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CES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLA

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.

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

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LordMinogue
LordMinogue
Jan 7th 2008
1:51PM
Will you be our compensation for the live blackouts?
rom
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
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
sifer2400
Jan 7th 2008
2:13PM
seems interesting whats the game play about?
Jonah Falcon
Jonah Falcon
Jan 7th 2008
8:30PM
Lode Runner is the original platform jumper.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
If this is Lode Runner, then where's the Bombermen enemies?
Bloo
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...
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
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.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
baby sea tuna
baby sea tuna
Jan 7th 2008
3:37PM
Stop being a homo n***** and maybe the kids'll stop calling you out on it...
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Exo
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
DarkTetsuya
DarkTetsuya
Jan 7th 2008
2:22PM
I'm waiting on confirmation of a level builder before I check this out.
Brian
Brian
Jan 7th 2008
2:23PM
Bring on the brain eating monks!
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
driven2sin
Jan 7th 2008
2:57PM
they shouldn't change the graphics.. the original gameplay was TIGHT
RomeoDude
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
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
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
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
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
Dan CiTi
Dan CiTi
Jan 7th 2008
6:01PM
Mr. Gerstmann will like this I'm sure.
Jonah Falcon
Jonah Falcon
Jan 7th 2008
8:30PM
I played it on my C64 - along with Pharoah's Curse. ;)
bigsofty
bigsofty
Jan 7th 2008
8:59PM
I always liked 2d platform games! :)
Joe Smith
Joe Smith
Jan 7th 2008
11:36PM
I love that XBLA doesn't just ship an old version but takes the old games and makes them modern. I hate to show my age, but i loved this game on the old Apple 2.
badarsemother3k
badarsemother3k
Jan 8th 2008
1:20AM
I am very excited to play this series for the first time . I hope it is the free game but it still looks worth my 800pts.
Ross
Ross
Jan 8th 2008
4:06AM
Ahh, finally! I can stop holding my breath now. Hardest thing in the world for me to NOT talk about for the past 12 months!

Ross
Thanks for stopping by, Ross!
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
I Dex I
I Dex I
Jan 8th 2008
12:16PM
A remake of Mighty Bomb Jack would be fun. What I REALLY want is Solomon's Key for the XBLA. That game is das shitz!!!

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