they're down there, any gold lumps will appear above their heads for easy pickup. Run over the gold to collect it and continue on your way. » To ensure that gamers can always find challenge in Lode Runner, a level construction kit allows players to create their own stages and trade them with friends wirelessly. » The title screen options are: 1) Play
/ Newtype Lode Runner with updated graphics
/ Save/Load Data
/ Tsume Lode Runner (30 stages) does away with the enemies and allows players to figure out tough platform dissolution and ladder puzzles - a timer still counts up on the top screen but doesn't enforce
/ Tutorials (18 lessons separated into three main sections)
2) Lode Runner Construction Kit - Create levels with stylus
3) Ranking
4) Option
5) Wireless » The enemies in Lode Runner sort of look like robotic versions of the original Bomberman models. » In the construction kit, playfields may be 14 x 14 or 28 x 14. For the larger size, the screen scrolls in fluid fashion. Jan Code: 4988607006204 This document is ©NCSX 2006. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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