"Few games feature such a simplistic and pure mechanic and remain fun the way Lode Runner does play after play. The brilliance of Lode Runner for XBLA is that it resists the temptation to stray from what makes it great. Without a doubt the result is truly the definitive version of Lode Runner that not only faithfully recreates the experience of the original, but also successfully leverages its essence into wholly new modes of play.
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Mark Coates
Lead Producer, Xbox LIVE Arcade
"Between levels, the Runner will need to traverse some mini puzzles where extra lives can be gained, if he is smart enough. A nice touch.
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"The addition of co-op mode is creative, forcing players to actually use teamwork to finish the levels--making it a whole new experience than that of the single player mode.
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Jeff Effendi
The Koalition
"A beautifully crafted game, improved for a new generation, yet absolutely true to the classic Lode Runner formula. A magnum opus for the enduring eponymous hero.
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Chad Dylan Long
Test Lead, Xbox LIVE Arcade
"I think the old-school gameplay shines through in its new packaging. And for about a quarter of the price of a regular retail release, it's still a good deal in a trying economy.
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"Lode Runner on Xbox Live Arcade proves once again that the critical acclaim drawn by Smith's 1983 classic is warranted. The reboot is an excellent example of how old-school gameplay can be brought to life on today's hardware.
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"One of the most carefully crafted games in recent memory. This is not a second-hand port, it's a lesson on how to resurrect a classic blockbuster. It's a work of love, and it shows.
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Chad Dylan Long
Test Lead, Xbox LIVE Arcade
"Tough and relentless, but a heck of a lot of fun as well. Lode Runner benefits from some smart design choices that keep the game challenging while (mostly) avoiding needless frustration.
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"While I'll always have a fond place in my heart for the original version of Lode Runner and the way it looks and sounds, this is a strong reinterpretation of the original game that pulls off the same tricky balancing act between thinking and running.
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Jeff Gerstmann
Giant Bomb
"Lode Runner proves than an old game can still breathe on a new pair of lungs.
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Eduardo Reboucas
Game Revolution
"The classic gameplay holds up after 26 years quite addictively. Try the demo--you'll get hooked immediately. A whole new generation is about to learn the magic of Lode Runner.
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"One of my favourite Xbox LIVE Arcade titles to date and one I will be playing for a while to come.
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David Wriglesworth
Console Monster
"The gameplay is easy to pick up and a lot of fun, plus this is a rare old-school run-and-collect-things 2D fun-time jamboree. They don't make them like this anymore, and Tozai tends to take special care to make sure the graphics and sound not only fit the game, but seem totally in place with the tastes of modern gamers.
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"Lode Runner on the 360 is a testament to the enduring appeal of this innovative and challenging game.
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"There's a ton of single and multi-player content to keep you going, and I would say this is a "must-have" for fans of the original.
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"The central gameplay is as simple and inclusive as ever, yet the package is deep, and packed to bursting with content--so if refined, minimalist, old-school games are your cup of tea, then you will be hooked and fully satisfied.
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Michael Leader
Den of Geek
"We could happily recommend this game to all lovers of traditional arcade platform games...
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Andrew Bistak
Impulse Gamer
"Tozai Games did a great job.
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Steven Marsh
Cosmos Gaming
"The 80's return in style with this fantastic remake. Lode Runner strikes back with new graphics and fluid controls. The game is beefy enough to warrant the price tag, and polished enough to warrant our praise.
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Joel Lauterbach
Game Planet
"Lode Runner is a welcome addition to the old-school section of the XBLA.
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Stuart Scofield
Destructoid
"Most levels are hectic, hard, and diabolically well-designed, making them frustrating but ultimately satisfying to beat.
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Corey Cohen
The Official Xbox Magazine
"With a ton of XBLA titles on the market, and I'm sure more to come, Lode Runner can find a happy place in anyone's queue if you are a fan of platforming/puzzle games. The game looks the part, is fun to play, extremely challenging, and offers a ton of bang for your buck.
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Brian Peterson
Gaming Age
"It really is a lot of fun and there is a lot of gameplay to be enjoyed on your own or online.
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"Action lovers will latch onto the Journey and Hang On modes. Intellectuals will enjoy the Puzzle mode. Socialites will appreciate the co-op journey, co-op puzzle and Last Man, and those artsy I LOVE APPLE PRODUCTS [people] will like the Level Building mode.
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Geoff Mendicino
Freeze Cracker
"The best version of Lode Runner ever.
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"Tozai Games...has approached Lode Runner with palpable relish and no small amount of ingenuity, building upon its foundations with some new and worthwhile additions.
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Edge Review Staff
Edge online
"This game could easily be played for a decade, especially considering all the free downloadable content you can pick up and the multiplayer modes that are available.
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Jonathan Marx
Cheat Code Central
"I have great memories of playing Lode Runner WAY back on the Atari 800. Brilliant game then, and now with all of the new additions along with the traditional mechanic, I think old fans and new are in for a big surprise. Bring on the co-op!
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Ken Lobb
GM, Microsoft Games Studios LIVE
"Lode Runner offers a wealth of brain-blending brick-blasting action. The game will lure you in, chew you up, and spit you back out...yet you won't be able to resist coming back for seconds. It's that good.
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Chad Dylan Long
Test Lead, Xbox LIVE Arcade
"Several modes of play, lots of stages, and a good level builder with the ability to download stages others make will all keep things fresh.
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Jim Cook
Gamers Daily News
"I worked with Doug Smith (creator of Lode Runner) for a while, and was able to play several versions of the game and learn some of the history from him. This one [the XBLA version] is my favorite-it is brutally difficult at times, but there are timely rewards AND I love how the maps flow from screen to screen.
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Ted Woolsey
Director of 1st Party Publishing, Xbox LIVE Arcade
"For retro game addicts, Lode Runner will be worth its weight in gold.
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"Single-player and co-op modes each get their own campaign. Throw in competitive multiplayer, puzzle levels, survival mode, and a level editor and you've got an impressive revival.
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"Of all of the remakes this game has had, the Xbox [LIVE] Arcade version has to be one of the better ones, offering the same gameplay that made the original so great but with lovely new HD looks and a few up to date ideas.
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