Lode Runner
System: NES
Release Date: September 1987
Developer: Hudson Soft
Publisher: Brøderbund
Genre: Puzzle
Lode Runner on NES is up next on the list and it’s terrible. Oh, how I don’t like this game. The framing story is that you are a galactic commando who is looking to Robin Hood the repressive Bungeling Empire, who excessively taxed the populace on fast food. Dumb premise.
The gameplay is worse. It’s a puzzle game, which I usually like. The commando has to collect piles of gold strewn across the levels. While he does this, he needs to avoid the Bungeling guards. If they touch you, one of your lives go bye bye. Your only defense is to dig a hole in the floor to your left or right. The guards can get trapped in them, allowing you to walk over them. Don’t fall down your own hole, though. The enemies can climb out, but you’re trapped.
It took me many tires to understand that if you dig multiple holes in a row, you could kill the guards. Unfortunately, others spawn pretty much immediately, which can lead to your untimely demise. Once you collect all the piles of gold, you escape the level and are off. There’s an edit mode where you can make your own level, but I tired of this game before I got there.
Graphics: 1.0
The graphics are pretty bad. It’s as if they wanted the main character to be dressed like Mario with those suspenders.
Sound: 0.5
Sound is super boring. The bass line is uninspired and the sound effects are lazy.
Gameplay: 0.5
The lack of ability to jump or climb out of holes leaves you incredibly underpowered. The fact the screen only scrolls when you’re three squares away from the edge leads to a number of frustrating deaths.
Difficulty: 1.0
I couldn’t get past level 2. I don’t think this game is balanced properly.
Fun Factor: 0.0
I had no fun playing this game. It was a chore.
Overall Grade: 0.6
Lode Runner earns a D-. It’s what I would consider terrible. Stay away from this game.