CES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLA

by Christopher Grant { Jan 7th 2008 at 1:45PM }

In an early morning meeting with Microsoft, we got a sneak peek of a title that's been a long-time coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Some of you may remember our nearly year-and-a-half old interview with former Xbox Live Arcade Portfolio Manager Ross Erickson, who professed Lode Runner to be his "favorite game of all time" and, it seemed like a natural conclusion that he would be working on bringing that title to the service. Though Erickson's moved on, the proto-platformer is finally making its way to XBLA.

Totally updated for XBLA by developer Tozai (purportedly the original developer and license holder), the version showed off was apparently "incredibly early." Nevertheless, the 3D graphics were sharp and the original Lode Runner gameplay is so immediately infectious it bleeds through every layer of paint thrown on it. But it's not all original gameplay, as the developer is adding in several multiplayer modes like "Hang-On," which supports four players, and "Journey," which supports two.

One of our favorite touches was the history timeline of the game, which aims to educate gamers on Lode Runner's long history and role in the history of video games. A very classy touch, and one we'd love to see more of in our games, along with the original game variant while they're at it. Understandably, there's no word on price or release, but we were told "2008" was a good estimate.

But that's still not the biggest question we've got. No, what we really want to know is whether or not the XBLA version will share the series' iconic level editor functionality. The answer was that while nothing has been announced, the developer is obviously aware of the game's history. Is it too much to hope that we'd be allowed to share user-created levels, perhaps enjoying a LittleBigPlanet-esque community angle? We hope not.

Gallery: Lode Runner (XBLA)

Tags: BreakingNews, CES-2008, Lode-Runner, Tozai, XBLA

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

LordMinogue @ Jan 7th 2008 1:51PM

Will you be our compensation for the live blackouts?

rom @ Jan 7th 2008 1:53PM

I used to have Lode Runner on my old Mac. Ahh..the memories. Can't wait to see what they've done to the XBLA version.

baby sea tuna @ Jan 7th 2008 2:11PM

This was easily one of my favorite games on my old Atari 800. Can't even imagine how many hours I logged on it as a kid...

sifer2400 @ Jan 7th 2008 2:13PM

seems interesting whats the game play about?

Jonah Falcon @ Jan 7th 2008 8:30PM

Lode Runner is the original platform jumper.

BPM64 - The Second Attack! @ Jan 7th 2008 2:13PM

If this is Lode Runner, then where's the Bombermen enemies?

Bloo @ Jan 7th 2008 2:16PM

Ah yes, I used to love this on my Atari 130XE. This game used to be on EVERYTHING! The original Doom...

Brian @ Jan 7th 2008 2:23PM

Bring on the brain eating monks!

why not the LS2/LS7? @ Jan 7th 2008 2:21PM

Torza was not the original developer, Brøderbund was.

I'm sure this'll do well in Japan, as Lode Runner was huge there. For the rest of us, the gameplay doesn't really hold up anymore.

DarkTetsuya @ Jan 7th 2008 2:25PM

even without the level editor, it's *probably* more fun than being called a homo n***** in HALO 3 multiplayer.

baby sea tuna @ Jan 7th 2008 3:37PM

Stop being a homo n***** and maybe the kids'll stop calling you out on it...

DarkTetsuya @ Jan 7th 2008 2:22PM

I'm waiting on confirmation of a level builder before I check this out.

Exo @ Jan 7th 2008 2:21PM

well seeing as it has a download content option on the menu already, id assumethey are planning on adding more levels inone form or another

T3H WICKERMAN (FDF) @ Jan 7th 2008 2:55PM

Looking good. I still want some classic pc games for live arcade. The Lucas Arts games (Dark Forces and the Tim Schaffer games!), Star Control 2, Wolfenstein,and Elder Scrolls Arena.

driven2sin @ Jan 7th 2008 2:57PM

they shouldn't change the graphics.. the original gameplay was TIGHT

RomeoDude @ Jan 7th 2008 3:14PM

It's hard to overstate my satisfaction....

I'm so excited... I can't wait till this is released!
I hope they keep a lot of features from Lode Runner: The Legend Returns, especially the map creator. Some classic maps would be nice too.

J.Goodwin @ Jan 7th 2008 3:21PM

Sounds like they're implementing some of the gameplay from Battle Lode Runner on PCE/TG16.

Good choice.

Mike @ Jan 7th 2008 3:40PM

Now here's a game I can get excited about. I LOVED Lode Runner on my Apple II+ back in the day. I made over 100 maps that where awesome.. I hope they will include the editor.. but I highly doubt they will. It would cut into their possible income for additional downloaded maps. Who would buy more if you could just trade user created?.. chance of editor; less then 10% IMHO. :(

nick @ Jan 7th 2008 5:34PM

The original developer of Load Runner was Douglas E. Smith, and was published by Broderbund for the Apple II. Broderbund published ports for various other systems and a sequel Champsionship Load Runner, plus maybe one other. Since then, a number of other companies and developers have re-worked the game for additional platforms and subsequent sequels. It was even made into a free standing arcade game, although that version was a rather poor translation.

wickedpheonix @ Jan 7th 2008 5:53PM

Very nice! But I guess I'm one of 2 people who wish there was some Lode Runner 2 goodness (which was 3D) :P But considering, well some Legend returns would be good as well.

Also, waiting for Lode Runner's spiritual successor - N+, which is taking FOREVER to pass MS certification. thewayoftheninja.org